Kora Gozdziak: Animation as a Tool for Healing and Empowerment
Kora Gozdziak, a passionate animator with The Animation Project (TAP), is redefining what it means to create. Combining art therapy, professional development, and the collaborative spirit of animation, Gozdziak helps young people discover their potential and find their voice through storytelling.
A Mission at the Intersection of Art and Growth
“My name is Kora, and I’m an animator with The Animation Project,” Gozdziak introduces himself. TAP is a non-profit organization that lives at the crossroads of artistic, professional, and personal development. By blending art therapy with animation, TAP provides a unique space for young people in need of creative outlets and guidance for their future.
“Our Studio is a shifting team comprised of youth animation apprentices, staff, and clients,” Gozdziak explains. The collaborative nature of TAP’s projects not only produces incredible animations but also offers participants real, hands-on industry experience.
Framing Stories with Purpose
Every TAP animation begins with two essential considerations: the message the client or team wants to communicate and the resources available. “By finding the places where these intersect, we can start the collaborative process of storyboarding and scriptwriting,” Gozdziak shares. This approach ensures the final product is both meaningful and achievable.
A Unique Approach to Animation
What sets TAP’s projects apart is their focus on people. “Our Studio isn’t just a professional animation space; it’s a platform for young people to gain real-world experience as paid apprentices,” Gozdziak emphasizes.
TAP tailors roles to each individual’s interests, whether in character design, background art, or animation. This personalized approach fosters growth while highlighting each apprentice’s talents. “The result is a wide variety of styles and innovative techniques that reflect both the client’s vision and the team’s creative journey.”
Collaboration as a Healing Practice
Collaboration lies at the heart of TAP’s mission. “All the work I’ve done here is collaborative,” Gozdziak says. His role shifts depending on the group: he might animate for younger participants, teach industry skills to trainees, or mentor apprentices on their professional journeys.
“I aim to make all my collaboration as accessible and personal as possible,” he adds, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Overcoming Challenges with Creativity
One recurring challenge is engaging participants who may not initially be interested in animation, such as those referred by a parole officer or a school program. Gozdziak has found that adapting the animation process to suit the group’s needs—whether through stop-motion, paper-and-lightbox techniques, or collage—has been a game-changer.
“Teaching accessible alternatives not only inspires participants but also expands my own understanding of animation,” he reflects.
Tools of the Trade
TAP uses a variety of tools, including Adobe Creative Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere, and Animate), Toon Boom Harmony, Stop Motion Studio, and Canva. These diverse technologies allow the team to tailor their workflow to each project’s style and requirements.
Inspiring Change through Animation
For Gozdziak, animation is more than art—it’s a tool for empowerment. “We hope our films inspire people to explore their own creativity and amplify voices that are underrepresented in the industry,” he says. TAP’s projects aim to make the animation world more inclusive and accessible.
What’s Next?
Gozdziak’s next endeavor involves leading free, nine-week animation courses for young people. “These classes are for those trying to find their way into the industry or seeking guidance for their future,” he explains. The curriculum combines animation skills, professional development, and therapeutic elements to bridge gaps in knowledge and opportunity.
Advice for Aspiring Animators
Gozdziak’s advice to newcomers is to stay connected to what they love about animation. “Never lose sight of the passion that drew you in, whether it’s storytelling, collaboration, or the magic of bringing life to keyframes. Shelter that passion from the less glamorous realities of the industry.”
Final Reflections
As an animator with TAP, Gozdziak feels fortunate to have found his calling. “Animation as a tool for healing and change is something I deeply believe in,” he says. The opportunity to combine his creative freedom with community building has been, in his words, “one of the luckiest opportunities of my life.”
Through TAP, Gozdziak and his team are not just creating animations—they’re shaping lives and transforming the industry, one story at a time.
To learn more about TAP Studio, visit theanimationproject.org/