Rising Stars of Animation 2025

Joyce Colson

Production Designer, Lucy Lost (Xilam)

Age: 40
Birthplace: Lyon, France
I knew I wanted to work in animation when: When I first started work 20 years ago, it was for the animated series Shuriken School at Xilam’s studio. I didn’t know anything about animation then, but the working atmosphere in the studio was so great that it just made me want to carry on this activity!
First job in animation: Xilam was looking for a line and color background artist for Shuriken School, so I just sent my artist’s book of illustrations, and they decided to bring me on board.
What I love about my job: Being a production designer is different to my previous work in animation — before I was mostly focusing on background illustration, but now I have to get a more rounded vision of the animation, and I have more meetings and exchanges with the team on this.
Toughest part of the job: This job requires good time management!
Favorite toons: I remember watching with my parents The Snow Queen (1957), a Russian animated feature film directed by Lev Atamanov. I loved the design!
Best advice: Never stop drawing and love teamwork.
Future plans: I’m looking forward to continuing to combine my two passions — working in an animation studio and carrying on my children’s illustrations that originally sparked my love for drawing.

Read the full Animation Magazine article here.