Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Vega.
Hi Jose, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Its a long story but briefly, After going to college for animation and working just afew years doing 3D work in Florida I stopped doing art for a while. I moved around and ended up in Puerto Rico which is where I grew up. It was not till my mid 20s where I started pursuing Concept Art in Games again from Puerto Rico. After about 5-6 years I started freelancing and gaining some clients but 2017 I got a job offer at a studio in austin Texas. However Puerto Rico got hit by 2 major Hurricanes, Irma and Maria. The whole island was on lockdownno electricity, gas or water. After about a month of that me and my wife got a chance to leave the island in a small private plane that was delivering supplies to Puerto Rico. We arrived in florida and then flew to Texas so I could start working. I worked for about 4-5 years at an animation studios working as the Lead Bakcgroudn Designer for the Castlevania Series on Nextflix while also working for many major companies as a freelancer. From Sony, WarnerBrother, Series, movies, etc.
After that, right before Covid I got a job as a Principal concept Artist for MAgic the Gathering at Wizard sof the Coast where I have been here for almost 6 years now. I have my own online educational platform where we have courses for anyone that wants to develop their portfolio as a concept artist and illustrator.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Well, moving out of Puerto Rico and sacrificing some things to be able to move to the states is always hard but it was a price I was willing to pay. I have been working nonstop since I moved and so that could lead to a solitary life for the most part. But it is something I enjoy and finding that balance is always a tricky space to navigate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Worldbuilders Workshop?
I have been teaching for over a decade but this platform is really all the information I have on how to navigate this industry no matter the level. This isnt just someone teaching a course of something they used to do. This is literally all my experiences of over 15 years that I still do practice. Im still working in the industry as a professional and so everything I teach is relevant and current.
We also have other courses by other professional artists in other industries as well.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
hhhmm good question. I dont have a lot of memories but I do remember life being more simple.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imaworldbuilder.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofjosevega/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artofjosevega/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtofJoseVega
