@leandrobeltran

Instagram: @leandrobeltran Facebook: www.facebook.com/leandrobeltra Website: www.beltra.tv  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

I'm a 31 years old art director and animator who lives in São Paulo, Brazil. I grew up here and was ever interested in illustration and design since childhood. When I was a teenager, I just wanted to skate and listen to music, influenced by MTV in the 90's. Further, I would realize that I wanted to be a motion designer, so I began to study on my own.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

I think most of the artists struggles to find their style and this question often appears in my mind too. But I believe to be versatile is the best for me, so I don't feel myself under pressure to define a single aesthetic, or to have a unique style. Everyone is in constant transformation and art is always changing together. I like the challenge of exploring new techniques and styles every time. But to summarize my aesthetic in a few concepts I try to practice when I'm creating, they would be: Minimalism, irreverent colors, geometric fundamentals, originality.

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

I always loved television and I still do. As I usually produce animations, the mediums who support videos are my favorite. So, I would say television is my preferred, but I think internet is getting more and more relevant.

4. What is your artistic process like?

Almost every time my process is the same: I start sketching anything on paper, sometimes the idea evolves, sometimes don't. If I think the rough draw has potential, I will develop it. Next, it will depend on the technique I will have to use. If I want a 3d render, I should go to a 3d software right away. But, I often work with Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects too.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

- The world itself is my main inspiration, knowing places, travelling around. Coming back home after a vacation trip is when tons of ideas and new stuff I saw crowd my head. Seeing people out there creating stunning art and films inspire me to create too. To be part of this world, to contribute somehow.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Art plays a very important role in my life, it keeps me excited and inspired to create and think new things. I don't know if art changes the way I see the world or if the world determine how I see or feel about art.

7. Where did you study?

I went to college to study Jornalism and Social Communication (focused on TV productions) at Universidade Anhembi Morumbi. I graduated in 2006, I think. Years later, I went to a fine arts school (Escola Panamericana de Arte), but I was too lazy, so I gave up.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years? Working in an agency?

It's hard to imagine what future holds for us, and so many different things can happen that we don't even thought about. But I can see myself still working on film production companies, maybe directing animated commercial spots. Never thought of working for an agency.

9. What about in ten?

To be the owner and creative behind a design and animation studio. Who knows?

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

Making people feel good about it. To make people think about it. Every feeling is valid. Speaking of material achievements, I hope to gain professional recognition at international level, meeting people all around the world, communicating my ideas to as many people is possible...

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

Hard to choose just one... Strogonoff is a finalist for sure. Pizza, pasta and barbecue are honorable mentions.

12. Favourite book?

I'm not a great books reader, I'm so much more into movies... But I would say "The catcher in the rye" book is one that I enjoyed the reading.

13. Favourite genre of music?

Rock

14. What are your hobbies?

Drinking beer has been my favorite hobby so far, I also started to practice indoor gardening lately... I like go surfing whenever is possible.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

Well, I always dreamed of being a rock star. But being realistic, I think that I would fit any profession in human sciences.