Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Zapata.
Gabby, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Ever since I was little, I would always love to draw. I grew up watching Disney movies, specifically The Little Mermaid. I would hit pause on the VHS and try to draw the characters and so on. I would always have coloring books filled and drawings everywhere. My parents always encouraged it and I’m forever thankful for that. I remember wanting to do animation like the movies I watched but had no idea it was a thing at the time.
I took as many art classes as I could and eventually learned about animation schools where I could pursue a career in animation. I majored in Computer Animation at Ringling College of Art & Design, where I learned every aspect of what goes into making an animated film.
From there, I landed my first job right out of school as a Visual Development Apprentice at Digital Domain, working on their feature film, “The Legend of Tembo.” Due to a unique circumstance, the studio went under and the film was never completed, which left 300+ people and myself also out of commission. Luckily, when all this happened, many studios flew out to help reallocate people and I landed my 2nd gig at Disney Mobile working on mobile games for a year. After that, I changed departments to the social media division where I currently art direct, create original art content for our social channels, while also managing a great small team.
On my own time, I also have been fortunate enough to do freelance for a few animation studios, gallery shows, do comic covers and also explore my own brand by having a small online shop while also attending conventions!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I like to create art that represents people like me because there’s not a lot of me out there. I am Mexican and Colombian, born in Los Angeles, and I try to bring my art with something everyone can relate to. I like to create strong, powerful women with a sense of whimsy but also displaying fun, bright, fun colors into the mix. We have all these great existing colors, so why not take advantage of it and apply it to our own work! My tools of the trade is photoshop, procreate, and gouache paint.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Take breaks! Rarely any good idea comes from an overworked, tired brain, so it’s great to take time to yourself if you can. Have fun and explore new things and it’ll refresh your mind to create new things. Don’t feel bad if things don’t work out at first, many doors will close but one of those, something great will come from it.
In the past, I received many rejection letters when I was first starting out, but that didn’t stop me from pushing myself and eventually land somewhere. Just remember everyone’s journey will be different! What worked for one won’t be the same for others. Be patient, be kind, and remember we’re creating cartoons for others to enjoy. 🙂
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can check out my work and online shop by visiting gabbyzapata.com
On my Instagram (instagram.com/gabbyzapata) I post about upcoming events and exhibitions.
Contact Info:
- Website: gabbyzapata.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/gabbyzapata
- Facebook: facebook.com/artofgabbyzapata
- Twitter: twitter.com/gabbyzapata
Image Credit:
Gabby Zapata
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