LAILA JAMES
Atlanta, GA
2025-2026 Scholarship Savannah College of Arts & Design Atlanta
Scholarship 2022-2023, 2023-2024, 2024-2025
Laila James is entering her senior year at SCAD Atlanta, where she is pursuing a BFA in Animation with a minor in Drawing. Reflecting on what drew her to animation, she says, “As a child, I was captivated by cartoons—those vibrant, animated worlds that drew me in with their tales of betrayal, mythical characters, and steadfast friendships. These stories not only entertained me but sparked a deep creativity that has only intensified with time.”
She has discovered her niche within the design principles of movement, color theory, and rendering. “Movement became my gateway into animating characters, bringing their actions and emotions to life in a way that resonates with audiences. Color theory, on the other hand, opened my eyes to how color can shape not just a scene but the very emotions it evokes. This fascination led me to explore color design more deeply, discovering how color can be a powerful narrative tool. Rendering has also played a pivotal role in my journey—introducing me to compositing, where the magic truly happens. It’s here that characters are seamlessly integrated with their environments, making them feel like they’ve always belonged in that world.”
James has found leadership positions, networking opportunities, and a supportive artist community at SCAD. Three films she worked on won awards at the school’s annual animation film showcase, Atlantamation. She continues to hone her skills and deepen her understanding of how to create an immersive experience for the audience, stating, “My work reflects not only a passion for animation but a commitment to mastering the technical tools that bring animated worlds to life—creating moments that feel as magical as the stories they tell.”
Laila James graduated from Cabrini High School in 2022. She first joined the YAYA Guild in 2019.
All works are copyright of the artist.