My thesis is a digitally drawn 2D animation meant to visualize the feeling of a panic attack by demonstrating the physical effects a person may feel in a more literal manner. It is inspired by my own personal relationship with anxiety and panic attacks. Some of the choices I made were informed not only from my experiences, but how others describe the ways they feel when having a panic attack. This thesis is not meant to be a generalization of how all people may experience panic attacks nor is it inclusive of all ways panic attacks may be presented. Instead, it is meant to give those who have not experienced it a way to visualize what someone may be feeling, as well as provide those who struggle with anxiety and panic attacks to have their experience affirmed and show that they are not alone.

The process behind working in animation requires a large amount of preparation before any work on the animation itself is done. While preparing to work on something that is very personal to me, I was able to reflect on my own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks and how it is conveyed in the state of my body as it tightens and shuts down. I also communicated with people and professionals who discussed their own relationships or understanding of anxiety and panic attacks. Many of them talked about how their bodies feel suffocated and out of control as if something else has taken over, which can be described as a type of fight or flight response to danger or threats. This process allowed me to learn more about myself, other people, and the physical effects of anxiety as a whole, while I worked on character designs and storyboarding.

After character designs and storyboards come the animatics and animation where I am able to map out the shots and movements. At this point I begin to develop the scenes to fit the story and experience that is being told. It takes a lot of work drawing movement frame by frame, cleaning up lines, working with the color of the scenes and character. That being said, it is also the period of time when I start seeing my work come to life and where different thoughts and concepts are altered and improved, as I think of the best ways to bring the audience into the same experience.
Art to me is like a gateway into an alternate world, a place for the viewer to get lost in and find an experience that reflects or is unlike their own. It is what I find beautiful and inspiring and the goal that I strive to achieve with my own work. Animation is the medium I chose as it brings life to my ideas and stories through the interdisciplinary skills of drawing, photography, film, sound design, and more.