We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Walter Gatus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Walter, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects in my career to date was when I worked on Transformers for Hasbro Studios. Growing up in the 80s, I was mesmerized by the original Transfomers show. I remember rushing to get home from school so I wouldn’t miss a second. Some of my earliest drawings as a kid were of Optimus, Megatron and Grimlock, so finally getting to work on a Transformers show, let alone 3 shows back to back to back was a major accomplishment. On Transfomers: Prime, I started as a Character Designer. Transformers: Robots in Disguise, I became a Character Design Supervisor. Finally, on Transfomers: Nezha, a show specifically for the Chinese market, I was the Art Director. Each show holds a special place in my heart for differing reasons, but to be able to say I added a little something to the mythos of a show I watched as a kid is an honor my 8 year old self would never have imagined. In addition to working on the show, I was fortunate enough to work directly with the toy designers and design the very toys that brought the shows to life for me as a kid. A true blessing.

Walter, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been an animation artist/designer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Worked on a wide range of projects, including feature films, television shows, and video games. I’m known for my artistic versatility, moving from 2D to 3D animation with no problems. Equally comfortable designing complex Transforming Robots to primetime Bob’s Burgers characters to life through his versatile and dynamic style. Throughout my career, I strive to push the boundaries of the medium and inspire the next generation of animators. With that experience, I created Jungle Boy Productions. A place where I’m able to showcase my art as an individual instead of the collaborative space of animation. The artwork is all based on my personal interest, so any artwork you see under the Jungle Boy brand is definitely something I hold close to my heart. For example, I have a line called “Warm ‘n Fuzzies”, a line of artwork based on nostalgic pop culture events, movie/tv scenes, or music, that make your heart melt, of course with my own artistic spin.

It’s also where I was able to grow my business acumen and start to understand the business side of art/entertainment. As the company has grown, I was able to attain a license with HBO for Game of Thrones products. Mainly shirts and prints but not limited to that. I’m always trying to expand and see what new things spark my interest.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission has always been to create my own opportunities. This business is full of naysayers telling you what you can’t do and how things are supposed to be done. You have to just keep pushing yourself beyond the boundaries that people create. With that said, you also have to prepare yourself to be ready for when opportunities arise. So handwork and preparation in your craft is a must.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of creating art for a living is running into people, mainly at conventions, that tell me about a show I worked on that had an impact on their childhood. It makes me feel good to have inspired the next generation the way the previous generation inspired me. Equally rewarding is when I run into someone or see someone on social media, wearing one of our Jungle Boy shirts. It’s very gratifying to see someone out there connects with that specific art they way I did when I created it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jungleboyproctions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jungleboyproductions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JungleBoyProductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-gatus-9477651/
• Other: Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@jungle_boy_productions

Image Credits
Walter Gatus & Jungle Boy Productions