Meet Pablo Diaz De Leon Hicks | CG Artist – Animator – Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Pablo Diaz De Leon Hicks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Pablo, what do you want your legacy to be?
My aspiration is for my legacy to be defined by the positive impact my animated films have on people’s lives. I want to be remembered as a filmmaker who utilized the power of storytelling to entertain, inspire, and uplift audiences.

Through the medium of animation, I aim to create stories that resonate with individuals on a deep level. I believe that films have the ability to transcend entertainment and provide meaningful lessons, morals, and values that can guide and enrich people’s lives.

Although it may sound cheesy or like a cliche, my ultimate goal is to contribute to the betterment of society by using animation as a tool for positive change. By addressing important themes and universal human experiences, I hope to foster empathy, understanding, and compassion among viewers. I want my films to provoke thought, spark conversations, and encourage individuals to reflect on their own beliefs and actions.

If I can inspire even a single person to overcome challenges, embrace their authenticity, or make a difference in the world, I will consider my work a success. The true reward lies in knowing that my films have touched hearts and offered solace, encouragement, and enlightenment to those who experience them.

Ultimately, my focus is on the lasting impact of my work rather than personal recognition. It is my sincere desire that the stories I create leave a lasting imprint, contributing to a more compassionate, connected, and thoughtful society. By sharing ideas, values, and principles through animation, I aim to be a catalyst for positive transformation, bringing joy, inspiration, and valuable life lessons to audiences around the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a belief in the transformative power of entertainment. What sets me apart is my commitment to creating original animated stories that entertain while leaving a lasting impact. I strive to explore themes that resonate with personal, profound, and universal human experiences.

My journey has been both challenging and rewarding. Pursuing a career in the entertainment industry, especially in a foreign country, comes with unique obstacles. However, I embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Each struggle fuels my determination to succeed and make a difference.

Resilience, perseverance, and self-belief are important lessons I’ve learned along the way. Seeking guidance from mentors and industry professionals has shaped my artistic journey.

I am driven by a genuine desire to use animation as a catalyst for positive change. My goal is to provoke important conversations and inspire action through my work. I aspire to contribute to a compassionate, connected, and thoughtful society.

Technically, I bring a strong foundation in 3D animation and proficiency as a CG generalist. I constantly seek to expand my skills, exploring new software and tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Virtual Production, and advancements in AI technology.

In summary, I’d like to think my art is driven by purpose. I strive to create original animated stories that entertain, inspire, and leave a lasting impact. With a focus on meaningful messages, personal growth, and technical innovation, I aim to use animation as a tool for positive change.

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?
Sure, no problem! Although I’m still getting to know LA myself, if a friend was visiting, here’s a laid-back plan for a week-long trip:

First, we’d start off in Hollywood, checking out the Walk of Fame. I’ve heard there are some cool theaters in the area where we can catch a movie and get the full Hollywood experience, like the Chinese Theater.

Next, we could explore some museums, like the Academy Museum, or get a taste of the comedy scene. LA is famous for its comedy clubs. I’ve heard that places like The Comedy Store and The Laugh Factory are pretty awesome.

Of course, we can’t miss the art scene! I’ve been meaning to visit places like the Getty Center and LACMA. They say the artwork there is mind-blowing.

To get a better taste of the California lifestyle, we should definitely hit the beach. I’m not sure which beach is the best, but I’ve heard Santa Monica and Venice Beach are popular choices. We could go swimming there, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and try out some beach activities like surfing or beach volleyball.

For some cool views, we could have a look along the Pacific Coast Highway. I’ve seen pictures of the coastline, and it would be amazing to see it in person. We could even make a stop in Malibu or Laguna Beach to explore and have a better view of the scenery.

When it comes to food, LA has a lot to offer. I’m not too familiar with specific restaurants, but I’ve heard there are amazing food trucks and local eateries with very diverse cuisines.

To embrace the city’s cultural side, we could check out the Arts District or Olvera Street in downtown LA. I’ve heard it’s a vibrant place with a rich Mexican heritage, offering traditional crafts and great street food. It would be a cool way to immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Throughout the week, we should stay on the lookout for live performances. I’ve heard there are incredible concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and some captivating theater shows in downtown LA.

Lastly, LA has some beautiful natural spots to explore. I’ve heard about hiking trails like Runyon Canyon, which offer stunning views of the city and a chance to connect with nature. We could also check out the botanical gardens at the Huntington Library.

As you can see, I’m still getting to know the city, but I’m excited as I still have plenty of places to discover and explore. LA really has so much to offer in terms of entertainment, beach vibes, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. It would be hard not to have a good time around here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to the incredible individuals and groups who have played a significant role in my journey as an animator. First and foremost, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement from my family and friends. Despite no one else in my family ever pursuing an artistic career, they have been amazing in embracing and championing my decision to become an animator. Their belief in me, even on a less conventional path, has been a constant source of motivation and strength. I also want to acknowledge the importance of resilience and the wisdom imparted by my grandfather. His belief in how crucial giving our very best effort in everything we do has been a guiding principle in my work. It reminds me to persevere, even when faced with challenges or setbacks, and to constantly strive for personal and artistic growth.

I have also been fortunate to have exceptional professors and mentors throughout my academic and professional journey. Their guidance, expertise, and dedication have shaped me into the artist I am today. Their invaluable insights and unwavering support have honed my skills and nurtured my creative spirit.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to the organizations and institutions that have provided support and opportunities. My country, for example, has shown immense support for the arts, recognizing the value of creativity and its potential to inspire and enrich society through organizations like Conacyt, SACPC, and FINBA. I have also been privileged to receive grants and scholarships to further my studies in animation, including the prestigious Jenkins Del Toro scholarship, which has the support of Guillermo Del Toro, The Jenkins Foundation, and The Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG). Their support has been instrumental in furthering my studies and allowing me to pursue my passion for animation. I am thankful for their recognition of the value of creativity and their commitment to fostering artistic talent. These initiatives have provided me with incredible resources and opportunities to grow as an artist. Additionally, I have received significant support from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, one of the best film schools in the world, for which I am also extremely thankful.

To all these incredible individuals, groups, organizations, and the cultural legacy they represent, I extend my heartfelt appreciation. They have been instrumental in shaping my journey and fueling my passion for animation. I am truly grateful for their contributions to my and so many more stories.

As a quick shoutout, I also want to mention the movies and series that have had a significant impact on my journey as an animator. Films like Shrek, The Lion King, Interstellar, and A Beautiful Mind as well as series like Star Wars and Harry Potter have played a special role in sparking my imagination and inspiring me to create my own stories and characters. These captivating narratives and immersive worlds have not only provided me with countless hours of enjoyment but have also influenced my decision to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

I am deeply grateful for all the support, mentorship, and inspiration I have received from my family, professors, mentors, public and private organizations, as well as the movies and series that have shaped my creative journey. They have all played a vital role in my growth as an artist and have fueled my passion for storytelling through animation.

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