Meet Alex Untoria | Character Designer & Visual Development Artist

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

Hi Alex, how do you think about risk?
I find risk to be a necessary part of life. If you never step out of your comfort zone, you will not progress far in any aspect of life. I am not saying go to Vegas and risk it all on red or black. Risk can be as simple as trying out a new medium of art or as daunting as quitting your job to start a new career path. The key is to take calculated risks. I encourage everyone to do their research and use common sense when taking risks. In my own life, the biggest risk I have ever taken was probably moving across the country from my hometown in New Jersey and setting up shop in Los Angeles to pursue art and animation as a career. The road has not been smooth but that’s part of the risk. However, even a big risk like that was somewhat calculated. I knew before moving that I would have a support network. My cousins who lived right outside the city graciously offered to let me stay with them for a few months while I could get my footing. I also had specific goals and a very general overview of how to execute those goals due to the animation industry talks and panels I had been watching and researching. Lastly, I have a fierce determination to follow through no matter what obstacles are thrown in my way. Speaking of obstacles, a few short months after I finally got settled in Los Angeles a global pandemic shut the world down in a way I could have never accounted for.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was growing up I was always the “Art Kid” and that hasn’t really changed. I knew at a young age that all I wanted to do for a living was draw. And although I didn’t quite know it back then the thing I really loved most, even more than the act of drawing was the storytelling aspect of art. Visual storytelling whether animation, comics, or a picture book really got me excited. To get where I am today, a professional character designer who has worked on a few different TV shows wasn’t always easy. There were plenty of obstacles. I lived far from the animation hub that is Los Angeles to start. Now remote work is way more available than it was when I was first starting to pursue this line of work. And speaking of remote work, right after I moved, the cause of remote work hit. Covid-19 was a struggle but also a blessing in disguise for me. I was able to hunker down take online classes and focus on my portfolio which eventually led me to land my first industry job at Bento Box. Other struggles such as self-doubt, depression, financial stability, and a myriad of other things stood in my way as well. However, I never give up and I always take the next step, no matter how difficult or scary it may be. My current roadblock is the current state of the entertainment industry. Corporate greed has made it unsustainable to find consistent studio work right now. It is difficult but I try my best to focus on the positives and continue moving forward. During such a difficult time for many, I have found other ways to stay afloat. Additionally, it is an excellent time to practice in areas I am not comfortable with. I am taking a number of classes to help me progress my skills where I feel they are lacking. I will always continue to seek out new ventures and get myself out of my comfort zone in pursuit of progress and self-betterment. I’m also slowly chipping away on a personal project that is a long time coming. It is very exciting stuff!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Throughout Los Angeles, there are so many cool places to check out. There are nooks and crannies full of wonder all over this city. For food, I know this little restaurant in Korea Town that is so tasty with a cool street vendor vibe to it. I am drawing a blank on the name but I know where it is from my place so we can make it there with no problem. They have soju there as well so that can get us rolling on drinks! There are tons of cool little breweries all over town so I would definitely check those out. Also, I’d want to bring my friends to the Scum and Villainy Star Wars Cantina because Star Wars duh! Other notable places to visit would be the Academy Museum, The Hollywood Bowl, Huntington Gardens, and Point Dume Beach! I am sure there are other spots to check out as well but those seem like the most fun off the top of my head.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people, organizations, and resources have given me the support I needed to be where I am today. Notably, my friends and family have been super supportive of my endeavors. Rise Up Animation and Sketch-Toonz LA have been incredibly supportive communities since starting this career path. I have had many incredible instructors from various classes I have taken that have encouraged me to keep going and improve my skill set. Last, but certainly not least the four industry professionals who started the Animation Success Stories podcast are directly responsible for sparking me to actually act upon my lifelong dreams of working in animation. I remember stumbling upon their podcast and binging the first few episodes. To my surprise, one of the co-hosts was also from New Jersey. Listening to their story and the many others featured on the podcast was inspiring and gave me the final push I needed to make my own journey.

Website: https://www.alexuntoria.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexuntoria/