Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel Guerrero.
Miguel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always had a fascination for movies. The movie that started it all was The Terminator.
When the movie was released, I was just 3, but at the age of 6 is when I saw the movie for the first time. I was immediately attracted by the robots, the future, and of course the explosions. In 1991 Terminator 2: Judgment Day was released. The scene that caught my attention was the first introduction of T-1000. As an 11-year-old boy, I wanted to learn how it was made.
I began taking art classes at a local art school in East L.A. I also took drafting courses in High School. I attended every art class available in my neighborhood and surrounding areas. After High School, I attended The Art Institute of California, Los Angeles where I focused on 3D modeling and animation and graduated with a BA.
After many years of late nights, hard work and no sleep I worked my way up from a 3D artist to a 3D Modeling Supervisor. I have worked on commercials, music videos, TV shows, theme park rides, and movies.
In 2003, I was able to work on the prequel to the movie that started it all: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. Some of my latest work can be seen in The Avengers Infinity War, Black Panther, Beauty and the Beast, and Doctor Strange.
On my free time, you will find me taking art classes in different mediums and also participating in local conventions.
Has it been a smooth road?
It wasn’t an easy road for me, I didn’t know anyone in the industry, I didn’t know where to begin. I was a kid that wanted to draw comics, but no one else in my family or neighborhood had a similar dream.
When it was almost time to graduate High School, I had to figure out how I was going to pay for college.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I have worked on commercials, music videos, TV shows, theme park rides, and movies.
Some of my latest work can be seen in The Avengers Infinity War, Black Panther, Beauty and the Beast, and Doctor Strange. On my free time, I like to work on my own garage kits and collectibles.
I am proud to be a kid from Boyle Heights that started with a dream to draw comics and make movies to actually being able to go on set and meet some of the action stars that were in the movies that I grew up with.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
LA is the best place to be at. You have all the learning resources available for whatever your passion is as long as you are willing to put the time and effort.
The cost of living is a major factor that can improve. I believe it holds back many people who have dreams to come out here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.magvfx.com
- Instagram: magvfx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Art-of-MAG-621018807908658/?ref=bookmarks
- Other: www.labestiastudio.com
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