Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Ambadipudi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a big, crowded city in India—Bangalore—where it’s easy to get lost in the noise. And for a long time, I felt exactly that. I wasn’t the smartest kid in class, I wasn’t the best-looking, and I definitely didn’t fit the typical boxes people expected. But I could entertain. I told scary stories so well my friends would beg for more. I passed comics around during class. I even wrote goofy little songs that somehow became schoolyard hits. That was my way of connecting—of being seen.
In addition to that I’ve always been a storyteller. As a kid, I learned that I could get away with just about anything if I told a good enough story. I’d spin entire worlds, characters, and reasons why things happened the way they did. It wasn’t about lying—it was about creating. That instinct stayed with me, and eventually turned into drawing, animating, and bringing those imagined moments to life.
A lot of my childhood was spent indoors, in front of a TV or a computer. I grew up right alongside the rise of the internet and YouTube, and I was completely immersed in it. Watching movies, discovering music from the West, falling into digital spaces—it became a kind of second home. Even before I ever left India, I felt like I had one foot in another world, one built from stories and sound and imagery.
So it felt almost inevitable that I’d come to America at some point. And when I did, to my surprise, it felt natural—like I’d already been here in some way. Somehow, I felt less like a stranger. Maybe it’s because I’d spent years absorbing the culture through music, film, and the internet. Or maybe it’s because storytelling is a language that always made sense to me, no matter where I was.
I came here to pursue animation and earned my MFA, building skills in 2D animation, illustration, and visual development. But more than that, I came here chasing a feeling—that I was meant to do something meaningful. Even now, I’m still chasing that. I wrestle with doubt and imposter syndrome constantly. But underneath all of that is a quiet fire, a belief that I was made to create things that connect, that move people, that leave a mark.
I still find inspiration in everything: birdsong in the morning, strangers laughing on the street, a random playlist that hits just right. Those are the moments that feed my work. And that’s why I keep going.Now, I’m at the beginning of my life as an adult—standing on the edge of everything I don’t know yet. I’m still figuring out what I was truly made for, and what I might become. But deep down, I aspire to be one of the great artists of this century.
I know how that sounds—maybe deluded, maybe impossible. But I don’t care. I’m persistent. I’m stubborn. And I’m not going to stop until I’ve made a noticeable contribution to the art and culture of this time. Until I’ve found a way, in my own way, to impact human society positively with my silly little art.
Because if there’s even the slightest chance that something I make can move someone, help them feel seen, or inspire them to keep going—that’s enough reason to keep creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest struggles for me has always been figuring out how to interact freely with people and put myself out there in a world that often feels overwhelming. I’m 5’2”, and sometimes, it feels like the world just towers over me. I’ve spent a lot of time feeling small—both physically and in how I relate to others. I’ve always found it hard to connect with people in the way I’d like to, to step out of my shell and be more confident in those interactions.
But the one thing that’s kept me grounded and moving forward has been my faith in God. Honestly, I don’t think I’d be able to do a single thing without it. It’s the source of my courage and my persistence. When the doubts creep in, when the world feels too big, and when I feel invisible, it’s my faith that pushes me to keep going. It’s that quiet reminder that I’m not alone, and that I have a purpose, no matter how hard or daunting things seem.
It’s definitely been a struggle, but I’ve come to realize that those challenges have shaped who I am today. They’ve given me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when the road is unclear. And that persistence is what helps me keep chasing the art and the impact I want to make in the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m first and foremost a filmmaker and storyteller, and then an animator and illustrator. For me, the core of my work is about telling stories that resonate deeply with people—whether that’s through an animated film, a concept-driven illustration, or any visual medium I can get my hands on. I’m passionate about creating narratives that spark emotion, change, or reflection.
I’m known for my unique use of color and concept art. Color is such a powerful tool in storytelling, and I take pride in my ability to make anything look more appealing with the right color choices and editing. I love experimenting with different palettes to create mood and atmosphere, whether I’m working on an animation or an illustration. The smallest adjustments can completely shift the feeling of a piece, and I’m proud of my ability to make those decisions intuitively.
What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail. I have a keen eye for noticing the tiny nuances that contribute to the bigger picture. It could be a small gesture in animation, a subtle background element in a scene, or the way light interacts with a character’s expression. I believe it’s those details that make the difference between something good and something memorable.
At the heart of it all, I want my work to have a lasting impact on people. I don’t just want to entertain—I want to make something that connects, moves, and inspires.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, the most important quality to success is having a good character. It’s about showing grace, being willing to give people your time, and being someone others can rely on. But it’s also about persistence—being so dedicated to your goals that you’re obsessed with becoming better and achieving success.
Beyond that, a good character means creating a safe space for others. It’s about offering empathy and understanding so that people feel they can relate to you and share their own struggles and hurts. When others feel safe, seen, and heard, that connection builds trust and respect, which is fundamental for both personal and professional growth.
I believe that success isn’t just about talent or skill. It’s about showing up with integrity, offering that safe space, and continuing to push forward with determination—even when things get tough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicaambadipudi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica.ambadipudi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-ambadipudi-282893138
