Life & Work with James Ramirez

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Ramirez.

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born and raised in Texas. In middle school, I became super interested in computers and trying to learn as much about them as possible. It was around the time that the internet was starting to get widely available through services like AOL. The internet was this new breath of life of exploration and creation that made me dive into learning new things. I began to explore creating websites and learning digital creative tools like photoshop and flash. I learned how to create interactive experiences and began to be able to do work for site through animated banners, cards and websites. While in high school, I was taking the art classes they offered and got referred to a smaller local group that helped create portfolios to apply to art schools. No one in my family had gone to college before and to my surprise, my family gave me full support in pursuing this road. I was never told that trying to become an artist would be hard or not worth it or anything of that nature; I was just encouraged and ultimately ended up applying and getting accepted.

I moved to Kansas City to attend the Kansas City Art Institute and graduated with a BFA in Photography and New Media. The art school experience let me pull all this computer curiosity I had and funnel it into a focused study and exploration. Through the school, I learned of a local artist collective, MK12, who a few had gone to the same school. This led me to diving into the world of motion graphics and trying my best to land a job with them after school. I did an internship my junior year and that sealed the deal, I was 100% focused on finishing my degree and making sure I got to work with them. They hired me right after graduation and I ended up working with them for almost ten years. It was an amazing opportunity to learn from some of the best designers, animators and filmmakers in the industry. I got the chance to work on everything from broadcast commercials, web promos, video game work, music videos and feature films. After my time there, I moved to Los Angeles and continued my career through working at various shops and studios in the area. I’m currently freelancing and collaborating on lots of projects in tv, film and video games.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey wasn’t a very direct path, it was one where I was finding my way while exploring all creative endeavors. I envy those that know exactly what they want to do from a young age and put all of their focus into it. I feel I was fortunate to come across very talented and respectful artists throughout my journey who helped and encouraged me. I was always giving bigger opportunities than I was prepared for and trusted that I could add to the projects. I’m forever indebted to those who have brought me in to collaborate and work together and always look forward to the next challenges.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a creative working in the motion graphics industry. That industry has grown and changed year to year but it allows me to work on everything from commercials, film titles, vfx and video games. I’ve gotten to work on the title sequences to films like Stranger Than Fiction, Quantum of Solace, and most recently Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse. Every project brings unique challenges and I do everything in the production process from concept, design, animation to finishing. I’m a very hands-on creative and enjoy the creative problem-solving that each project brings.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness is really finding peace in your current place in life and enjoying the moment. There is always things we want and aspire towards, but it’s always the stop and smell the roses moments in life that are the best. I love traveling and always look forward to the next adventure to re-energize my creativity and inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Email: hellojamesramirez@gmail.com
• Website: friedpixels.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/friedpixels
• Twitter: twitter.com/friedpixels
• Youtube: youtube.com/friedpixels
• Other: vimeo.com/friedpixels

Image Credits:
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse made at Alma Mater am.tv Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse made at Alma Mater am.tv Quantum of Solace made at MK12 Studios mk12.com Nike SU15 Made at We Are Royale weareroyale.com Personal Project Personal Project Personal Project Personal Project