Mauricio Abril
Pasadena, CA USA
"I think it’s very natural to feel like you don’t want to lose time, but I knew I would have more regrets if I was 10 years older and had never tried. As long as you do things with intent, you are never wasting your time. "
Career Roadmap
Mauricio's work combines: Art, Design, and Problem Solving
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
When I first decided to go back to art school, a few people (with good intentions) told me this. I followed my own system of 'checkpoint signs.' I told myself I'd evaluate my goals at different checkpoints and read the signs. If they told me to keep going, then I'd keep going, and if they didn't, I'd reassess. Some of my different checkpoints were: 1. Applying to art school - did I get in or not? 2. End of my first term - how did I do? 3. End of my first year - am I where I need to be? Etc.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Molecular Biology
University of California-Los Angeles
Bachelor's Degree
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
Art Center College of Design
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Illustrator, Concept Artist, & Teacher:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Illustration
Bachelor's Degree: Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Grew up loving art and was an avid illustrator, but gave it up at the age of 10 because he didn’t see a future as an artist.
2.
Attended UCLA where he pursued his degree in molecular biology with the goal of going to grad school for his Ph.D. and becoming a researcher.
3.
During his senior year of college, he began to doubt this career choice but didn’t realize he had an alternative.
4.
After graduating, he got a job at a biotech company and co-authored a research paper—admits that during this time he was bored with his job, which eventually led him back to illustrating.
5.
Decided to quit his job and move back in with his parents in order to fully dedicate his time to developing a portfolio that he could use to apply to art schools.
6.
Attended the Art Center College of Design where he earned his degree in entertainment design.
7.
While still in school, he started taking on freelance projects as a concept artist—after graduating he landed a full-time position working with Disney Interactive Media Group.
8.
He now works as a concept artist for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he develops conceptual artwork and design projects for Disney theme parks and live entertainment.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Stick with your science background, it's the best option for a career and life.
How I responded:
When I first decided to go back to art school, a few people (with good intentions) told me this. I followed my own system of 'checkpoint signs.' I told myself I'd evaluate my goals at different checkpoints and read the signs. If they told me to keep going, then I'd keep going, and if they didn't, I'd reassess. Some of my different checkpoints were: 1. Applying to art school - did I get in or not? 2. End of my first term - how did I do? 3. End of my first year - am I where I need to be? Etc.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
When I decided to go to art school, I had to quit my job and move back home in order to dedicate myself to that. I had to pay the high prices for the private art school tuition by taking out a lot of loans. Paying these off became my motivation.
I made use of the resources available to me and wasn't shy about it. When my mother couldn't help, I approached teachers, other students and even dug deep in myself to find out the information I'd need for college, scholarships, loans, etc.
I realized during my senior year of college that science and research might not be the right path for me. After working for a biotech company for a while, I became bored and decided to pursue art. I quit my job and moved back home.