We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole A Restrepo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole A, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Growing up within a working/lower class family in Chicago, I was exposed to so much diversity and culture within my family and friends which very much molded me. When I think about new animation ideas or concepts I always think about what would’ve resonated with younger me and my friends. After my parents’ divorce when I was 7 there was constant displacement. In a way, that helped prep me for working in the industry as well – since we are always hopping from one production to another.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started my journey in fall 2015 at Columbia College Chicago with a BFA in Traditional Animation.

As a student, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do in the animation industry. A lot of teachers suggested design but that never felt right to me – I didn’t feel my draftsmanship was on the level of my peers. Around this time I felt a bit lost, but going to a specific panel at the CTN Expo in 2017 changed that. It was the Producers Panel hosted by Disney Television Animation production workers. Hearing the panelists, like Willie Sims, talk about their roles and passions ignited something in me. The things they talked about doing in their day to day sounded so appealing, I went back to school with purpose and focused on learning everything I could about production!

There are three big experiences that put me on the right path towards Producing: co-founding and running CCC Animation Association (an organization founded on bringing animation students together), producing our 2018 senior film (Phonylocks & The Three Bears), and working at my college’s library. I learned how to lead others, how to herd and manage cats, how to organize and file — all qualities that I currently use in my day to day.

During the summer of 2018 I was fortunate enough to have been chosen for the Sony Animation Production Internship on “Mitchells Vs The Machines”. That experience gave me a taste of pipeline and studio structure – and I wanted more!

In spring 2019, toward the end of my time at Columbia, I was fortunate enough to interview for a Production Assistant position at Disney TV Animation on “Fancy Nancy”. About a month after I graduated, I moved out to California for a second interview. Two days later – I got the job!

It’s been six years, and I’m still at DTVA! Currently, I’m a Production Supervisor on “Mickey Mouse Funhouse.” During my years at the company I’ve acted like a sponge – soaking up as much knowledge as I can from my peers! Working with such inspiring veterans like Jamie Mitchell and Krista Tucker, I was motivated to try pitching my own original animated series. As of now, I’ve pitched four times to both Disney Television Animation and Sony Pictures Animation – and that’s just the beginning.

The main challenge I’ve encountered over the years is lack of confidence – there have been many a time where I downplay my contributions and achievements. You need to be able to vouch for yourself since you are your best advocate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Even though we call each other all the time – there’s something different about being with your bestie in person. It’s a given that we’d go to Disneyland and I’d want to show her my favorite taco spot in North Hollywood. But truthfully, it doesn’t matter where we go. It could be low-key and she’d still have the best time because when we’re hanging out in person. What I would do is clear my week to be able to go wherever her heart desires!.. even if it’s cheesy tourist stuff.

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?
At Columbia College Chicago, I met my storyboarding 1 professor Luis M. Contreras. This man was so passionate about his craft and saw things in his students that even they couldn’t see. I’ll never forget when he approached me to help him bring the “Story Reel Showcase” to life, we didn’t have much support from the department heads, but he knew that I could help make it happen. He always thought that I would go on to be a director or develop a series/feature – and I pitched my first original series about a year later later. I dedicate my shoutout to Luis who passed in fall 2019.

Website: https://narestrepo.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narestrepo/?hl=en

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

Youtube: https://youtu.be/6_KvslcI1kA?si=qfiHPHBWaPsSLBW7

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.