Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge M Velez.
Jorge M, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, in a household surrounded by a love and appreciation for art.
When I was little, my father noticed me and my brother drawing on the walls. Instead of scolding us, we were brought to our room and told we can draw all we want on the wall beside our bunk bed. At the time I did not appreciate how valuable having an artistic outlet like that was to me, but even then I always knew I wanted to just draw for the rest of my life.
I live in Smyrna, GA now, as a professional Illustrator. Moved to Atlanta in 2009 to live with my then girlfriend and now wife. Since then I have been part of many amazing and wonderful projects. My work has taken me to lengths that were once impossible to imagine for me.
It was not without its cost, either, but it was all worth it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest sacrifice I have ever made was moving away from my family. I took the risk knowing I would be far away from home, but at times, it still hurts knowing we are an ocean apart.
Other than that, the struggles I faced were no more different than the average fresh out of college artist. I actually wanted to become a web designer/programmer, but when I had my first job, I immediately realized it was not for me. When the old studio went under, I was laid off. I then spent years working customer service and retail, doing freelance art and web design on the side, before finally landing a proper illustration studio job. I give thanks to the support of our family during this time and their patience in our search for work.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about JMV – what should we know?
During the day I work full time for Floyd County Productions, a studio best known for their work on the animated comedy show Archer. I currently am part of the Illustration team, which is tasked with drawing the character models, props, and such and preparing them for the animation department.
I want to say that working with our team is probably the best part of this. Through the years I have been able to not only grow better as an artist independently but meet the people who would become some of my best friends today.
When I am home, I work freelance for multiple video game related apparel companies and online personalities designing shirts, pins, and other types of merchandise.
In this case, I am personally known for using limited color palettes, dynamic character compositions and a love for old school anime and the 16-bit era of gaming. It still blows my mind that I have been able to work for companies and clients such as Fangamer, Yetee, Capcom, VGDunkey, among many others.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My father Jorge and my mother, Anita. They have not only been very supportive of my work but also very constructive in their criticism. In a way, their honesty and bluntness prepared me for the professional environment later on. They did a great job of also being there when I needed the right kind of encouragement and motivation.
My wife Margeaux for joining me in the journey that came after I left home. She is one of the most talented artists I’ve met, and also a very giving and caring person. I still admire her very much and often turn to her for advice in the professional field and anything else in general.
And my friends, and peers. I would mention them all but I’d be here all day. They are the people who challenge me, who push me further and support me in every way they can. No matter how small, they deserve credit.
Contact Info:
- Email: jmanvelez@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaigetsudo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kaigetsudo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kaigetsudo
- Other: https://artofjmv.squarespace.com/
Image Credit:
Jorge M Velez, Fangamer, Yacht Club Games, Dunkey’s Castle
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