My name is Andrés Zorrilla. Currently I´m working as an Animator on a Long 3D Film called Metegol/Futbolin.
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
My first job (when I finished school) was very disappointing and crazy. I was offered an internship in a graphic design studio, of course I was very excited about the idea of achieving my first experience in the industry. The funny story about this is that at the end I finished being the studio car driver, driving the owner from one place to another with my own car.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
A few years ago I was the Modeler and Animator in charge of the new broadcast brand for Fox Sports Latam. That was my first experience working for TV and I feel the outcome was really good. Also.. I won a contest @ Pixologic – Zbrush (Digital Sculptor Artist Community), and now I´m part of their gallery, I´m very proud for that.
 How did you become interested in animation?
When I was a child, I watched a lot of cartoons like Hall of Justice, Transformers, Centella, Disney stories, Hanna Barbera and as I grew up the Video Games started to blew up my mind! My best plan was to come back from school and spent hours watching and analyzing cartoons. I had always thought about the possibility of being part of the creation of those amazing stories and fantasies.  I’ve started to make drawings on the walls in my room and decorating my place with toys and cartoon posters. Then in the middle of 90´s I met the first version of Maya and from that moment it was one way trip! Being able to create my own characters was something I’ve always dreamt.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I was born in Colombia (Cali) but since 2004 I’ve been living in Argentina (Buenos Aires). When I’ve finished my university studies as an architect (2000) I left Colombia to study a master degree in digital arts. With my architectural background together with my personal interest in characters I’ve started to create scenes and characters. I’ve finally started modeling and animating projects for my clients, at the beginning all project were more related to architecture, until I’ve started to work for animation projects, which of course I’ve never stopped. I´m proud to say that my job is my best hobby and working in 3D is something I’ll never change.
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
I begin my day with a good glass of chocolate milk. Which not only makes me feel energetic but also it wakes up my childish side, which of course I’ll never leave aside, since it’s my engine to create! Since I’ve been working in this movie I arrive to the studio and start working in the animation process with all my colleagues. We usually get together during lunch to talk about the latest 3D movies and new trends of the industry.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
This is a very complicate question for me, because I really enjoy the hole CG process, but I would say animating, modeling and sculpting are what I most like. Basically because of the complexity and creativity each process requires. I love challenges!
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
Rendering! I’m so into creating stuff that the rendering process sometimes makes me sick! Or even testing lights and/or textures, because during that period of time you can’t do anything else until the machine finishes it’s process.
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
I think the most difficult part is to achieve a better level each day to become an icon in this industry.
 What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
At the studio we work with Dell workstation’s. And for my personal projects I use MacPro and a Wacom Tablet.
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I met Sergio Pablos, the writer for “Despicable meâ€, character designer for Rio, Tarzan, and animator for Hercules. I had the opportunity to join several workshops directed by Sergio about animation.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
Leaving my country seven years ago and starting to build a new life abroad was a tough challenge. Nowadays I can say I’m happy and enjoying my new life in Argentina, but of course at the beginning it wasn’t so easy. (Nobody said it was going to be easy!)
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
I’m working in some portraits with ZBrush, building my new website with my latest works that of course I’ll be sharing with you as soon as it’s LIVE.  In terms of hobbies I can say that for the past years I became an obsessed reader!
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
Yes, I have a big talent loosing cell phones, very important documents and caps! (I’m not proud about this, but is the awful true.)
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
Two (2) things: 1.- When you have to animate a character always take a look at the behavior of the people, attitudes, poses, how they move, try to act your scene and record it or do it with a mirror in front and build your own imaginary library. 2.- Dream a lot and fight for that, keep the faith and don’t leave anyone “cut your wings”.
