Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
Duude! This is hard to cram into long-story-short, but here goes! I moved to L.A. for many reasons, primarily to find my purpose. Since grade school, I found myself drawing more than doing schoolwork. My grades weren’t the best, but I was in demand. Your boy was good at drawing foo! Growing up in Oklahoma, I knew I couldn’t live my dreams if I stayed there so I left. L.A. was a long shot. I didn’t know anyone but one friend who disappeared in middle school, and I couch surfed at his crib and many different places, working odd jobs until I found something steady and somewhere steady to live.
I hit a dead end when I found out I could never afford to go to a fancy art school like CalArts, which is many artists’ dream. I mean, all the greats come from there. Bright side, I found East Los Angeles College where I found my first mentor, Mike Libonati. He was so kind, a CalArts alumni. He even knew one of my animation heroes, Jorge Gutiérrez! I met Jorge because of Mike, and I will never forget that.
When the pandemic hit, I threw a Hail Mary looking for background design work and earned my first animation job for a start-up. Another long shot! The producer told me it was only a two-month gig max, but I didn’t care. I risked it, bet it all on black, and rode that wave for two years. From there another producer reached out to me, and I got my first Union job working for Matt Groening on Disenchantment and Futurama. Lifetime achievement! Like many of my kinfolk, I’m not working in animation right now. I’m back to grinding. A reminder that nothing is promised, but if you believe it, you can achieve it! I’m living proof of that.
What challenges have you faced in navigating a career in animation?
I would say the biggest challenge is accepting things that are out of my control. Constantly reminding myself that it is not my fault that this happened to me and everyone in this industry. Living paycheck to paycheck, working two jobs, and making time to pursue this dream requires a certain fire and discipline to survive, and nothing is promised. I love this craft and will make my own show after I finish the indie project. I have a ton of stories I can make inspired by my adventures of surviving and thriving. I feel like it can resonate with people. If you build it they will come. I want to put that to the test.
Who are your inspirations in the field of animation?
Jorge Gutiérrez is definitely one of them. His storytelling is absolutely inspiring. Frederick Gardner is one of my mentors to this day. His approach to design and visual development is where I am heading. Miguel Gonzalez is a new mentor who I’ve had the privilege of learning from directly. His coaching and guidance really drove me to make new things. Michael Spooner is another legendary designer I look up to. Love his prisma colored pencil on tracing paper approach to visual creations. These guys are all mentors to me. One day I will work alongside all of these people on projects yet to be created!
What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in the animation industry?
I will become a talent with a huge following online, carving my own niche for people who resonate with my stories. It will gradually happen, but it is in the works.The fire in this soul is just getting started.
What does being in the Union mean to you?
The Union has always looked out for me, especially in time of need. January 2025. It has taught me that I do matter. The people in it have always been kind. It has brought me together with so many cool artists fromall walks of life. Hilarious encounters and friendly, easy-going people. It has also let me meet kinfolk from other unions.
