Daily Inspiration: Meet Genesis Lugo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Genesis Lugo.

genesis, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I really wanted to be a storyboard artist and work in the animation industry. Maybe, make my own thing being a show, movie, book, or comic. I had a really hopeful start. I started my official freelance art journey right after I graduated from California State University of Long Beach. I got hired to publish a comic book for Youth Leadership for Long Beach. I then got gig after gig. I worked in comics, animated music videos, merchandising. I did what artist had to do had a part time in the side as I tried to make freelance. The dream felt closer and closer as I pitched my stories to DreamWorks, Disney, Nickelodeon, Sony, etc. Then, the gigs stopped and I shifted to be a paint and sip teacher plus working a support teacher in special education. Eventually, I knew I wanted a more consistent life style and as a whim I decided to go in path of a Special Education teacher, Art would be a side thing that I can always go back to since it seems the animation industry isn’t what it turned out to be. I love being a teacher I never thought I would leave art as a side thing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Many struggles. Mostly financially as my degree was low key kinda worthless. The animation industry in general seems to be an almost impossible dream as the years go by it becomes harder. It used to be you’re a good artist or storyteller now they tell you go indie. And I am always like I want insurance and start a family indie won’t do it. I remember getting an email from DreamWorks story trainee position that I would’ve been considered if COVID didn’t cancel it. Now, my only challenge is finding my creative spark after going back to college and not drawing for months. I am getting back mostly drawing for myself not working on my story portfolio since there’s no point anymore. If I make it anywhere in art it will be my own path.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I mostly specialize in stories. I love telling stories of marginalized voices. In my field in special education I work with students with different disabilities. I noticed they love animation or comics makes me sad there’s no animation or comics that represent them. I feel what sets my art from the others I am inspired by random art from my childhood such as early Dragon Ball or Precious Moments. I focus a lot on appeal and I spend hours just trying focus on the little details make you sympathize with a character.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you’re studying animation and you’re scared of the industry do a small minor in college. Or a side trade school. Just because you’re not drawing all the time doesn’t mean you’re not growing. Art is capturing life so get experiences others don’t get.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://genesislugo34.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisinn321?igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr