We recently had the chance to connect with Enrique Torres and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Enrique, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
All three are the most important to me. I feel that to be successful, you have to have all three
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an Emmy Award winning artist with over two decades of experience in film, television, games, and advertising. My background spans as creative director, 3D art, visual effects, concept design, illustration, animation, art directing, and game design. I have worked on hundreds, if not thousands, of projects over the years, including major titles like The Avengers, Game of Thrones, Dune, and Borderlands.
I began my career drawing caricatures at a mall when I was 17. By the age of 19, I was working as a caricature and portrait artist at theme parks including Sea World, Lego Land, and the San Diego Zoo. In 2006 I won a talent search hosted by the Wayans Brothers at the Art Institute. After being selected, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career in entertainment industry. My first major break came when I worked on G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra, which marked the beginning of my journey into visual effects.
Today I serve as the Creative Director of the 3D department at Bond, where I lead the visual development of high-end content and collaborate with top film, television, and game studios. I studied Media Arts and Animation at the Art Institute, where I received multiple student awards. Throughout my career I have taken on many roles including art director, concept artist, VFX supervisor, animator, and creative director. At the core of my work is a commitment to strong visual storytelling and original ideas that push creative boundaries.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
When I was in first grade, my family lived in West Virginia. I got in trouble often for drawing in class. I was a huge Godzilla fan and loved dinosaurs, so naturally I drew them all the time. Unfortunately, my teachers misunderstood it. They told my mother I might be mentally ill and claimed my drawings were influenced by something dark or unnatural (pretty much they thought I was possessed lol) . In reality, I was just a kid passionate about monsters and prehistoric creatures.
Everything changed when we moved to San Diego, and I started second grade in a new school. I did not know anyone yet, but the teacher gave the class a simple assignment to draw something for fun. When I handed mine in, both the students and the teacher were shocked by what I could do. That moment was the first time I realized I had a gift—and that drawing might actually be something special.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me that you can never afford to slow down. It showed me the importance of staying in motion, staying connected, and staying relevant. In the entertainment industry, momentum is everything. Success may reward you, but suffering reminds you that survival depends on constantly evolving, building relationships, and pushing forward—no matter what.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
yes. I’m me 24/7. That is the best thing you can be. Consistent, real, and honest. People respect that. If you try to be fake, it will eventually catch up to you. There is no point in pretending. Being genuine is the only way to last.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes. I was born to be an artist. That has always been my path and the only thing I have ever truly wanted to do. I tried working a regular job once…… It did not last more than a month lol.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickoart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enriqueart/
- Soundcloud: https://linktr.ee/Rickoart
