Meet Teddy Morisseau | Storyboard Artist & Motion Capture Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Teddy Morisseau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teddy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was 3 years old, I’ve been obsessed with drawing. I went from drawing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to Superman, to Dragonball. Eventually, I wanted to start telling my own stories. I started drawing my own comics and coming up with my own characters around the age of 8. I even remember making a Game Development Doc for a video game that me, my brother, and a friend made. This is in the third grade! Telling stories that come from my own imagination is probably my greatest sense of purpose. It always felt right. Eventually, I realized I wanted to do that for a living. Better late than never!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My background is pretty varied. I’ve studied Martial Arts since I was 13 years old. I have also been obsessed with drawing since I was a child. My mother is a classically trained ballet dancer and teacher, even owned a dance studio for 40 years. That being said, choreography has been in my life just as much as drawing and painting. Because of those influences in my life, I’ve had a love for storytelling in all its forms. I left Eastern Michigan University before graduating because I realized I did not enjoy Business Management. I wanted to join the workforce. After some time working as a Personal Trainer and the odd job here and there, I decided to listen to my gut. I transfered to Wayne State University and decided to finish my Business degree with a concentration in Advertising. I wanted to get into film, at the time, because film is the ultimate form of storytelling (for me). So, I sent a bunch of emails out to production studios in the Metro Detroit Area and worked as a freelance Production Assistant. I’d accept any job that was given to me. Not long after that, Producers started to realize I could draw. That’s how I got into Storyboarding. I’ve made storyboards for General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. I’ve been able to make Storyboards for car ads and work on that same Car Ad shoot as a PA or Camera Operator. As for Motion Capture it’s still a pretty new industry, especially in Michigan. For a couple years, I’d Google search Mocap every few months or so, to no avail. But one day, I got a hit! Haptix Studios. I immediately sent them an email, letting them know I’m interested in getting into the business. I told them about my dance and martial arts background, along with my freelance storyboarding, and I got the interview! Until recently, I had a feeling of being “all over the place”. Not knowing where your career will end up can be scary. But, staying the course pays off, especially if it’s your passion. I hope to one day be Creative Director for a Production or Video Game Development company. I’ve been making game development documents since I was 8, afterall! I hope to share what I’m working on with you guys soon!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d say start your morning off by going to Eastern Market in Detroit for some fresh fruits, vegetables, and whatever else you would want (wine, smelly cheese, meat, etc.). From there, maybe stop by Bert’s Warehouse for some delicious BBQ and some of the best Karaoke you’ve ever heard. If you’re partial to live music (like I am), I’d also suggest The Raven Lounge for some Jazz or Spot Lite to hear some amazing DJs. Paramita Sound is one of my favorite spots to chill, shop for some records, and listen to some golden era Hip-Hop. People looking for a night out downtown, there are several great restaurants, bars, and clubs in The Belt or Capitol Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my Shoutout to my mother Carole Morisseau. She’s an amazing artist and an even more amazing mother. My love for art and creativity is solely attributed to her. I’d also like to Shoutout Adam Green at Green Sky Creative. I came into film production with zero training. He took me in and allowed me to find my own space within the industry and I cannot thank him enough for that!

Website: https://www.edouardmorisseau.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morisseauteddy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edouard-morisseau-272b56152/