The Animation Guild // #WeAre839

TAG members! Report your wages & build a case for better pay. We are compiling average union wage rates but the information is ONLY useful if YOU report your wages. We need your help now! Log into the member portal and update your current employment status under Availability!

Calling all Dog Lovers! Bring your leashed dog to Burbank's Verdugo Park to walk a circuit and meet other animated dog owners! Join TAG's Young Workers Committee at 3201 W Verdugo Ave. on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at the gazebo! RSVP: http://bit.ly/TAGpackwalk #packwalk #animation

Ready to get sketchy this Halloween? 👻 Join the TAG Foundation for a drawing session with storyboard artist Kyle Neswald! Flex your creative muscles & experiment with your style. TAG members ($15) & the public 18+ ($20) https://tagfoundation.org/event/live-uninstructed-figure-drawing-october/

Character Designer Chris Battle reflects on the state of the industry in the '90s, his desire to work on projects that stand the test of time, and how Guild resources help through good times and bad. Read more at keyframemagazine.org/2026/10/09/chris-battle Chris Battle

Heading to NYCC tomorrow? 🍎✨ Come support TAG members! Visit the TAG Booth #1375! 🎨 A Artist Alley: Find Malia Ewart’s booth, and swing by Meghan Fitzmartin & Keith Tucker's tables! 🎤 Panel: Fri @ 5:45pm for the Titmouse Spotlight w/ Niko Guardia. See you at Javits! #NYCC #Animation #TAG839

Supervising Director Ashley Long shares her love of creating remarkable work experiences, her goal of demystifying union operations, and how she brings her Executive Board experience to her work as a 20th TVA/King of the Hill Shop Steward. Read more animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-ashley-long

TAG Executive Board member Kolja Erman and his colleagues at DreamWorks show their #TAGTuesday #union solidarity. Together we are stronger! #WePowerAnimation

Character and Prop Designer Nico Escalada discusses a graphic novel by a TAG member that led him to animation, using tough times to create his own opportunities & how being part of our union gives him a place to share his dreams. keyframemagazine.org/2026/09/18/member-monday-nico-escalada

TAG members! The next GMM is tomorrow night, Tues., 9/29, at 5pm PST/8pm EST on Zoom or in person at The Animation Guild. Active members in Good Standing are eligible to attend. Don’t miss the deadline to register – tonight, Mon., 9/28 by 5pm PST/8pm EST at animationguild.org/GMMSept2026.

Join the TAG Foundation this Thurs. (Sept. 24) for in person, live figure drawing hosted by Kyle Neswald. Practice your skills in a creative, professional environment. Limited space; RSVP at https://tagfoundation.org/event/live-uninstructed-figure-drawing-september/. $15/members or $20/non-members

Storyboard Artist Tyler Letson reflects on getting his start while still in art school, his interest in learning more about the whole animation pipeline, and how being in our union gives him a sense of community. keyframemagazine.org/2026/09/16/member-monday-animation-career-tylerletson

Join us on zoom for a special screening of American Agitators tonight at 6pm! The documentary explores the legacy of legendary community organizer Fred Ross Sr. and his son. Be sure to stick around after the show, for a Q&A with Producer Margo Feinberg. https://ow.ly/hT6K50ZLvhe

Production Coordinator Anjali Sojwal discusses their journey from physics to animation, their desire to help make the animation industry more accessible, and their efforts as a DreamWorks Shop Steward to empower their TAG colleagues. Read more at animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-anjali-sojwal.

Today, on Labor Day, we celebrate the power of working people and the strength of solidarity. Through collective action, animation workers have built stronger protections, better contracts, and a more powerful voice in our industry. We honor that legacy! ✊ #LaborDay #UnionStrong

TAG Members at DWA celebrated TAG Tuesday on campus, with the DWA Better After Ratification Committee! They shared sweet treats made by DWA members, took solidarity photos, & shared vital Union information. Celebrating TAG Tuesday together, because they are better together. #UnionStrong #TAGTuesday

Storyboard Artist & Revisionist Jacqueleen Lopez reflects on using animation to help others feel worthy, the challenge of maintaining a career in uncertain times, and how being in the Guild lets her focus on doing what she loves. keyframemagazine.org/2026/08/27/member-monday-jacqueleen-lopez.

Today, TAG made history attending its 1st NY State AFL-CIO COPE Convention as part of the IATSE delegation. We joined union members in voting on labor-backed candidates . Get involved: https://www.mobilize.us/nysaflcio/ IATSE // #IASolidarity @NYCCLC New York State AFL-CIO

Figure drawing classes at the TAG Foundation Skills Studio are back! Join on 8-27 for a medieval themed class. Meet new people & explore your creative style. $15 for TAG Members/$20 for non-TAG members. Space is limited. RSVP: https://tagfoundation.org/event/live-uninstructed-figure-drawing-august/

Storyboard Artist Crystal Kan discusses why she's a "comedy Swiss army knife" for her craft, the Guild experiences that led her to become a Shop Steward & her commitment to being a safe space where TAG members can share their concerns. Read more at animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-crystal-kan.

Have you taken on debt to stay afloat? Join us for this Lunch & Learn on how to improve your credit on 8/18 at 12 p.m. PST via Zoom. Learn recovery strategies from experts at SAG-AFTRA Credit Union, First Entertainment Credit Union, and Union Plus. RSVP at https://bit.ly/LLCredit

Spread the word for this Humanitas event! TAG members Madison Bateman, Danny Lin, Jason MacLeod, Kris Wimberly, and moderator Alexandra Drosu will discuss opportunities to help newcomers get their foot in the animation door on Zoom on Wed., Aug 12 at 5 p.m. PST. RSVP here.

Remote Storyboard Revisionist Nilah Magruder reflects on her desire to guide young artists in a changing animation industry, creating a thriving career outside L.A., and the important way the Guild sets boundaries for workers. Read more at keyframemagazine.org/2026/08/07/nilah-magruder.

Scam Alert! If you received an email from Director of Comms Alexi Drosu that reads: The Animation Guild | 2026 Endowment Funding Opportunity Do not open any attachments. It’s a scam!

Join us Thurs., Aug. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. for the opening reception for "Beyond the Backgrounds" at Gallery 839 (1105 N Hollywood Way, Burbank). This exhibit features 3 former Background Painters who helped shape the visual worlds of major studios. animationguild.org/gallery839.

Production Coordinator Liz Davalos shares how she views every animation project as a puzzle to be solved, her belief that production management is an art form, and her personal background that led her to become a DreamWorks Shop Steward. Read more at animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-liz-davalos.

Have you taken on credit debt to stay afloat during down times? Join us for "Lunch & Learn: Fixing Your Credit" on Tues., Aug. 18 at 12 p.m. via Zoom. Learn recovery strategies from financial experts. This webinar is open to TAG members only. RSVP at tinyurl.com/LunchLearnCredit

Reminder! The TAG General Membership Meeting has been moved from its regular last Tuesday of July to Tues., Aug 4 at 5 p.m. PST / 8 p.m. EST due to the IATSE GEB meeting. Active members in good standing are eligible to attend. Register at animationguild.org/GMMAugust2026

Background Paint Lead Lauren Abhay reflects on her struggle with imposter syndrome, her desire to pay it forward by helping animation industry newcomers, and the many benefits offered by the Guild. Read more at keyframemagazine.org/2026/07/24/member-monday_lauren-abhay.

Final stretch! Soak in the convention energy today! 🌅✨ Exhibit Hall: 9:30 AM–5 PM. Last chance to visit TAG members' booths! Don’t miss these final events! What was your fave SDCC 2026 moment? 👇 #TAGMembers #SDCCSunday #ComicConFinale #SDCC2026 #SanDiegoComicCon #TAGatSDCC2026

It's Saturday at SDCC—peak Comic-Con chaos! 🔥 Visit our vending TAG members early to chat and see amazing artwork. Who are you seeing today? 🎤 #TAGMembers #SDCC2026 #SDCCSaturday #ComicConLife #SanDiegoComicCon #TAGatSDCC2026

It's Friday at San Diego Comic-Con! ⚡️ Stay hydrated, support our TAG vending members, stop by a TAG Member event and share your biggest TAG score today! 🛍️✨ #TAGMembers #SDCC #SDCCFriday #ComicCon #SDCCLoot #TAGatSDCC2026

Day 1 of SDCC is LIVE! 🚀 Grab exclusives early from our vending TAG members before they disappear and be sure to stop by these events! ⬇️ #TAGMembers #SDCC2026 #SDCCSurvivalGuide #ComicCon2026 #SanDiego #TAGatSDCC2026

Preview Night is here! 🎒⚡️ Visit Scott Shaw's Table (I-08) tonight 6-9 PM for merch, signing, and fun! 👋 #TAGMembers #SDCCPreviewNight #ComicCon2026 #SDCC #SanDiego #TAGatSDCC2026

Thrilled to share our TAG members vending at SDCC 2026! Visit their booths for exclusive drops, art, merch. Drop a 🙋‍♂️ or shout out your favorite! #TAG839 #SDCC #SDCC2026 #ComicCon #SDCCExclusives #SanDiegoComicCon #TAGatSDCC2026

Storyboard Artist Maggie Dybas discusses getting to know the animation pipeline, how joining the Guild shaped their thoughts on the connection between art and labor, and becoming a Shop Steward to help members understand their collective power. animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-maggie-dybas

Please join us for an afternoon of celebrating creativity and supporting talented TAG artists at the Summer Arts Fest this Sat., Jul. 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Animation Guild in Burbank. Artists will be selling jewelry, art prints, handmade sculptures, comics, and more.

The next GMM will be on Tues., Aug. 4 at 5 pm PST / 8 pm EST rather than the regularly scheduled last Tues. of July to accommodate the IATSE GEB meeting. Active members in Good Standing are eligible to attend. Register at animationguild.org/GMMAugust2026 to attend online or at the Guild.

Compositor & Color Designer Connor Halleck reflects on the necessity of artistic communities, a desire to create the kinds of shows that brought him joy as a child & the way the Guild gives people a say in their workplace conditions. keyframemagazine.org/2026/07/12/member-monday-connor-halleck

TAG worked hard to ensure that animated films were included in CA tax incentives for the first time. Now we are seeing the results and bringing work back to SoCal! #unionstrong https://variety.com/2026/film/news/donkey-film-incentive-california-animation-1236802782/

The #Emmy nominations are in, and once again, TAG members showed up strong in the Outstanding Animated Programs category. Congratulations to all our TAG kin who worked on nominated shows! #animation #wepoweranimation #weare839

Production Manager Lauren Gauthier discusses getting into animation without drawing skills, heeding the call to be a Nickelodeon Shop Steward, and instilling in her crew members their personal responsibility for keeping the Guild strong. animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-lauren-gauthier.

Background Paint Supervisor Corwin Herse Woo reflects on the importance of personal art in maintaining creativity, finding inspiration in early 19th century print illustration, and how the Guild helps artists gain respect. Read more at keyframemagazine.org/2026/06/28/corwin-herse-woo.

Happy Pride Month! We’re continuing to highlight TAG members in this year’s QT (Queer TAG) Discord zine with Mars Marson’s exploration of how stereotypes influence how people perceive their name. To see the whole zine, go to https://archive.org/details/qtia-zine-2026. (Link also in bio)

Netflix Feature & Ted production celebrated ratifying their 1st union agreements, playing a scavenger hunt to help them learn about important provisions of their contract and building community. It was a successful kickoff to joining the Union! Congrats! #productionstrong #unionstrong

Great turnout at Sacramento for the AB 412 hearing! TAG members were joined by artists from Concept Art Association, ADG folks, voice actors, and more in support. So far the Judiciary Committee has not voted yet but we are optimistic!

Calling all One Piece fans! The TAG Foundation is hosting a special uninstructed figure drawing session this Thursday where you can explore your style in a creative environment. We are featuring a One Piece cosplayer; hosted by vis-dev artist Soo King. Sign up at https://ow.ly/224V50ZfYGN

Background Artist Cathleen McAllister discusses her transition from animation fan to dedicated union representative, using her Negotiations Committee experience as a Shop Steward & her commitment to helping colleagues navigate Union rights. animationguild.org/meet-your-steward-cathleen-mcallister

Happy Pride Month! We’re excited to shine a light on TAG members who contributed to this year’s QT (Queer TAG) Discord zine. This week we’re featuring an extraterrestrial take on online dating by Way Singleton. To see the whole zine, go to archive.org/details/qtia-zine-2026.

Background Designer Carlos Gutierrez reflects on finding his purpose, how believing leads to achieving, and the ways the Guild has looked out for him in times of need. Read more at keyframemagazine.org/2026/06/11/member-monday-carlos-gutierrez.

Support our Union kin TOMORROW! Join IATSE B192 and UNITE HERE Local 11 on June 13th for a rally and march to get a fair, living wage. Banners and picket signs will be provided. Please share to help spread the word. #UnionStrong