Photo by Eric Ng.Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Before I became an artist, I was actually on my way to becoming a research scientist. I had graduated from UCLA with a degree in Molecular Biology with the intention to go to graduate school, but right when I was supposed to begin applying, I suddenly felt a hesitation I had never felt before. Thankfully that pause allowed me to self-evaluate, and after a bit of soul searching, I decided to go back to school to pursue a career in the visual arts. I then went to ArtCenter College of Design for Illustration and have been working as a Concept Artist and Illustrator ever since. When it comes to our industry, I’m primarily a Background Painter, while outside of it I’m focusing mainly on author/illustrator projects. My debut picture book, Programmed to Paint, is set to debut from Penguin Random House in 2024.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
I think the biggest challenge I faced was not understanding how specific a portfolio needed to be in order to attract a potential job opportunity. As a student and even a recent grad, it’s far too easy to think that your skill set will equate to getting an interview or an art test, when really it’s more nuanced than that. I used to teach at ArtCenter, and I always stressed to my students that they needed to stop thinking about having “a” portfolio and instead to start thinking of having multiple portfolios for different job roles and even different studios.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
When it comes to things like drawing and composition, I’ve always looked to the work of Paul Felix and Seth Engstrom for both their aesthetic and ideas. With characters I’ve been really enjoying the designs of Torsten Schrank, and with color I can’t help but be drawn to the likes of Dice Tsutsumi and Alberto Mielgo.
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
That’s a tough one. Professionally I’d love to continue establishing my background work and exploring different styles to push myself creatively. Personally I’d say if my background work can inspire a kid to exercise their own creativity the same way the work of the Background Painters whom I watched as a kid did with me, I’d consider that a win.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
Being in the Union to me means being able to do my best work with the knowledge that there is a support system in place to help me do that work in a safe and positive manner. It’s an honor to be a part of an institution that’s practically as old as the entertainment industry itself, and I appreciate and thank everyone whose efforts have helped to let me be a part of it.
Learn more about Mauricio at his website.
Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
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