Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaley Rodriguez.
Hi Kaley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
For as long as can I remember, drawing has always been the pinnacle of my self-expression, but it was film and media that really stole my heart. Saturday morning cartoons and Disney movies are what truly captured my imagination and inspired me to follow my passion. I remember being fascinated by the way every animation style visually told each unique story, and I knew it was something I wanted to do someday. I started attending Mission Renaissance Fine Art Classes at the age of 7 and continued to take art classes through high school, Pasadena City College, and finally at Art Center College of Design where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts specializing in Illustration for Entertainment Arts.
After graduating in Fall of 2020, I was connected with Barry Jackson, the Art Director of Spin Master, by my sister and fellow Art Center alumna Steffany Rodriguez.
There, I was hired as a visual development artist and continued roles as a background artist for multiple projects and studios.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although it wasn’t always the smoothest road, I’m proud to say I have maintained my perseverance through the ups and downs. Like many parents, mine were originally skeptical of the long-term stability of pursuing a career in art. With that advice, I attended Pasadena City College, where I spent years trying to find a career I can be happy with. Ultimately, I kept falling back to art, and in the end, I decided it was a passion worth the risk. After being introduced to Art Center College of Design by Designer and Educator Stan Kong, I had my sights set. And with a swell of motivation and a mountain of research, I convinced my parents to allow me to pursue my dream.
Once enrolled, I still had plenty of challenge ahead of me, balancing my work schedule with Art Center’s rigorous curriculum. The classes were a lot of work, and the instructors were tough. Sometimes, entire semesters felt like one long string of all-nighters fueled by Hot Cheetos and triple-shot americanos.
Even upon graduating into a global pandemic, I was met with the challenge of a transitioning workforce to remote-based assignments and a shocked labor market. The challenges will never stop, but neither will I!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently a Background Designer and Painter for TV animation. I specialize in Background Design and Painting but have also taken on Visual Development roles. I’m going on 3 years in the industry where I’ve been fortunate to have worked on many projects for multiple studios, including Cartoon Network’s “Victor & Valentino” (S3), Spin Master Entertainment (unannounced projects), RumbleBox “Pacific Standard Universe” and my most recent, Nickelodeon Animation’s newest upcoming show, “Rock Paper Scissors.” Every project I’ve worked on has been a valuable new experience, all of which I have very much enjoyed being a part of. I’m proud to have reached my goals and be a part of an industry that contributes so much joy to the world.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think the best advice I can give is to not be afraid to put yourself out there. Everyone has something to teach you if you are willing to learn from a place of respect and with an open mind. Networking can be a little intimidating when it comes to meeting new people, but if you can make the effort, it’s always worth the trip. I’ve always been more inclined to shy away from social events with strangers, but putting myself out there has been nothing short of rewarding as I’ve made so many new friends and connections.
I consider all of my Art Center instructors, my previous Art Directors, and even some previous coworkers and colleagues to be mentors. Through their great advice, from artistic techniques to navigating a tough industry, they have all had a huge impact on me and shaped who I am today.
I owe a great deal of gratitude to my support network of family and friends who have supported me on my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kaleyrodriguez.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/krodriguezstudio
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kaley-rodriguez
