How an independent animator built a global animation empire from her own bedroom
In short: Vivienne Medrano transformed from a niche YouTube creator into a powerhouse of independent animation. By leveraging crowdfunding to bypass traditional studio gatekeepers, she launched the sensationally popular Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss. Today, she retains full creative control while expanding her studio, SpindleHorse, into feature films and new collaborative projects.
Born in 1992, Vivienne Medrano developed an early interest in animation, influenced by films like Bambi and the aesthetic of Invader Zim. After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in 2014, she spent two years as a freelance animator. Her path to prominence began on YouTube, where she built a dedicated following through fanwork and original projects. Her 2014 animated music video for Kesha's Die Young became a viral success, accumulating over 50 million views by 2019, establishing her as a significant online voice.
Medrano’s rise is defined by her mastery of independent funding. She founded the studio SpindleHorse and utilized Patreon to finance her ambitious projects, including the pilot for Hazbin Hotel, which she released in 2019. This model allowed her to maintain creative autonomy, a rarity in the industry. Her work caught the attention of major players, leading to A24 picking up Hazbin Hotel for a full series in 2020. By 2025, the pilot had garnered over 117 million views, cementing her status as a paragon of indie success.
Her influence continues to grow as she transitions into mainstream partnerships. In 2025, she signed a first-look deal with Amazon Prime Video for Helluva Boss while retaining final cut authority. Beyond her own series—which she plans to span multiple seasons—she is now using SpindleHorse to support other creators. Her studio is currently developing a pilot for the webcomic Homestuck, marking the first project not based on her own characters. As she prepares for her feature-length directorial debut with Warner Bros. Pictures Animation's Prehistoria, Medrano remains focused on the uphill battle of bringing original, personal visions to life.
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