What is your name and your current occupation?
 My name is Danielle Mascaro Pioli, and I’m a freelance artist.What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I’ve never worked before I get into animation.
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
I did some illustrations for my boyfriend’s personal short film. It’s not done yet, but I’m proud of being a part of his first classic animation work.
I did some illustrations for my boyfriend’s personal short film. It’s not done yet, but I’m proud of being a part of his first classic animation work.
How did you become interested in animation?
I always loved drawing. Since I can remember. But I didn’t know what to do with it until I decided to learn 3D software. When I really got into this world (thanks to my sister, my boyfriend and my cousin), I started to understand how things really work in the industry. Then I decided to take digital painting classes to become a concept artist, and I’m on my way to be a part of the visual development crew of some nice films.
I always loved drawing. Since I can remember. But I didn’t know what to do with it until I decided to learn 3D software. When I really got into this world (thanks to my sister, my boyfriend and my cousin), I started to understand how things really work in the industry. Then I decided to take digital painting classes to become a concept artist, and I’m on my way to be a part of the visual development crew of some nice films.
Where are you from and how did you get into the animation business?
I’m from Brazil. My city is Santo André, next to São Paulo. I put my work on the internet, luckly I was found by the right people!
I’m from Brazil. My city is Santo André, next to São Paulo. I put my work on the internet, luckly I was found by the right people!
What’s a typical day like for you with regards to your job?
My days are all about art. Since I’m a freelancer, I work at home. It’s hard to keep the discipline, wake up early (since I’m such a night person), but all of my days are about art. When I’m not working for any client, I do personal work. I’m always drawing and painting something new. Practicing. When I’m not doing my own stuff either, I’m looking at other artists’ work to get inspired.
My days are all about art. Since I’m a freelancer, I work at home. It’s hard to keep the discipline, wake up early (since I’m such a night person), but all of my days are about art. When I’m not working for any client, I do personal work. I’m always drawing and painting something new. Practicing. When I’m not doing my own stuff either, I’m looking at other artists’ work to get inspired.
What part of your job do you like best? Why?
What I like best is definitely the fun I have and be able to create something that might make someone smile. The way we communicate ourselves through art is a magnificent thing that makes me feel free and creative, like a child.
What I like best is definitely the fun I have and be able to create something that might make someone smile. The way we communicate ourselves through art is a magnificent thing that makes me feel free and creative, like a child.
What part of your job do you like least? Why?
I have to think a lot to find an answer to that question… I think it’s kinda easy to get frustrated while you’re drawing. There are days that our hands simply doesn’t answer to our brains command. I easily feel that I’m not good enough when I get frustrated. But I guess we all have to go through that to improve.
I have to think a lot to find an answer to that question… I think it’s kinda easy to get frustrated while you’re drawing. There are days that our hands simply doesn’t answer to our brains command. I easily feel that I’m not good enough when I get frustrated. But I guess we all have to go through that to improve.
What kind of technology do you work with on a daily basis?
The simple stuff and the fancy stuff. I still use paper, pencils, like many artists. The fancy part is that I paint most of my work digitally, so I need my laptop and my tablet. I admit I have a very fancy tablet, and I love it!
The simple stuff and the fancy stuff. I still use paper, pencils, like many artists. The fancy part is that I paint most of my work digitally, so I need my laptop and my tablet. I admit I have a very fancy tablet, and I love it!
What is the most difficult part for you about being in the business?
For me, in the country I’m in, is to get a nice job, with the challenges I need. With people that understand the industry. Brazil is a difficult country to live if you’re an artist. But that is just my opinion, not necessarily true. haha
For me, in the country I’m in, is to get a nice job, with the challenges I need. With people that understand the industry. Brazil is a difficult country to live if you’re an artist. But that is just my opinion, not necessarily true. haha
In your travels, have you had any brushes with animation greatness?
I got to meet a couple of great ex-Disney animators. Rosana Urbes and Sandro Cleuzo. They are not only great animators, but great people.
I got to meet a couple of great ex-Disney animators. Rosana Urbes and Sandro Cleuzo. They are not only great animators, but great people.
Describe a tough situation you had in life.
I don’t know if I’m too young or too lucky. Maybe both. But I still didn’t have a considered tough situation in life. Eventually it will come to everyone, we just need to keep our head up and believe in ourselves.
I don’t know if I’m too young or too lucky. Maybe both. But I still didn’t have a considered tough situation in life. Eventually it will come to everyone, we just need to keep our head up and believe in ourselves.
Any side projects or you’re working on or hobbies you’d like to share details of?
At the moment I’m working as designer on a brazilian short film called so far “O mistério do menino que virou milho” [Corn’s Miracle]. I’m also contributing as illustrator in a short film named “Friends Anyway”. And my personal work is my eternal hobby! Even if it’s only sketching around. Also, I enjoy taking photographs.
At the moment I’m working as designer on a brazilian short film called so far “O mistério do menino que virou milho” [Corn’s Miracle]. I’m also contributing as illustrator in a short film named “Friends Anyway”. And my personal work is my eternal hobby! Even if it’s only sketching around. Also, I enjoy taking photographs.
Any unusual talents or hobbies like tying a cherry stem with your tongue or metallurgy?
Not really. I’m kind of a boring person, I guess. haha No unusual talents that I can remember.
Not really. I’m kind of a boring person, I guess. haha No unusual talents that I can remember.
Is there any advice you can give for an aspiring animation student or artist trying to break into the business?
I’m kind of one of them, actually. But I have advice anyway. It can’t be more cliche than this, but follow your dreams, listen to your heart, practice and don’t give up! I believe those advice is the key to be successful. Always be open for critiques. Make friends in the business, they can help you a lot. Always share knowledgement, people might teach you as well. The last thing is almost like a rule: ALWAYS HAVE FUN!
I’m kind of one of them, actually. But I have advice anyway. It can’t be more cliche than this, but follow your dreams, listen to your heart, practice and don’t give up! I believe those advice is the key to be successful. Always be open for critiques. Make friends in the business, they can help you a lot. Always share knowledgement, people might teach you as well. The last thing is almost like a rule: ALWAYS HAVE FUN!
Wow! Congrats Danielle! Excited to see you on here! Great interview!
That’s a nice interview Danielle! and Indeed a good advise in the last answer. 🙂 Congrats!