Rising Stars: Meet Julian Acevedo of Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Acevedo.

Hi Julian, 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 am an Artist and Animation Production worker originally from Puerto Rico where I built my Fine Arts foundation and my passion for story telling. With a BFA in Motion Picture and an MFA in Visual Development I have set forth my career in animation having worked with studios such as Nickelodeon and Lex and Otis. While at Nick I solidified my purpose in this industry which is to help in any way I can to bring forward heartfelt genuine stories, may that be via Artwork or Production. One of my proudest achievements has been my work on the Nickelodeon show “Big Nate”. It was on this team that I grew the most professionally and personally. To this day what I learned on that production informs every new opportunity I face. Apart from this I am a huge board game fan and am currently in progress of play testing my very own.

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?
It has not been a smooth road to get to where I am. When I left Puerto Rico there were obstacles after obstacles. I worked at fast food restaurants, retail stores, afterschool programs, theme parks, you name it. All while fighting to land my first industry job. While the professional aspect took a hit the personal did as well as it was a pretty big culture shock to be in a place where I didn’t know anyone and nobody had my back like before. It is hard to want something when it feels like the world is telling you to move on but even after having yogurt thrown at my face through the Drive-thru window I would say it has all been worth it. The experiences I have gained are irreplaceable and essential to who I am and I wouldn’t change them at all ( maybe avoid the yogurt)

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am passionate about bringing stories to life through visual design. My creative process centers on transforming narrative elements into compelling imagery, with a particular focus on environment and prop design which I believe are essential to revealing the deeper layers of character and story.
While professionally I specialize in world-building and visual storytelling, I also enjoy illustrating expressive characters in my personal time, pieces that aim to capture moments of joy, emotion, and relatability. These works, which you may find on my public profiles, reflect a more personal side of my artistic voice.Though I’m often recognized online for my illustrations, I’m known in the industry as a dependable collaborator and dedicated team player. I take great pride in the professional relationships I’ve built over the years. As the saying goes, “Tell me who you’re with, and I’ll tell you who you are.” I’m fortunate to be part of a creative network I deeply respect and would gladly work with for years to come.What truly sets me apart is the width of my experience. Having navigated a wide range of collaborative scenarios, I bring not only technical skill but also a seasoned, solutions focused mindset that helps projects move forward smoothly no matter the challenge.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I think not a lot of people know just how much I love board games. My collection passes over 80 games and it is constantly growing. When I was a kid, me and my family suffered many power outages due to a weak city infrastructure. In times like that it was board games how I managed to get through the days. I love the physical connections you get to create while playing. I specially love cooperative games the most as they help cultivate teamwork rather than rivalry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliamsketch.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliamsketch/?hl=en
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianacevedo/

Image Credits
All images belong or were drawn by me.