We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ana Perez Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ana below.

Hi Ana, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The most significant risk I’ve taken was leaving my career as a foreign correspondent for a major news agency to venture into the world of animation. I was driven by the belief that visual communication was another language I could master to express my thoughts and ideas. The best programs at the time were in the United States, but the financial constraints were daunting. I was determined and managed to get a scholarship that would fund two years of any MFA program in the US.

To this day, I’m not entirely sure how I pulled it off, but I did. There was just one more challenge – I didn’t really know how to draw! I had always been creative, and had played around with animation software and even made a short film. But I now had to get in the most prestigious art schools. And I only had a year to learn how to do it and submit a portfolio.

To overcome this, I enrolled in a fine arts school, attending classes every afternoon to hone my skills and prepare for my applications. My efforts paid off when I was accepted into CalArts, a prestigious institution renowned for its graphic design and animation programs.

I recall a moment of panic when I asked my teacher “can anyone learn how to draw?”. His response was both puzzling and enlightening: “Yes, anyone can learn to draw” he said, “but that isn’t what’s interesting.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp his meaning. However, as I delved deeper into my studies and observed the evolution of AI, I understood. Drawing realistically or imitating others is a skill that can be learned, but finding a unique voice, a meaningful expression of one’s creativity, is the real challenge. This realisation has been instrumental in shaping my journey in the creative industry.

Ana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Ana Pérez López, an illustrator and animator based in London, with a rich tapestry of experiences spanning Spain, California, and Chile. My journey into the creative arts is not your typical story. It was fueled by a desire to harness animation and illustration as a language for expression. Currently, I am shaping the visual identity of WhatsApp at Meta as their illustrator and icon maker.

My portfolio is a testament to my diverse experiences, featuring editorial illustrations for esteemed publications like The New York Times and Dwell Magazine, and reflecting my past life as a foreign correspondent for EFE, the Spanish news agency. Inspired by the universal language of illustration, I weave visual storytelling with my journalistic roots, aiming to convey complex ideas in a concise and effective manner.

Previously, I merged my passion for visual communication and journalism in roles at The Economist and CNN. Now, my focus has shifted to apps, with a keen interest in technical constraints and product accessibility. I specialize in creating animations optimized for the web and various devices.

My dedication to my craft is evident in my ability to simplify complex concepts into minimalist yet powerful designs, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back on my creative journey, I wish I had realized the importance of building a strong community earlier. The creative industry is smaller and more supportive than it seems, and it’s crucial to connect with like-minded individuals. I benefited greatly from attending meetups and receiving portfolio reviews, but I wish I had understood sooner the value of expressing admiration for others’ work and seeking mentorship. I initially feared this would show weakness, but I’ve learned that people are usually eager to help. By showing a genuine interest in collaboration and learning, I’ve opened doors to unexpected opportunities. In essence, fostering meaningful connections within the creative community has been the most invaluable resource, significantly shaping my skills and career path.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Recognizing and respecting the professionalism of individuals in the creative industry is a societal imperative. It’s essential to understand that artists and creatives have devoted years to honing their craft. We must actively challenge misconceptions that undervalue creativity, such as the notion that “anyone could do that” or the over-reliance on AI. It’s crucial to acknowledge that imagination and creativity are irreplaceable assets that fuel innovation and shape our culture. Exploring alternative economic models, like those suggested in “The Gift,” could offer insights into how we can better support artists without compromising their artistic integrity. By viewing creativity as a gift and fostering it through education, funding, diversity initiatives, fair compensation, and cultural appreciation, we can cultivate an environment where artists and creatives can flourish. In doing so, we enable them to make meaningful contributions to our world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.anaperezlopez.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muy.ana/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-p%C3%A9rez-l%C3%B3pez-7a15878b/