Meet Lucas X | Visual Effects Artist and Photographer

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

Hi Lucas, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from the state of Jalisco, Mexico which is famous for mariachi, tequila and amazing food. I remember getting sick at an early age and the only thing I was able to do to pass the time was to draw. Art became a staple of my childhood that kept me busy exploring everything from sketching to photo-real oil paintings. I wanted to become a Disney animator and during my college years my priorities changed. I stumbled on motion graphics and eventually became a VFX artist.

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 career path started all the way back when I fell in love with movies. Terminator 2 got my attention, Forest Gump captivated my imagination, The Crow was my fascination and the Matrix was a revelation.

During my formative years the only tools available to me were pencils, paper and pens. I would spend a lot of time practicing my drawing skills and being mesmorized by the animated films of the time. I wanted to become a Disney animator but being a starving artist in college, animation would be a harder path to follow. I was not physically able to carry all the paper and other materials whilst traveling to school on public transportation.. Running in high school definitely helped trying to catch that 33 bus! The best decision was to go digital and get into motion graphics and ultimately learning the extra skills to explore visual effects.

Attending college was a tough time, being away from home and family was even harder. With the support of good friends and family I was able to graduate with my Bachelor of Science degree in 2006. I have been working in the entertainment/movie industry ever since.

Let me be the first to say that freelancing in the industry has been a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it allowed me to work with some of the most skilled individuals on numerous television campaigns, movie trailers, indie films, music videos and major blockbusters including the last two Micheal Bay helmed Transformers, Terminator Genisys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and many more live action projects. The curse…well, you have to constantly be on the lookout for the next project, be on call 24-7, long nights, low budgets and long years of paying dues.

My current ambitions are furthering my grasp on film-making, working on personal projects and following up on mountains of unfinished works.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
f you come visit I’d probably offer to pick you up and take you to see the first In-N-Out, Grab a bite and catch up. I would have my camera with me to capture and document your trip.

Los Angeles has lots to do. You have the museums, attraction parks, botanical gardens and beaches. I love to drive so anything is game! I think the biggest motivation to go anywhere is food and drinks. Food trucks are a must. A quick round trip to Las Vegas if you are up for it.

I am a movie buff and every time I drive I always recognize places from the movies I’ve watched over the years so you would be stuck with me going about and seeing the famous locations with your own eyes. Visiting some of the landmarks is a must but finding interesting vantage points would make for great memories and pictures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story is only possible because of the people closest in my life. Family, dear friends, co-workers and of course, pets! My wife’s endless support is vital, I am forever grateful for every person that has helped me get to where I am today.

Website: www.lucasx.com

Instagram: @Lucasx_vfx

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

Youtube: @pucasx

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2918033/