Meet Jonathan Aguillon | Senior Concept Artist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Aguillon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me, art and imagination were an escape from the challenges of my youth. When I immigrated to the United States, I had little exposure to American culture. To make sense of the world around me, I turned to drawing, video games, and comics—mediums that not only offered comfort but also helped broaden my horizons.

As I grew older and began considering higher education, I wanted to push my creative abilities further. That pursuit led me to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. There, I not only developed strong technical skills but also discovered a path that perfectly aligned with my passions: concept art. It was the ideal blend of creativity and purpose—a way to build a meaningful career while contributing to the very things that had always inspired me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Absolutely would show them to some of the wonderful Galleries and amazing food spots I know.

First I would take them to Porto’s in West Covina to get the legendary food that almost every Angelino recommended to me when I first moved here.

For artists, Gallery Nucleus is amazing for being able to see some of the best art that the entertainment industry has to offer. I have seen my favorite artists there, and buy some amazing books! After that I would also take them to Stuart Ng Books in Torrance, which is the best book store for those who love illustration, film, animation, and comics.

After I would take them to lunch to Shootz, which is a Hawaiian Fusion restaurant with the best Kimchi Butter Chicken Katsu sandwhich, with a side of Spam Brulee Musubi. When I found this restaurant, its become one of my go to spots when I want to really treat myself.

After I would take them to Omomo Matcha, and get their signature Omomo Matcha drink that has some of the best quality matcha I could find!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to Shout out Carlo Arellano, my Mentor and former Art Director, who has a seasoned Career in Games and Films and has been instrumental to my success. https://www.artstation.com/carloarellano carlo.arellano@gmail.com

I would also like to Shout out my Friend and also Former Art Director Jacqueline (Jax) Jocson. https://jacqueline-jocson.squarespace.com ; jaxjocson@gmail.com

And of course I would like to shout out my wonderful Partner, who nominated for this and continues to support my hi-jinks in the creative field; Hannah Choi, who runs her Calligraphy business like a pro: https://choicalligraphy.com/

Website: https://www.artstation.com/jonathanaguillon

Instagram: https://www.artstation.com/jonathanaguillon

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-aguillon-9a678158/