Katarina Martins: prop designer
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Katarina Martins had just completed her degree in 3D animation at Concordia University when the pandemic began in spring 2020. Work was scarce, but her charming retro-style sketches soon caught the eye of Studio Niloc’s Colin Racicot.
“Colin found me on Instagram and started writing to ask if I’d work on his animated film Where Rabbits Come From. At first, I completely ignored his messages. He wanted someone who could work with vectors, and that wasn’t one of my skills, so I didn’t reply,” Katarina recalls with a laugh.
Won over by her drawing style, which bears a striking resemblance to his own, Colin then asked Katarina to work on the props. “He showed me his sketches and the concept artist’s work, and I quickly understood what he was looking for. I said yes straight away and knew we’d get along!”
What does a prop designer do?
They draw the objects that appear in the backgrounds — passive props — and those handled by the characters — active props.
“A prop designer needs to have their own style while also reflecting the background designer’s work. Everything has to feel coherent,” explains Katarina. She adds that her own style evolved considerably through this formative project.
On Where Rabbits Come From, some props took an hour or two to draw; others took weeks.
I’d describe my style as a little vintage, a little nostalgic, and playful.
Katarina Martins
“Props bridge the gap between backgrounds and characters. They also offer clues about the characters’ socioeconomic circumstances and the period they live in.” Props may seem secondary, but they are an integral part of the storytelling.
Katarina especially enjoys revisiting backgrounds and adding small details. “I’m a detail fairy!” she laughs.
To be a good prop designer, she says, you need a sharp eye, a refined sense of detail and a solid grounding in animation. Knowing how animators will use a prop helps you draw it in a way that works for them.
Katarina’s work on the film is not quite finished. She continues to respond to requests and will add details until the animation is complete.
In the meantime, the artist is studying part-time for a second degree, this time in art education.