We were lucky to catch up with Belen Saenz de Viteri recently and have shared our conversation below.
Belen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I am from Ecuador, Guayaquil and since very early on my childhood, I’ve had an interest for drawing. I decided that it was a path I wanted to follow, and therefore I started my search for American universities that would allow me to develop my craft.
I came to America as an international student for Animation at SCAD ATL. There, I learned various different ways to animate, but I fell in love with 2D animation and that is where my professional journey began . I feel that my first major step was coming right out of SCAD with a job offer; I was so proud. From there, I’ve had the opportunity to work for many animation studios in Atlanta, and honestly, it has been a blast!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My creative work consists of bringing 2D drawings to life. I use various different programs for it, but currently I would say the industry standard is Toon Boom Harmony. During my times at various studios, I have animated shots for shows like Hit Monkey, Squidbillies and many other Adult Swim shows. I had the chance to wear many hats, as some of the studios are small and there is the need to be a well rounded 2D artist. I’ve loved the opportunity to find passion within my 2D branch. I had the chance to rig, storyboard and character design; so much fun! Finally, I would say, I am very proud of how far my skills as an overall 2D artist have developed.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect has been being able to make a living out of a childhood passion. In Ecuador, it is hard to make a living as an artist, but here, being able to do something that I am proud of everyday is great! Yes, sometimes we as artists also have our not so good days. It is funny to say, but many amazing artist suffer from the “impostor syndrome” feeling a lot, but we have an amazing and supportive community who who all love what we do. That is why I love this industry.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Art takes time and we work hard to achieve it! Animation is such a long, grueling, 8 hours, sitting in the computer job. But, oh wow! when you finally see the finish product? So worth it. Yes, it can also happen that we sometimes might be working on a show or something we do not connect with as much, but hey, that’s why we get paid for it; that’s what a professional in any field does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.belensdvart.com
- Instagram: belensdv
Image Credits
A Day to Remember: Mindreader Music Video,
Squidbillies,
Tender Touches