Today we’d like to introduce you to Quintin Puebla.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Quintin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Drawing has always been a part of my life ever since I was little. Even before I was old enough for school, I would create these nonsensical graphic novels depicting my various interests at a young age. Fast forward to high school. I was very keen on keeping that creative flame lit by joining art clubs, taking lessons, and creating in my free time. Regardless of my other hobbies, art was always the backbone of my life and kept my long term goals in check. In the beginning, it was very frustrating because I suffered from the classic sense of “perfectionism.” I constantly crumpled and trashed my pieces before they were finished all while fueling my insecurities by comparing myself to other classmates. It wasn’t until I got to college where I was able to explore and learn in a way that helped my confidence grow. At this point in my life, I was completely immersed by improving my craft. If I wasn’t overwhelmed by classes and freelance, I was filling up my free time studying how to paint and draw at local Ateliers. I was very fortunate to garner the attention of industry professionals that taught at my school. They took me under their wing. A compliment to my character, but terrifying to my realization of how good I needed to be to work as a professional. When I started college, I was focused on getting “better” but halfway through I started figuring out the direction I wanted to take in the entertainment industry. My career goals never wavered from painting and designing. Those two things in combination brought me the greatest sense of creative fulfillment, regardless of industry. Before I graduated I took a life changing trip hitch hiking across the country. Twenty rides and ten states later, I realized I needed to live in Los Angeles in order to achieve my creative goals. After I graduated college, I landed an art internship at a game studio in Chicago.
I was offered a full time position, but I never lost sight of my larger goal of being in Los Angeles. I soon moved out west and realized just how far I was from my goal of working in entertainment. I worked several customer service jobs, while taking additional classes and developing my portfolio. It took over two years, but I finally landed my first studio job in animation at Wild Canary as a visual development artist. After my time ended there, I moved over to Warner Bros Animation to work on Green Eggs & Ham. Each studio presented their own challenges and I met so many talented folks along the way. I’m currently at Nickelodeon as a visual development artist on their CG series “Big Nate.” I’ve worked in animation for over two years now and I’m more invested in this medium than ever before.
Has it been a smooth road?
My path was very interesting in that I generally knew what I wanted to do, but by casting a wide net, I tried many different approaches to a creative career. I learned product design, animation, 3D modeling, oil painting, and much more to craft a comprehensive outlook of what I did and did not want to do. What I didn’t realize was that it is very easy to get caught up in the journey of learning which can stray one from their core goals. What I gained in a sudden surge of skills, I lost in a creative voice. It wasn’t until I started working professionally that I rediscovered my childhood influences, which in one way or another, have been a driving factor to my creative psyche. In addition, I’ve always struggled with being too rigid in my approach to making art. By breaking down my influences and embracing the organic aspects of image making, I soon discovered how to focus on what was important and care less about technique or finish. Anytime I become too uptight with how I create, I immediately challenge myself to be more experimental in-process and study.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m currently a visual development artist at Nickelodeon. I specialize in background design, blue sky development, and color scripting. In general, I try and present myself as an artist with a naturalistic understanding of color alongside dynamic design sensibilities. When I’m not working digitally, I’m out painting from life as much as possible. Working on the early development side of “Big Nate” is allowing me to develop the look and feel of the show.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Burbank is the hub for animation right now. More and more studios are moving into the valley and as streaming becomes larger, so does the number of jobs. There are also great resources like Brainstorm and Concept Design Academy for students and professionals to hone in their skills.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.quintinpuebla.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quintin_puebla
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/QuintinPuebla
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