I'm Tamara Finlay, a Ukrainian-American multimedia artist specializing in stop-motion animation, vocal performance, and sound design. I'm known for a distinctive handmade aesthetic, expressive animation style, and emotionally resonant storytelling. In 2024 I was named a Kresge Artist Fellow in Film/Animation. I mentor autistic artists through Tink Tank Animate and lead as a professional musician across Michigan.…

Tamara Finlay

I'm Tamara Finlay, a Ukrainian-American multimedia artist specializing in stop-motion animation, vocal performance, and sound design. I'm known for a distinctive handmade aesthetic, expressive animation style, and emotionally resonant storytelling. In 2024 I was named a Kresge Artist Fellow in Film/Animation. I mentor autistic artists through Tink Tank Animate and lead as a professional musician across Michigan.…

Available to hire

I’m Tamara Finlay, a Ukrainian-American multimedia artist specializing in stop-motion animation, vocal performance, and sound design. I’m known for a distinctive handmade aesthetic, expressive animation style, and emotionally resonant storytelling.

In 2024 I was named a Kresge Artist Fellow in Film/Animation. I mentor autistic artists through Tink Tank Animate and lead as a professional musician across Michigan.

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Language

Ukrainian
Fluent
Russian
Fluent

Work Experience

Stop-Motion Animator & Filmmaker at Independent Artist / Self-employed
January 1, 2020 - Present
Writes, directs, animates, and voices stop-motion films and series; skilled in storyboarding, puppet/set fabrication, editing, sound design.
Mentor at Tink Tank Animate
January 1, 2023 - Present
Mentors autistic artists in stop-motion and vocal performance.
Lead Vocalist at The Thornbills; Kubat Finlay & Rose; The 006
January 1, 2007 - Present
Lead vocalist with various Michigan projects; collaborations with The Thornbills (Third Man Records), Kubat Finlay & Rose, and The 006.

Education

BA in Slavic Studies at Brooklyn College (CUNY)
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005
Classical Vocal Training at Self-directed / Private studies
January 1, 1995 - January 6, 2026

Qualifications

Stop Motion Animation Studies
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2023
Kresge Artist Fellowship (Film / Animation)
January 1, 2024 - January 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education
    uniE608 Call Your Baba
    Comedic short-form stop-motion animation by Tamara Finlay featuring original character design, animation, voice performance, and editing. Centered on Baba, a no-nonsense Ukrainian grandmother…
    uniE608 Pink Cloud
    Stop-motion animated short highlighting bold set design and expressive character performance. Moves between fantasy confidence and real-world stage fright through stylized visual transitions. animator filmdirector artdesigner…
    uniE608 Missing Or Incomplete
    Short stop-motion animation showcasing expressive puppet acting and controlled character voice over in a stylized mugshot sequence depicting report card day. animator filmdirector videoeditor…