Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Pugh.
Hi Alex, 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?
I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I knew that’s what I wanted to be the moment I turned on the TV and saw the Powerpuff Girls playing on cable. I knew at that moment I wanted to draw cartoons and make a living as a Artist. I was an introvert growing up. I had my outgoing moments with friends, of course, haha. But 90% of the time, I was shy and reserved. My escape was always watching cartoons, whether it was on Cartoon Network or Nickelodeon. It was my comfort zone.
During my last years of high school, I applied for art school. I didn’t get into my dream school, which was Cal Arts. I had to work on my portfolio, so I attended community college for two years. I then applied to another art school, Otis College of Art and Design, and was accepted. My years at Otis were great. I met great people along the way and had the opportunity to experience college life, take on new responsibilities, and discover myself. I spent most of my time in college trying to find my artistic style and learned to apply it to my portfolio. Anything I worked on outside of homework was always for my portfolio.
During my junior and senior years of college, I applied for a few internships and eventually landed an internship at Cartoon Network, my dream job. It was such a huge opportunity. I had the chance to meet many incredible and lovely people, and I learned a great deal. After I graduated from college, I moved back in with my parents and spent most of my time drawing and working part-time as a receptionist. After six months post-graduation, I began applying for work and sending emails.
I received a job offer at Cartoon Network, working with the (Summer Camp Island) crew I interned with, which was a blessing. I worked there from 2019 to 2021. Those Three years of working as a Revisionist were a great learning experience, and I had a wonderful time working with many fun and inspiring artists throughout the studio. It was a very special time in my life that I will never forget. After my time at CN ended, I was bouncing around, trying to find a new job. I’ve worked on a few freelance jobs here and there, including Titmouse, Spinmaster, CN, and an office temp job. However, most of my time now is spent working on my portfolio and creating illustrations on Instagram. I’m also learning new skills, such as crocheting and ceramics. Even though I may not be working at this moment, it doesn’t mean it will last forever. I believe something will eventually come along.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle was losing my job at Cartoon Network during COVID. It was tough because it was unexpected. I thought the show would have lasted longer, like most. It was tough to find work. I was lost most of the time and very depressed. I felt like I wasn’t good enough to work again, or I was lacking something. I even considered changing career paths because I wasn’t sure if this was my true calling anymore. Those three years were my hardest. Following COVID and the strikes, many of my friends in animation were feeling the same way. So, I knew I wasn’t alone. However, it was a struggle. I made it through with the help of so much love and support from my friends, family, and myself, and I rediscovered my passion.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is Storyboard and Storyboard Revisionist, Character Design, and Illustration. I’m proud that I can make a deep connection with my characters. Most of my characters are diverse, and it’s nice to be able to create characters of all different shades, colors, and backgrounds because it was rare to see them on TV growing up. I didn’t see many main characters of color, so I made an effort to represent that in my work.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m an open book, so there aren’t many things people don’t know about me, except maybe my drawings are inspired by nostalgia, which includes children’s books like Maisy Mouse, Madeline, charlie and lola and Arthur, as well as soft pastel colors and watching Films or Cartoons.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alypugh.com
- Instagram: @alypug
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pugh-282668139/
Image Credits
Summer Camp Island Title Card- Cartoon Network
