Meet Adrian Troncoso | 3D Artist- Visual Effects and Animation

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

Hi Adrian, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Like a lot of kids I grew up watching cartoons and animated movies. I knew early on that I wanted to be a part of the film industry, and after going to school to study art I found my passion in creating environments and backgrounds for animation and visual effects. I was definitely influenced by the drawings and designs of Disney’s animated films. The attention to detail that is put into the backgrounds is what I love most about their movies. After graduating, I found more success in landing jobs when I looked back at the movies I loved as a kid, and recreated their set pieces in my own style. I believe it connects more with people and could take you back to a time when you also watched those films in your youth.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I create artwork for videogames, commercials, TV shows and much more. I feel that what sets me apart from others is that although what I create is digital, I like my art to feel hand crafted and each piece I create is another part of the big picture I am trying to bring to life. Right now, I am most excited about the work I did on a Star Wars TV show coming out this fall. I was part of a team of over 20 artists creating digital backgrounds for the shows visual effects. Landing that role as a 3D Environment Artist taught me the importance of having attention to detail, knowledge of light and composition and storytelling. The team I was a part of designed and developed the digital backgrounds for the Mandalorian TV series, so I always felt I was in great hands. I can’t say the name of the show I worked on just yet, but it’ll be out before you know it! It wasn’t wasn’t easy landing that role, I had to prove that I knew the ins and outs of 3D art production and had to squeeze my way into multiple projects beforehand to prove I was fit for the role. I would like people to know that with hard work, dedication and not giving up on your craft, you can truly accomplish anything!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so I have a few places that are a must visit when checking out the city. It’d be a crime to come to California and not visit In-N-Out. Personally I get a 4×4 burger (four patties and four slices of cheese) everyone should try it once in their life. For more of an upscale dining experience, my favorite restaurant to visit is the historic Musso and Frank Grill in Hollywood. I can’t decide on what I love more, their steaks or their martinis! The service is top notch, and it’s always fun to people watch and learn about the restaurant’s history. I’m a museum guy, and would definitely recommend checking out the Getty Villa in Malibu. You can’t beat the scenery, and their statues and gardens are incredible. Another great spot I love to take friends to is Barnsdall Park in Hollywood, there you can have a picnic and get great views of the city and the Griffith Park Observatory. When it comes to visiting the beaches in LA, I like to go to El Matador State Beach, if you get there early enough you can grab a great spot on the sand and are surrounded by beautiful rock formations along with calm waves.

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?
After college I was working as an Operations Assistant for Disney Television Animation. I was setting up company events, delivering packages, washing the kitchen dishes, and enjoying an endless supply of snacks. Although I wasn’t in a creative role, I was beyond grateful to be immersed in a creative environment and saw the other side of the fence on what it was like to work in a production studio. Over time, I got to know some employees and expressed my interest in working in the industry. The incredibly talented Peter Emmerich, an Art Director at Disney TVA, took the time to chat with me and looked over my work, providing insightful feedback. He shared some of his favorite drawings and designs from animated films, and what Art Directors look for in portfolios when hiring artists. Feeling inspired, I recreated some of those drawings in my own style and used those art pieces in my job applications. In the following months I was receiving more inquiries, landing more interviews, and locked in my first few studio jobs. I can’t thank him enough for providing that insight and sharing his own passions with me.

Website: https://www.3dtroncoso.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atroncoso3d/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/3dtroncoso/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/atroncoso_art

Other: https://www.artstation.com/adrian_troncoso

Image Credits
I collaborated with a talented friend of mine, Deanna Chittum, on recreating the interior room for 101 Dalmatians. I provided the set and models, she handled look development and lighting for the scene.