Here at LEVEL UP, we had the opportunity to interview Ancelmo Toledo Álvarez, originally from Mexico and dedicated as an Associate Character Artist at Blizzard Entertainment.
He tells us from his perspective how his experience of leaving his country of origin to venture into the world of work abroad and thus achieve a successful job in the video game industry.
For sure, his experience will help inspire people who dream of working abroad.
Next, we will leave you the exclusive interview with Ancelmo.
Name, position in Blizzard, and place of origin:
My name is Ancelmo Toledo Álvarez; I was born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico, had a somewhat nomadic childhood living in various places such as Tijuana, Los Cabos, back to Guadalajara, and finally settled in a town in the Altos de Jalisco, Yahualica. My current role at Blizzard is as an Associate Character Artist for the World of Warcraft video game.
What is your work at Blizzard specifically about?
I created everything from weapons to characters, including creatures, pets, mounts, accessories, and armor sets for the characters, from concept art to models and textures ready for the game.
What are the highlights you have had in your job?
At the moment, I could comment two highlights that I think have been important; one is to know the entire "process" of how to create content for the video game, since this involves knowledge of multiple disciplines. The other would be " work as a team'' since the development of video games is somewhat complex. You need to constantly communicate with various departments so the material is artistically and technically appropriate for the game quality and also it’s always important to create a good work environment.
If we talk about content for the video game, at the moment, it would be the boss ''Vigilant Guardian'' for patch 9.2 Shadowlands Eternity's End and the mount ''Jigglesworth Sr.'' Since most of the content I've worked on it’s for the ''Dragonlight'' expansion.
Do you think that studying your area, the place where you live, is an essential factor? What was your case?
I think this is a somewhat relative question in general. I believe that an artist can have better opportunities if they develops in a city with more content in the industry since they can have better school options, be in contact with people from the industry, have prospects for an internship, and simply relate better to the medium.
This does not exclude that an artist can also develop in an area without much technological development; it is enough to have internet, where we can find classes, tutorials, books, articles, and contact people from the industry, etc.
Making a solid portfolio, and forging yourself with work experience, whether face-to-face or remote, sounds a bit more laborious, but this second option was my case.
Was it difficult for you to get a job in this area in the United States?
As an almost self-taught artist, I could say that it was not something easy. I had to gain experience and gradually climb into the industry, experimenting between 3D animation, video games, architectural renderings, and 3D printing.
I think it is more complicated than how it could happen with other artists who live in this area of the USA and have access to good schools, mentors, events, and internships.
But I could say that I have enjoyed and valued my career development, forging myself and growing in each job and new company I have worked in.
Have you already had experience working in a similar position for another company in the United States?
Yes, although always remote from Mexico, I worked for Present Creative, AutoAttack Games, Motion Logic Studios, and another developer that has changed its name. To avoid making mistakes, I can only comment that it was for the video game ''Wild Sky TD''.
As a Latin person, do you consider it a challenge to join the gaming industry in another country (or the USA)?
As I mentioned before, being in a country like the USA in this environment can make things a little easier for you. Still, I think Latinos, like any other person from different parts of the world, can attract attention through globalization and the development of digital media and the internet.
I have been fortunate to meet Mexican artists and many other nationalities. Latinos have the same abilities to join the gaming industry in the US or other countries.
You just have to get informed, interact, develop in the profession, invest in going to conventions, and do whatever it takes for the industry to see your work. I know many Latinos who have been successful in various parts of the world. I personally applaud all the people who have left their country (either temporarily or indefinitely) to excel in a foreign country.
As a Latino, do you consider that you have the same opportunities as those born in the USA in the gaming industry?
I think this answer may be related to the previous one. Being in a country like the USA can increase your chances of entering the gaming industry, but if you are good at your profession, you can also achieve it anywhere as a Latino.
How much Latin participation have you seen in the gaming industry?
The truth is that I have seen more than I could have expected. I know Latinos in large companies such as Tencent Games, Santa Monica Studio, Bungie, Amazon Games, and several in Activision Blizzard. I am sure there are many more than I do not know in studios worldwide.
What do you think the perspective of the gaming industry towards Latin participation is?
I predict a promising development towards Latino participation. I believe that Latinos are being considered more and more because we have been opening the gap and demonstrating that we can adapt both to the work environment and the quality demands in the most significant studios of the gaming industry.
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