Artist Bio
Byan Lackey (he/him) is an animator, digital 3D modeler, and digital painter based in the United States. Working primarily in digital 2D animation, his work is distinguished by clean, expressive character animation paired with richly detailed, digitally painted backgrounds. Lackey’s art often explores themes of hard work and skill, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and translating them into narrative-driven visual stories. His process emphasizes precision, emotional storytelling, and craftsmanship, resulting in animation that balances technical refinement with a deeply human perspective. He studied at East Carolina University, where he developed his foundation in digital art and animation. Over the past decade, Lackey has honed his artistic practice, gaining thousands of views across social media platforms for his story-based animations. He is currently developing a new animated short that continues his exploration of character, growth, and personal reflection.
Artist Statement
My creativity began with my dad. He was the first person who showed me that I could make art, and his encouragement sparked everything that followed. Over time, that early support grew into a strong sense of purpose. I create because I have the ability to make things others can’t, and because sharing what I make connects me to people in a way nothing else does. When I began posting my work online and saw how people responded to it, I realized art wasn’t just something I enjoyed; it was something I needed to do. Seeing others affected by something I created continues to be one of my biggest motivations.
A recurring theme in my work is learning lessons and overcoming obstacles. I often draw from personal experiences, moments where I’ve struggled, grown or gained new perspective, and I use animation to bring those stories to life. My hope is that viewers can feel what I felt: the uncertainty, the progress, and ultimately the triumph. I want my audience to walk away believing they can overcome their own challenges too.
I primarily work in digital 2D animation. My process begins with an idea that I write about until I can clearly visualize the story. From there, I move into storyboarding, audio editing, and then animation. Because improvisation is difficult in this medium, my work involves careful planning and intentional decision-making. Stylistically, I gravitate toward clean lines and shading within a cartoony style, approachable, expressive, and capable of carrying emotional weight.
I’m influenced by the YouTubers and cartoons I grew up with. Their humor, creativity, and storytelling shaped the way I think about narrative and character. If my art could speak, it would encourage people to keep moving forward, no matter what difficulties they face. Looking ahead, I hope to continue refining my craft, telling meaningful stories, and creating work that reaches and resonates with more people.