September 24, 2025

Cristina Zuniga: Stories of Impact

Partial reprint from CSUF News.

By: Vanessa Siguenza

As a child, Cristina Zuniga watched in awe as a swirl of magic transformed Maleficent into a fire-breathing dragon in Disney’s animated film “Sleeping Beauty.” That moment inspired Zuniga to pursue a career in animation.

Born into a family of artists, Zuniga’s mother and older sister taught her how to draw and study animation styles from Disney’s Don Bluth to Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki.

Zuniga met several Cal State Fullerton alumni who attributed their professional success to the training and hands-on experiences they received in the College of the Arts. Their praise for the university influenced her decision to choose CSUF.

The Cal State Fullerton alum has worked as a background designer and supervisor on “We Baby Bears” at Cartoon Network Studios for two seasons. She also worked on backgrounds for a new Netflix show and created designs for the animated television series “Bat Family” and “Super Mutant Magic Academy” at Warner Bros. Animation.

Before she launched her career, Zuniga grew her art portfolio in the Women in Animation club at CSUF. Serving as vice president of the student organization, she networked with professionals in the animation industry, developed her creative style and participated in behind-the-scenes preview events with such companies as Warner Animation Group.

“A lot of industry professionals talk about the importance of networking and getting involved with clubs like WIA is one of the earliest steps in growth. The people you meet will one day become your peers in the industry, and it’s through these connections that you gain not only friendship, but opportunities in the field.” — Cristina Zuniga, WIA CSUF Alum

As a student, she had the opportunity to observe the animation production process for the films “Scoob!” and “DC League of Super-Pets.” Through Women in Animation’s mentorship program, Zuniga also had her portfolio reviewed by Michael Kurinsky, the production designer on “Scoob!”

Training Future Animators

For more than two decades, the [WIA student Collective] at Cal State Fullerton has equipped students like Zuniga with the creative and practical skills they need to launch careers in animation.

“The club aims to form a welcoming community of students who are interested in learning more about the animation industry,” said Barbara Malley, lecturer in art and adviser for [WIA Student Collective] at CSUF. “At weekly meetings, the officers and the students network and discuss animation news, tips on portfolio development, posting work on social media, and creating and producing content for various platforms.”

In addition to Zuniga, fellow club alumni include Geramiah Profeta, a production assistant at DreamWorks Animation; Teeny Nadeau, who was awarded a $10,000 Skechers Scholarship; and Haley Enos, who landed a production internship with Nickelodeon Animation.