Meet CARLOS ZAPATER | STORYBOARD ARTIST

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

Hi CARLOS, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Truly, I believe that this kind of path is not consciously chosen; rather, it’s the path that chooses you. When I look back, I remember that I always had a pencil in my hand as a child, drawing everything that came to my imagination.
Whenever I watched a movie, I felt the need to draw moments from that movie on paper, as if I wanted to capture the most beautiful memories.
It’s interesting, because when I’ve had the chance to see drawings from that time, I’ve realized that I always tried to draw complete sequences that told a story.
I always aimed to create a series of drawings where the focus wasn’t solely on the drawing itself, but on what I wanted to convey in that moment.
When I drew, I didn’t just focus on one theme; I always searched for something to tell.
After all these years, I’ve come to realize that the urge to narrate and tell stories has always been a part of me.
I’m convinced that today, I am a Storyboard Artist because the profession chose me when I was still a child.

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.
My beginnings were quite different from those of people I know. My parents supported my decisions throughout my life, but when it came time to choose what to study for my future, they advised me to pursue Technical Drawing because, aside from the artistic aspect, there were more opportunities for employment afterward. During that time in Spain, pursuing a career in the arts often meant struggling financially, so working in an architectural studio seemed like the sensible choice back then.
I studied Technical Drawing and worked in an architectural studio for 4 years. Later, through the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), I collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) as a drafting designer, designing mechanical components for satellite antennas. It was a field completely different from architecture.
During this phase of my life, I continued drawing in my free time at home. Then one day, I saw a commercial on TV for an animation school, and it caught my attention. I enrolled and spent six months learning the fundamentals of animation. It was in that moment that I realized what I had always wanted to do since I was a child. I felt that this was my path and I needed to follow it to the end. I had finally found my calling.
Shortly after completing that course, I found myself unemployed with a mortgage to pay. But at that moment, I didn’t hesitate. I decided to invest the severance pay I received, into enrolling in another animation course.
I finished the course earlier than planned because I was running out of money and still had to keep up with mortgage payments every month.
I knocked on the doors of various studios in Madrid, but it was at Estudios Moro where I managed to start working in what I loved so much.
Looking back at my beginnings, I take pride in remembering my parents for always trying to help, support, and encourage me.
And of course, I feel proud of myself for facing my fears, for stepping out to pursue a future without money and bills to pay, but always with self-confidence and a strong belief in what I wanted to do.
I learned that it’s essential to believe in oneself and fight for what you love.
I learned that you should never let fear prevent you from doing something.
I learned that the most important thing at the end of life is to feel proud of the efforts you’ve made rather than the achievements you’ve gained.
All of this helped me envision my future in the profession and also helped me believe in myself and my abilities. In the end, I succeeded, and here I am.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first thing I would do would be to take you to Santa Monica and walk along the promenade to Venice to enjoy a wonderful experience for the lively atmosphere and the diversity of activities it offers. Browse the flea markets and observe the mix of cultures that come together in the same place. Visit the Venice Canals to explore them and enjoy a charming and picturesque experience in a bohemian atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Venice, then to have diner at La Baja Cantina restaurant and after a walk to the dunes, watch the wonderful sunset from the beach.
We would spend a day at Hermosa Beach which captivates with its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. Play in the waves, enjoy a stroll along the shoreline and eat at any of the restaurants in the area.
Downtown Burbank is close to my home. Stroll down San Fernando street full of boutiques, restaurants, entertainment and eat at Kabuki Japanese Restaurant.
Huntington Park, walk through all its green areas and walk the trails of Saltos Park and then immerse yourself in the immense collection of books that exist in the Huntington Park Public Library.
The California Science Center is an obligatory stop like so many other museums that the city of Los Angeles has to offer.
It is impressive to be next to the Soyuz lunar modules or stroll under the watchful eye of the Endeavourg, which rests majestically enjoying a well-deserved retirement.
Academy Museum, a must-see for lovers of film history, walk through its halls and discover many secrets hidden behind the celluloid.
LACMA is one of the most important museums in the city and enjoy ancient art, modern avant-garde or the latest artistic trends, to end the visit with a photo at Urban Light Sculpture.
Visit the La Brea Tar Pits. Its collection of prehistoric mammal fossils and its natural tar pit that has trapped and preserved animal remains for thousands of years. Its unmistakable smell catches everything it touches and helps you travel back in time and imagine what this area was like thousands of years ago.
The foot and hand prints in front of the Chinese Theater and walking the Walk of Fame, which although the first time you visit it is disappointing, after a while you begin to understand its beauty.
Its incredible diversity forces you to look around and prevents you from finding the star of your favorite artist.
Finally, I would end up traveling by car to spend a few days in Yosemite National Park, which although it does not belong to the city is a place that no one should miss. Get lost in all the trails surrounded by water and waterfalls and touch the wall of El Capitan, which for hundreds of years dominates the valley and challenges all lovers of climbing.
A good place to recover energy from the city and return to it with more strength.
I still have many things to see in the city and I’m looking forward to it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, of course, my parents. I owe everything I am right now to them. My parents noticed from the time I was a child that I loved to draw and had a vivid imagination. They supported me right from the beginning in nurturing my talent.
I still have a book my father gave me titled “How to Draw the Human Head.” Inside, he wrote a dedication: “So that you take it seriously for once. Signed, your nagging Father who loves you.” That book was the first thing I packed when we moved to Los Angeles, and I always keep it close to me.
When I started in animation, my dream was to become an animator, and my goal was to strive to be like Glen Keane. I watched all his films and tried to learn by watching them over and over.
Over time, I managed to join “Estudios Moro” as an animator, one of the most prestigious studios in Spain at that time. That was the moment I could begin to live my dream of pursuing this career. There, I learned in-betweening, clean up, coloring, and animating, but most importantly, how to work effectively in a team.
Fernando Moro was my mentor and helped me further refine my drawing skills and animation knowledge.
Years later, I had the opportunity to work alongside Sergio Pablos for 10 years, during which I was able to develop both as a professional animator and a Storyboard Artist.

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-zapater-oliva-52164710/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnfzYOQFoCY

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2500263/ https://vimeo.com/library-search?q=carlos%20zapater

Image Credits
Storyboard of “Smallfoot” Beatboard in color of Smallfoot” Storyboard of “Wish Police”