Podenco – a quick interview

How and why did your journey into animation begin?

I started adding animation to my filmmaking skills in 2012. As a filmmaker, I wasn’t happy with the projects I was developing. So discovering Motion Design and Animation was a turning point in finding my voice as a creative. I learned it from online tutorials. Suddenly I was able to enjoy the process more and also I started feeling more aligned with the outcome.

What are your sources of inspiration?

I like to read. Basically Comic Books, Essays, Novels, Poetry and Magazines. I’d say that the most fruitful inspiration always comes outside Social Media and the online world. Doing sport, especially cycling, helps me a lot to spark some creative ideas. Obviously, when I’m commissioned to do some work and I need to reference something really quick, I use the common paths of research: Vimeo, Instagram, Behance and Pinterest.

Tell us about your creative process.

It always starts with some wordplay. I need to write the ideas first. I use mind maps and lists to do so. From there I start working on the structure, which usually has the form of a written document. Then, I jump into visualization tools, like Storyboards and Designs.

Is there a part of the process that bores you? And instead which part is the one that excites you?

One of the biggest challenges as a creative professional is to keep the curiosity and motivation alive. In an ever changing industry where trends come and go, sometimes it is hard to know how to add value. Research and constant learning is key to maintaining a good amount of creative muscle. In terms of preference, I love when an idea transforms into a meaningful image. Obviously, that happens after a tough design process, which is the stage I struggle the most. Finding that core image is like lighting a flame that will help me to find the exit in a dark tunnel. It is relieving and the ultimate evidence to know that you’re on track.

How would you define the animation scene not linked to big brands? Is there an audience? What channels do you use to post and reach as many viewers as possible?

The creative landscape is changing, deeply influenced by the way we consume content through social media. On one hand it is sad to note that there is less room to develop narrative projects. Somehow we live under the tyranny of short form animations. On the other hand, it is really exciting to know that there is a playground to experiment through these fragmented feeds. It seems that nowadays it is easier to get an audience, but I’m afraid that doesn’t mean to connect with it. I used to have a strong presence in Vimeo, but its reach has decreased, so I started using Instagram to showcase my work.