Milena Gonçalez
“Watching Disney movies, reading fantasy novels and traveling around the world inspired me to become an artist since I was a little girl. I was fascinated with the idea of drawing and telling stories, so I started my pursuit to become an animator by taking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Brazil (University of São Paulo) and, later, an Animation MFA at SCAD (USA).
Even though the animation industry has changed and shifted to 3D and digitally animated “puppets”, my fascination with traditionally drawn frames led me to become a 2D Effects animator, so after completing my studies I landed in Vancouver, Canada to work for Rick and Morty Season 3. As an FX Artist, I was responsible for creating and conceptualising hand-drawn 2D FX sequences which met the aesthetic, creative, and technical quality standards of the production. Working with a team of talented and experienced animators has taught me more then all my previous student years combined.
I have a passion for traditional animation and I am interested in every aspect of the pipeline. My interest in animation intertwines my love of the Fine Arts and capabilities of the CG world. My energy and passion in the film making world stems from projects that reach and inspire family audiences worldwide.
In my spare time, I am still either drawing characters for fun and practice, or searching for inspiration through movies, books and artistic communities. My hope is to contribute to the arts and film industry and inspire others just as much as they inspired me.”
