Meet Ulises Alvarado Llamas | Artist working in Animation

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ulises Alvarado Llamas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ulises, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think it’s really interesting to reflect on how I view my work life balance over the years. I graduated college in 2020, so I’m still kinda fresh in the animation industry, but being on the other side I feel my priorities have shifted. When I first started art school, one of my biggest concerns was getting good grades, and trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible. While also trying to better myself as an artist. Towards the end of school, my priority was to get a job in the animation industry. During those years of school, it seemed like most of my time was dedicated to my art or anything that involved my potential career. I lived in a bubble for majority of it, and do wish I got to experience more outside of my little art world. Now having graduated and was fortunate enough to get an animation industry job. The anxiety of needing to get a job went away, at least for now. I found myself with extra time that I wasn’t sure what to do with. Eventually I moved to LA, reconnected with old friends and made new ones. Now I put just as much importance in living a life outside of work/art and just trying to enjoy myself when I can.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Recently the art I create outside of work has been observational sketches. Anytime I can fill up a page in my sketchbook, it’s a good day! Going out and experience things outside my apartment/office and being able to sit down and take in the moment by drawing what I see, really excites me. I’ve always had a hard time drawing from imagination, and to this day my sketchbook are only filled with observational sketches. Guess it was a habit I picked up in art school. I love it, its like my own little journal of my life captured in crude sketches that most people don’t get to see.

I think I got to where I am with patiences, being consistent and a lot of luck. I went to art school for 6 years before I landed my first full time union job. For majority of that time my focus was to get better at my craft with the goal at being a part of the animation industry. Of course, a lot of good things happened to me that I could not control, I just got lucky. For example, I went to a state school that has a really good animation program and really generous alumni, when I decided to attend SJSU I didn’t know how awesome it was going to be. I met so many amazing people there and feel very fortunate because of that.

Through out the years, there have been a lot of low point in my life. What helped was I made an effort to surrounded myself with kind, supportive friends that inspired me constantly.

I still have lots to learn, I will continue to try to be the best version of myself and will be trying to fill up my sketchbooks while I live my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I feel like there is still so much I have yet to see. I love the beach! I really enjoyed Venice Beach. Sunrise at Griffith Observatory is a must! So beautiful. There are a good amount of hiking trails with awesome views, that is always fun and rewarding. I feel like there is good food everywhere in LA. So much to do, so much to see. I need to do more exploring for myself.

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?
Over the years there has been lots of people that have helped me get to where I am now. Most people that have helped me on my journey can probably be traced back to my college’s animation club, The Shrunkenheadman Club!

Website: https://www.ulisesalvaradollamas.com/

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