Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucas Degani.
Hi Lucas, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Growing in Brazil, I found immense joy in sketching beloved characters from Disney and the anime that shaped my childhood. However, I never considered it a viable career option, believing that entertaining others through my drawings was simply a free endeavor. When it came time to contemplate my future, music initially took precedence, but my parents swiftly clipped those wings. Consequently, I pursued physics in college, assuming it was my next best passion. I soon realized, being a bit immature at the time, that what I had chosen wasn’t something I’d be ready to handle every day until I retired, until a rediscovery of my love for animation sparked during reviewings of Pixar movies. Remarkably, I realized the intricate connection between physics and animation — where physics delves into the essence of nature and movement; animation breathes life into characters. Instead of engaging in the study of natural phenomena, I would try to make characters seem to breathe and think by themselves.
This realization led me to my debut international job in Canada, contributing to the “Teenagers Mutant Ninja Turtles” TV show. Subsequently, my career gained momentum, encompassing diverse projects including TV shows, Animated Feature Films, and Live Actions. Despite being entrenched in VFX for a time, the pandemic spurred me to seek new opportunities, prompting my relocation to Los Angeles. I’ve had the chance to work on some really awesome projects, collaborating with big names like Marvel, Netflix, and Lucasfilm ILM.
Now, as a Cinematic Animator at Blizzard Entertainment — a dream job since my youth.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey wasn’t easy. When I started studying animation in Brazil, the industry – especially related to entertainment, was still in its infancy, offering few job opportunities. I began with 2D animation but struggled to refine my drawings to improve my work. Eventually, I grew impatient and switched to 3D animation, which had more prospects abroad and it aligned better with an animation style that I wanted to work with. However, being an immigrant brought its own set of challenges. I often felt like I didn’t quite belong and constantly had to prove myself to maintain my work visa status. The instability of the animation industry, always uncertain, eventually wore me down hard.
There’s this constant vibe of competition, not always in a cool way, making us ride this emotional rollercoaster. There’s insecurity, and a lack of proper work rights adds to the mix. Even though it’s a tough gig, I’m thankful for the chance to tackle these conflicts—they helped sculpt who I am today and It’s opened doors for me to meet incredible people from all over, live in various places that bring a wealth of perspectives, different cultures and experience a broader spectrum of talent and ways to express creativity compared to my hometown.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a senior 3D animator specializing in character animation across animated feature films, TV shows, VFX for live-action, and games. My portfolio boasts diverse projects for esteemed entities like Marvel movies and TV shows, Ahsoka (Star Wars) and my current endeavors at Blizzard. One of my proudest traits is my adaptability to various animation styles, work environments, and (often crazy) deadlines. I approach every project with unwavering dedication and a hunger for learning. What sets me apart is my penchant for pursuits beyond animation. Whether strumming my electric guitar to feed my musical passion or exploring new corners of the city and traveling the world, these experiences continuously ignite my creativity and enrich my work.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Shoutout to my first 2D animation teacher and boss, Jonas Brandão. He hired me fresh out of school and showed me the ropes in the entertainment industry with such warmth. Thanks to him, I realized I’m all about animating, not designing or painting. He helped me stay focused on my path. And big love to my closest friends and family who’ve stuck with me through the crazy schedules, always cheering me on no matter what. Couldn’t have done it without them!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l_degani/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasdegani/
- Other: https://rb.gy/9opj65
