Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allen Barooni. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Allen, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

It all started in my junior year of high school when I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I took an art which taught me about various materials and techniques in art. At the time, I had an interest in making art using scratchboard. I submitted a scratchboard art piece of a dragon’s head to a small art competition held by the Reyes Adobe Art Guild. To my surprise, my piece won “Best of Show,” leaving me overjoyed by this unexpected turn of events. Winning that art show ignited a spark within me for the first time, making me realize that pursuing a creative and artistic path professionally was my true calling.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Allen Barooni, and I am a Concept Artist and 2D Character Animator. My journey into this creative field began in college, inspired by the magic of animated movies during the golden age of 2D animation that I adored during my childhood. My passion for bringing characters to life led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts from California State University Northridge (CSUN 2022),

I specialize in creating concept designs, including characters, props, and backgrounds along with traditional 2D animated characters. My work is driven by a deep love for storytelling and a commitment to crafting visually engaging experiences. What sets me apart is my undying persistence to grow my craft and my ability to infuse each project with attention to detail.

One of my proudest achievements is maintaining a resilient passion for animation, a passion that continues to drive me to create and innovate. I am constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow as an artist. Through my work I aim to connect with audiences, evoke emotions, and inspire others, just as the animations of my childhood inspired me.

I am excited to bring fresh ideas and a unique perspective to any project, and I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations who share my vision for creating impactful and enchanting visual stories.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During my time at university, I acquired essential skills and software knowledge for graphic arts and 2D animation. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic closed off many opportunities, especially in securing industry internships for newcomers like myself. Despite strong academic achievements, I realized that practical skills often outweighed grades in the creative field.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson. Instead of being discouraged, I embraced the opportunity to sharpen my skills independently. I learned to be kind to myself in my creative journey and persistently pursue opportunities, despite setbacks. Like casting a fishing rod, each effort brought me closer to my goals, reinforcing my determination to succeed in the face of adversity.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My goal is to establish myself in the animation industry by further honing my skills in concept design and animation. I aim to collaborate with industry professionals to deepen my knowledge and eventually create innovative animated series or films. By immersing myself in diverse projects and learning from experienced mentors, I seek to contribute fresh perspectives and creative solutions to the field. Ultimately, I envision my work resonating with audiences worldwide, inspiring and entertaining through storytelling that pushes the boundaries of imagination and emotion.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allenbarooniart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albaronart/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allen-barooni-006ab01b6/

Image Credits

Images provided by Allen Barooni: Concept designs of characters props and backgrounds