Meet: Kimberly Placide
visual artist
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Join us as we chat with Kimberly about her first experiences with animation, the process of storytelling, growing within your craft, and more!
Before we start, for those who don’t know you, can you share with us what you do and where you’re based?
I’m a visual artist using animation, illustration, and garment-making to bring visual concepts to life. Right now I would say I’m based at JFK, working and praying towards finally settling down in a place of my own.
Do you remember your first experience with animation—whether it was watching it, trying to create it, or something else? What drew you to this art form?
My very first animation was in my freshman year of college in 2017. It was a stop-motion piece made from paper cutouts. Animation and illustration were not my medium of choice until much, much later, though, not until after graduating college, and the same with fashion design. However, with time, those became the outlets that I believe contextualize my visual concepts the best.
We, of course, have to chat about your animated series, Nimberly. Where did the inspiration come from this series, and even the character itself?
Nimberly’s character is pulled from my real-life experience. I was playing with self-portraiture for several years, then illustrated self-portraiture since 2021, and animated self-portraiture since 2023, so in 2024, when I saw indie animators like VEWN on YouTube, I thought to myself, I have something I can make as well.
How do you typically approach creating an animated short? Do you start with the visuals, the story, or something else?
I start with a written script that’s just a general mapping of what I would like to happen in the short. The script is never fixed, though; as I build the short, I let changes and modifications happen organically so that the story feels very natural.
Nimberly feels so relatable—how do you strike a balance between humor and emotional depth in your storytelling?
I think that balance comes from keeping Nimberly’s expressions throughout the day authentic. I never want her facial expressions to feel like a performance for the camera. I also think that it’s important to see a character that has emotional range in the most subtle way. For example, even though Nimberly might be lost in thought in some scenes, it doesn’t mean that she’s angry or unhappy, and on the other hand, when she has a “brighter” or “happier” expression, it doesn’t mean that she lacks depth.
Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to animation and storytelling?
The way I go about storytelling is influenced by nothing. Meaning that a lot of time I’m telling the story of nothing, the most mundane part of the story, the nothingness, boredom, stillness, is what drives majority of my script.
Are there any shows, books, or art styles that inspired Nimberly or continue to inspire your work?
Initially, lots of the 90s - 2000s cartoons like Charlie and Lola, Ed Edd n Eddy, and Hey Arnold influenced my animation style, and when I got into Nimberly, VEWN also influenced my pilot episode, but by episode 3 of Nimberly, my style became its own thing. I would say by then, my own “sound” was fully developed.
The city plays such a big role in the series—what is it about the city that inspires you creatively?
New York City is a breeding ground for diamonds in the rough; there is so much compelling art and design everywhere. People are constantly making something out of nothing, constantly working towards a better situation, it’s hard not to be inspired here.
Animation is such a meticulous process—how do you stay motivated during the longer, more tedious phases?
My motivation fluctuates but staying disciplined keeps me on target, I usually have soft and hard deadlines I’ve set for myself, coupled with prayer for continued strength.
What do you do when you hit a creative rut? Do you have any strategies or rituals that help you get back on track?
The only setback I experience from time to time is burnout. It gets hard because right now, I’m in a season of working really hard, putting in lots of hours for no money in return. It’s tough sometimes to keep going, but that’s where prayer and encouraging myself with scriptures of other people who have overcome comes in. I have to just let myself rest up, do something else to take my mind off the project for a little bit, pray for my strength to be renewed, and keep moving forward.
Has there been a particularly challenging moment in creating Nimberly that taught you something about your craft?
Yes, the time I have to produce each episode is TIGHT. As a result, I always have to break some rules I’ve set for myself within the show to say what I want to say in the least amount of time.
If you could collaborate with anyone—another animator, artist, or even a writer—who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with my nephew. He is so full of ideas and adventure that I think if he were to get on board with me to create something, it would be really fun and unique and special.
What do you hope audiences take away from watching Nimberly?
I hope that everyone feels inspired to slow down, get more rest, and enjoy the littlest possible things.
Are there any dream projects or ideas you’d love to bring to life in the future?
My dream project is just to expand my artistic vision, sewing seeds of peace and creative inspiration.
Before we let you *almost* go, where can we find more of you?!
YouTube!!!!
Let’s Get Deep
What’s your theme song?
Resonance by Home, Slowed and Reverb
Night In or Night Out?
Night in with the ones I love
When do you feel most you?
When I’m just chilling with my niece and nephew
What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?
The thought of having my own apartment
Call or Text?
Depends on who I’m talking to
When was the last time you cried?
A few days ago
When’s the last time you laughed (like a big belly laugh)?
This morning
Current favorite follow on social media?
@computerloverecords on Instagram and @orchardmag on TikTok,
Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?
You’re not overreacting
Find More of Kimberly here:
Instagram: @nimberlyy
TikTok: @nimberlyy
YouTube: @Nimberly
