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From Thailand to Disney TVA: Storyboard Artist Patradol ‘Dodo’ Kitcharoen’s Animation Journey4/5/2025
Written and interviewed by Pavida “Patty” Changkaew | Edited by Ben Arnold 
Taking the Leap from The Monk Studio to Disney  Dodo’s animation journey began at The Monk Studio in Thailand, where he was introduced to the fundamentals of storyboarding and learned to adapt quickly. It was his first professional experience and a crash course in juggling multiple projects. Dodo: “The Monk Studio was my first job, so I was mostly trained by people there, and it was a lot of learning. Most of the projects were 3D, so I did a lot of storyboards for 3D animation back then, but now I mostly work for 2D TV shows, so the pipeline is a lot different. As part of a studio’s small storyboarding team of fewer than ten artists, Dodo often worked on several shows simultaneously—a stark contrast to his current work at Disney TV Animation, where artists typically focus on one show at a time. Dodo: “The other main difference would be the scale of work, because at The Monk, as a storyboard artist, you might have to pick up a lot of shows and work on multiple projects…On the other hand with most studios here in the US, you usually are responsible for one particular show or project until you roll off to another. A Childhood Dream That Led to Storyboarding
From the start, Dodo’s passion for animation grew from the cartoons he adored as a child. For him, it’s about giving back the same joy he once experienced. Dodo: “Cartoons were a big part that made childhood fun and happy, so now that I am in the industry, I want to do something similar and create something that gives children what I had when I was their age... They don't have to grow up doing animation, but they can grow up with something that they can look back at, like, “I watched this as a kid, and it makes me happy every time I think about it. While Dodo enjoys drawing, it’s the act of visual storytelling that truly captivates him. Storyboarding allows him to focus on the filmic aspects—directing, composition, and editing—rather than perfect, polished drawings. Dodo: “Storyboarding can give me the big-picture ideas while also touching on directing, staging, composing shots, writing, and editing.” A Day in the Life of a Disney TV Storyboard Artist  Working at Disney TVA is both creative and consistent. Dodo splits his day between thumbnailings and clean-up, two distinct stages of storyboard production. Dodo: “Thumbnail days are a lot of thinking. I usually make “quick-thumbs” where I throw my ideas out quickly. I like doing that in the morning because I feel the most bright and productive. After lunch, I will do tie-downs of the thumbnails, so they are clearer and more ready to be looked at. Clean-up days are pretty much the same, which is lots of drawing and making the approved thumbnails look presentable.”  This daily routine repeats with each new episode, ensuring a steady stream of creative challenges keep him engaged. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome  Despite his accomplishments, Dodo has wrestled with the imposter syndrome many artists face. When surrounded by talent, it’s easy to question your own skills. Dodo: “One of the biggest challenges…is we usually compare ourselves to other artists, especially when we are new to the industry,... sometimes it can make you doubt whether you meet an expectation or if you are at the level you are supposed to be at your job and that can make you overstressed and eventually leads to… getting burned out.” His approach? Enjoying the process and nurturing a life outside of work—whether through passion projects or simply spending time with friends.
Dodo: “Having a life outside of work is crucial. If your hobby is still drawing and making art, I would recommend balancing a full-time job and the time you work on your passion project…” Advice for Breaking Into the Animation Industry
Dodo is candid about how tough it can be to land a job in animation. Skill, networking, and timing all play major roles, but he urges newcomers to focus on what they can control—developing their craft and showcasing it. Dodo: “Breaking in is one of the toughest parts of the job. It requires not only skills but also knowing the right people and being in the right place at the right time… but what we can do is be ready for when the time comes."
He reminds aspiring artists to know who you are—understand your unique style, your strengths, and the art that speaks to you. Dodo: “To stand out, get to know yourself: know what kind of artist you are, know what kind of art you like, and know your strengths and weaknesses...when you start to know more about yourself, you will know your niche, and the clearer your path is going to be…” Reflecting on Thai vs. U.S. Animation Industries
While he appreciates the robust entertainment culture in the U.S., Dodo holds Thailand close to his heart. He sees tremendous potential in the Thai animation scene, even if it faces budget and audience challenges. Dodo: “I personally want to see more great animated content for Thai audiences. [Not just] purely entertaining or… to sell a lot of toys, but… actual great content… that makes their day better, even just a little or make them feel related [and seen] when they see certain characters in [a] show. [That is what] I am rooting for and aspiring to be a part of creating.”
For Dodo, the dream is to stay open to collaborations anywhere in the world—especially if it means creating stories that bring genuine joy to audiences. In the End, It’s All About Telling Stories and Spreading Joy From his beginnings in Thailand to his current role at Disney TV Animation, Patradol “Dodo” Kitcharoen embodies what it means to follow your passion across borders. With adaptability, a strong sense of self, and a love for storytelling, he’s realized a childhood dream—one drawing at a time. Dodo: “At the end of the day, we are making something fun for people and I think we, as the creator, might as well be having fun doing it.”
It’s a reminder that thriving in animation isn’t just about honing your craft; it’s about living your life so that you have stories worth telling. Want more inspiration? Follow Dodo at @dododrawing to see his latest storyboards, and stay tuned to AIA for more interviews, career tips, and upcoming community events.
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