Animation Guild | We are 839 Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475662
SPRING 2022 13 Growing up in an artistic family with a plastic surgeon and art collector for a father, a floral designer for a mother, and a writer for an older brother, Ramirez Ramos says he wasn't met with any pressure when he decided to continue his education in the United States instead of staying in Mexico. He studied illustration for a year at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. However, when he got accepted to CalArts in 2007, "that's where I really found my community," he says. He likens it to a monastery where he was immersed in learning every day. After graduation, Ramirez Ramos briefly worked in graphic design for Disney Consumer Products before landing a job as a storyboard artist on Gravity Falls— something he says was so hands-on, he equates it to still being in school. As he gained more experience, he considered himself lucky to find talented people who allowed him to insert his own creativity. He went on to win an Emmy in Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation for his work on the show. He's since worked on classic projects like Mickey Mouse shorts. "When I was drawing it, it didn't feel like an icon," he says. "It really felt like it was all about the story and about what the character was feeling." Ramirez Ramos says that working on these and other known properties like Steven Universe Future, the Cartoon Network series where he served as Writer, Director, and Co- executive Producer, feels very personal even though they are branded television. "I put a lot of my thoughts and heart into it, and I really enjoy seeing the passion of everyone around it," he explains. He's also developed other series with friends, where he thrives because he's a support system to others' visions—something he finds satisfying. His current home at Disney Television Animation as Executive Producer, Development, has also influenced his growth as a person because he interacts more with people. "It's not only drawing, but presenting my ideas, speaking up in meetings. I went from being more shy to being more open and receptive," he says. "Finding that support really helped me open up. [Because] at the same time, I was coming to terms with my identity as a queer man." Ramirez Ramos adds that he doesn't want his art to be limited to animation. "I have interest in puppets, and I have interest in just getting back to sketching for myself," he says, though he still loves where he's going with his journey in animation. He's excited about the new people it will introduce him to and the new projects it will bring to the screen. One thing he's certain of—he won't forget a minute of it. — Whitney Friedlander top left: Ramirez Ramos (center) with Joe Johnston and Matthew Braly. right: Ramirez Ramos with his family. opposite page: An Aladdin doodle on Ramirez Ramos' homework. T H E C L I M B