Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Alfredo Jr.
Carlos, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started with a pencil! I started drawing as soon as I could hold one in my hand. Art was the first thing that I felt was part of my identity and a place where I could escape to. I grew up in the bay area with my two sisters, Gaby and Esther. My parents owned a Mexican Restaurant and from the age of 6 all through my teenage years I learned the ins and outs of what it takes to run a family business. Early on, I got to witness my immigrant parents build this business from the ground up, turning it into an incredibly successful and beloved restaurant in our town. Little did I know that this discipline and work ethic that was instilled in me would take me into a very fulfilling and crazy adventure in my life.
Throughout my teenage high school years I was that awkward, short, skinny kid with acne that became an easy target for bullies. My self-esteem was low and it was during this time that I discovered my passion for music. Because I felt like a complete outsider, I naturally fell in love with Heavy Metal music. There was nothing more I wanted to do during this time than to play guitar like all my heroes. I practiced religiously in my bedroom until I got good enough to perform on stage with friends and bands or anywhere else I could. Guitar became an obsession and once I graduated high school the dreaded question came up…..”Sooo, what do you want to do with your life?” I told my parents that I wanted to be a musician and of course, their answer was…”No! You are going to college!” I eventually obeyed and enrolled in 4-year program at an Art school where I got my bachelor’s degree in Animation and Visual Effects. It was during this experience that I not only nurtured the artist inside of me but it is where I got most of my foundation for the person that I was destined to become.
Upon graduating Animation School, I was fortunate enough to intern at Pixar Animation Studios with a talented animator, Nick Rosario, that was kind enough to help me on my journey. It was during this time that I was introduced to the world of Acting. As an animator, you are essentially an actor. You are giving life to these inanimate characters and in order to do so you need to be very aware and skilled on human behavior. Even though I wanted no part in being an actor during this time, I knew that I had to do it in order to be the best animator that I could be. In the beginning, I hated every part of being in an acting class. I felt awkward. I was shy. I felt nauseous. But as time went on, I saw how much I was growing not only as an actor but more importantly as a human being. This was a crucial time in my life because up until this point, I was hiding behind a computer behind a guitar, but I was slowly realizing that I belonged on a stage. I needed to be seen and heard. Acting became an obsession. I made the decision during this time that I would try my chances in Los Angeles as an actor and take a break from Animation. I followed my heart, made the move to LA and held on for dear life for the wildest rollercoaster ride that is a career in the entertainment industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There is not a single person in my family that followed a career in the arts or music, so I didn’t have a roadmap on how to get to where I needed to go. My struggles have been what most artists encounter along the way….moments of doubt, parents telling you it’s time to quit and come home, money running out, constant rejection, etc. My time in Los Angeles has been a range of emotions. It has been beautiful, cruel, life-changing, tragic, inspiring, soul-crushing…..but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Coming from an Animation and Musical background, I feel has set me apart from most Actors here in LA. When I’m not auditioning or going to classes, I will create my own opportunities. Writing Music, playing live shows with my band, painting, animating, creating Music Videos…..creativity never sleeps! I’ve experienced lots of beautiful moments in my life by not only the work ethic that had been instilled in me by my parents but by also by being grateful, present and open to trying new things. What I am most proud of is the fact that I haven’t quit my dream. I don’t know how! And I don’t think I ever will!
What matters most to you? Why?
I want to live a full life of authenticity! I want to do what I was born to do! My goal is to make 10-year-old Carlos proud of me and say to him….”Look at us! We did it! We weren’t crazy after all! Look how far we got!”
Contact Info:
- Website: carlosalfredojr.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/carlosalfredojr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx7c0eNxWLTjGCR43zpCnpQ
Image Credits
Ken Pivak Photography
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