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Mauricio Abril Highlight
Mauricio Abril
Illustrator, Concept Artist, & Teacher
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.
About Mauricio
- 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.
- 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.
- During his senior year of college, he began to doubt this career choice but didn’t realize he had an alternative.
- 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.
- 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.
- Attended the Art Center College of Design where he earned his degree in entertainment design.
- 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.
- 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.
