Meet Alexander Moscozo | Background & Prop Designer

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

Hi Alexander, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Animation is a challenging industry to enter, and that is especially true for someone like me changing careers. I have had to balance taking animation courses and workshops after a full-time job. The beginning of my journey was the most difficult for me. I would start my day at 4 am for work and got kicked out of Panera Bread at closing time trying to finish up animation assignments. I continued that routine for a year till my body began to break down. In 2023 I had to adopt a more balanced approach, making time to be more active and spend time with loved ones. To anyone trying to break in, enjoy the journey and make friends. You don’t want to burn out before you get in the door.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The common trait in my art is the constant desire to improve. I have made the quality of my lines and mark-making something I focus on and am proud of. Something I am exploring now, thanks to my new mentor Fredrick Gardner is to do research before the design process. I am excited to say I am currently working on a couple of projects I look forward to sharing with the public soon.

I got to where I am by breaking down the fundamentals and hyper-focusing on one role within the animation industry. It hasn’t been easy. Learning perspective, composition, Design, and shape language takes time, and you need the mileage to begin to see progress. I still struggle with impostor syndrome, and it takes me looking at my older work to see just how far I’ve come.

I have learned that if you are making artwork, you already have the job. You are working for yourself without pay. Getting hired by a studio would allow you to do it more with financial sustainability. Therefore enjoy the work you are doing and the freedom that comes with it. Discover your voice and develop your skills. Getting hired will be a byproduct of having professional-looking work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Born In Los Angeles, my favorite spots are scattered over town. I will list some of my top food picks Silverlake Ramen, Crimson Coward, Bounce boba lounge, Afters Ice Cream, Toppers Pizza, Lola’s by MFK (Anaheim), belles beach house, and Urth Cafe. Places I enjoy The Norton Simon Museum of Art in Old Town Pasadena, The Getty Museum, The Griffith Park Observatory,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my journey, there are many people I have to thank. My journey started with a painting I made for my partner Jenna. She has been my number-one supporter helping me through all the doubt and rejection that comes with breaking into the animation industry. I would also like to thank my mentor Phil Dimitriadis for working with my work schedule and recording lectures so I could do the assignments after work. I have learned all my fundamentals from him and highly recommend his courses at Fullerton College. To all my animation friends, thank you for constantly uplifting each other and sharing recourses and opportunities. Finally, I’d like to thank my family. In particular, my Mother for being one of the hardest-working people I know and coming to a new country to give her children a better chance at life.

Website: https://www.alexandermoscozo.com

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

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/alexandermoscozo