Check Out Derek Ortega’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derek Ortega.

Hi Derek, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
For me as most kids drawing was a very significant part of my childhood. However, I like to think it was more so the act of being creative that really intrigued me the most. I grew up in a large family with two brothers and two sisters and although hand me downs and recycled toys to play with were the norm, it really reinforced the power of an active imagination. From decorating our second-hand thrift store tricycles with flowers to have a backyard parade to designing carnival game booths signs just for fun on a Saturday morning. We may have not had all we wanted, but we did have all we needed. This creative mindset really stood with me all through high school where I was in an AP art class and started thinking I could actually make a career from drawing. It wasn’t however until I was in community college and saw the behind the scene and visual development for Coraline that I ever considered a career in animation.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would say that I have been very fortunate and thus far, it has been relatively smooth. For me, I feel like the hard part was actually the length of time it took for me to actually have a clear career vision of what I wanted to do. I went to multiple community colleges, after school programs, animation courses, and finally art school.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I think one main thing about my work is the range of diversity my professional/personal work has. As an artist, I often feel boxed in if I’m subject to being one “type” of artist. Within my professional work, I’ve held roles such as prop designer, layout artist, visual development artist, background painter, and character design for 2D, CG, and stop-motion TV/Film.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is that there are no shortcuts. Making the transition from student to professional most times is a very slow and painful process. It can’t be achieved overnight and it really does have to be something you are passionate about. There will be many times even within your professional career that you have to push through (as most things) and overcome as an artist. I think those who persevere and make it out the other side are all the better for it.

Contact Info:

• Email: derekortegastudio@gmail.com
• Website: derekortega.com
• Instagram: @derekortega