Are you a believer in magic?

Bree O’Donnell is bringing her unique vision of a 3D witch named Mary to life, and it’s a journey that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Through a series of short clips shared on social media, Mary’s enchanting world unfolds, showcasing a blend of melancholic emotion and ethereal femininity. Bree’s artistry shines through in her stop-motion-inspired animation style, where vibrant textures and sparkling light create an immersive experience that feels almost tangible. In a recent conversation, Bree opened up about her creative process and her lifelong quest to make magic feel real. “My name is Bree, and I’m an animator and filmmaker. My journey began in childhood, crafting countless stories on paper and turning them into little books. I was always captivated by fantasy and magic, which fueled my passion for drawing. As I grew older, animation became my gateway to worldbuilding and fantasy, allowing me to hold onto that sense of wonder. My craft has evolved with the tools available to me, transitioning from traditional cel animation to computer-generated imagery, but my heart has always been in that stop-motion realm.” Bree’s work evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of classic Rankin and Bass films. “It’s interesting you mention Rankin and Bass; that’s a reference I haven’t heard in a while. There’s a certain warmth and texture in that style that resonates with me. I’ve always been drawn to a more expressive approach to computer animation, focusing on creating something that feels alive and comforting, much like the stop-motion films of the past.” She elaborated on her fascination with textures, particularly how they can evoke emotions. “I love the way surfaces can sparkle in a digital space. For instance, walking through a rain-soaked Brooklyn street, where the ground glistens, inspires me. That blend of melancholy and vibrancy is something I strive to capture in my 3D work.” When discussing the challenges of learning 3D modeling, Bree shared her own experiences. “If you dive into 3D training, you’ll pick up the skills quickly. I took a class once, but it wasn’t for me. I prefer to experiment and play with the software, like Cinema 4D, which is similar to Blender. I focus on finding what looks right rather than getting bogged down in technical details.” Bree also touched on the collaborative nature of animation. “Animation often involves large teams, but as an independent artist, I encourage aspiring animators to find their own voice. You don’t need to follow the traditional path; just keep experimenting and creating.” She expressed her thoughts on the role of music in her animations. “Music is integral to my process. I often find myself animating to songs that resonate with the mood I’m trying to convey. I have playlists for different themes, and I like to let the music guide my animation, creating a dialogue between the sound and the visuals.” As for her upcoming projects, Bree is excited about a new miniseries featuring Mary. “We’re developing this series to keep it accessible online, where we’ve built a wonderful community. I’m currently wearing many hats—writing, directing, animating, and designing. It can be overwhelming, but I always return to the core message I want to convey.” Bree also has aspirations to explore live-action filmmaking. “I’ve dabbled in live action through music videos, and I see potential for my animated world to transition into a live-action format. It’s an exciting avenue I want to explore further.” When asked about the use of AI in her work, Bree clarified her stance. “I haven’t incorporated AI into my process. My creative journey has always been about embracing limitations, which fuels my imagination. I find beauty in working within constraints, and that’s where my fantasy comes alive.” As she continues to develop her projects, Bree remains focused on her vision. “There’s more Mary on the way. We’re dedicated to bringing this world to life, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone.”