HCU alumna Edmi Salazar’s journey into animation
Inspiration can come from many places. For HCU alumna Edmi Salazar, the passion for animation ignited when she discovered the role graphic design played in bringing animated films to life, as in her favorite movie, 鈥淪pider-man: Across the Spider-Verse.鈥� The acrobatic flips, perfectly timed landings and all of the 鈥淪pidey鈥� action in between reflect the meticulous handiwork of a team of animators using computer programs to create high-level animations.
A native of El Paso, Salazar always had a keen eye for design and dreamed of becoming a fashion stylist until her interests changed to graphic design in high school. Her passion for animation was born when she learned how the dynamic visuals in animated films were created.
鈥淢y teacher explained how graphic design skills are integral to animation, which piqued my curiosity about the field. The more I learned about animation, the more inspired I became by its diversity and challenges. This curiosity eventually grew into a passion for animation,鈥� said Salazar.
After graduating from Northbrook High School, Salazar did not have to look far to find a university where she could pursue her passion for animation.
鈥淚 chose HCU because it was the only university near my home that offered an animation program. When I joined, I wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect, but the supportive professors and unique classes have helped me grow as a person, an artist and in my faith,鈥� said Salazar.
The first in her family to graduate from college, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation degree in 2024, strengthening her skills in storytelling, collaboration and design that enabled her to develop a portfolio of original work to present to potential employers.
The program helps students understand the principles of animation and cinematic theory, develop discipline-specific skills in a particular field of animation and prepare to work professionally in animation and media-related industries. On one class project, Salazar produced an animated short, called 鈥淭yler鈥� that enabled her team to use animation to bring to life the story of two neighboring teens, one, an introverted writer and the other, an extrovert and owner of a massive pickup truck that takes up much of the street in their neighborhood and the life lessons they learn.
As lead visual artist, Salazar helped maintain a cohesive visual style for the project and combined the traditional techniques of sketching and storyboarding with modern software, such as Unreal Engine and Substance Painter, to create the emotional expressions and environments for the characters. She also learned 3D modeling and the practical applications of 3D printing in the program.
鈥淚 believe my love for various art forms and my enjoyment of learning new computer software make animation a great fit for me. The field allows me to explore areas like art fundamentals, modeling, texturing, motion, and storytelling. Since I am a visual and artistic person, I particularly enjoy the modeling and texturing aspects of animation,鈥� said Salazar.
The HCU Fine Arts graduate values the 鈥渟tunning visual storytelling and meaningful narratives that leave lasting lessons,鈥� like those in 鈥淪pider-man: Across the Spider-Verse,鈥� and other animated films, such as 鈥淧uss in Boots: The Last Wish鈥� and 鈥淭he Wild Robot.鈥�
In addition to the skills that have prepared her for a future career in animation, Salazar is grateful for the spiritual foundation she received at HCU. 鈥淚t has shaped me into a more mature person and artist and taught me to process my emotions thoughtfully and helped me see how my faith can connect with and inspire my art.鈥�
With her degree in hand, Salazar is on her way to living her passion with hopes of inspiring others to do the same.
As she looks back on her journey, she strongly believes that 鈥渨hen you chase your passions, you naturally attract the things you desire, so, do what you love, to get what you want.鈥�
鈥淢y dream job would be to work with a major studio to create an animated movie. However, I also hope to give back to my community one day by teaching younger generations about the opportunities available in artistic fields,鈥� said the HCU Fine Arts alumna.