We’re looking forward to introducing you to Carlos Semple Jr.. Check out our conversation below.
Carlos, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve been called to put more of my energy into children’s educational work, which is something I never really saw myself doing before. I only started getting into it in 2024, but it’s been a big part of my journey this past year. I’ve been collaborating with artists who are really involved in the community, like working with Delta Tango Mike on the Buttercup Steam Workshop and with Hotep of the “Black Lion & Cubs” book series. I also recently signed on with a team to animate a children’s book series. What makes this new direction so different for me is that I don’t have kids of my own (that I’m aware of), so stepping into the world of children’s education has been both eye-opening and rewarding.
Since COVID, the national reading average among children has been on a rapid decline, and that mixed with the braindead decisions of our current administration honestly worries me. I think about my niece and nephew a lot when I’m doing this work. My nephew is an incredibly smart student, but I still wonder what kind of resources and support kids like him will have as they grow up. That’s why I’ve found purpose in creating and contributing to projects that make learning more engaging and accessible through art. It feels like a way I can give back while also helping the next generation stay curious and confident.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carlos Semple Jr. and I’m a 2D animator, storyboard artist, and illustrator. Over the past 7 years, I’ve worked on everything from short films and music videos to international commercial projects, and I’ve built my brand around creating animation that blends comedy and action. A lot of my inspiration comes from growing up in Queens, New York, with both sides of my family coming from South American countries. Being surrounded by so many different cultures and perspectives really shaped the way I see the world, and it naturally finds its way into my work.
What makes my art unique is that I approach animation with the same energy and rhythm you would find in a critically acclaimed Newgrounds short from 2011 or an over-budgeted comedy special from a washed-up comedian. I liken this to the Anthony Bourdain approach, finding profound connection and authenticity in unexpected places (or parts unknown). It’s all about connecting with an audience, a principle I fuel with my core mission: to make people laugh and keep them utterly engaged. My experiences with diverse cultures have bolstered not only my creativity but also my understanding of how food, music, history, and stories connect us. For me, animation is about more than just visuals; it’s about creating an experience that resonates, inspires, and sticks with people long after they have seen it.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was my first trip to Guyana in 2017 with my father. It was my first time visiting the country where my father’s side of my family is from, and it felt completely different from trips I had taken to places like Cuba, Costa Rica, or Panama. Those countries were Spanish-speaking, and since I know very little Spanish, I often felt out of place. Guyana is English-speaking, so I felt an instant connection.
What made the trip so powerful was the sense of freedom I experienced. In the States, I constantly feel an overwhelming sense of dread, but in Guyana I could walk freely, eat, drink, rest, and experience true peace. I was able to disconnect from the online world and immerse myself in my family’s culture and history. I explored Georgetown, the old Dutch trading port, and saw how the city and country are transforming as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. I also learned about colonial influences, from fries being called chips and driving on the left, to Guyana having the largest Hindu population in South America. That trip gave me a deeper understanding of my roots and a new perspective on the world and my place in it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
INVEST IN BITCOIN!!!!!! Seriously though, if I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to always be a forever student of the game and trust that putting in those 10,000 hours really does pay off. Every sketch, every frame, every project adds up, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. Also, deadass, while you’re at it, maybe throw a lil something into Bitcoin.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the animation industry tells itself is that it’s a pure meritocracy. The idea that the best talent naturally rises to the top sounds nice, but in reality it’s more about who you know, who vouches for you, and sometimes just being in the right place at the right time. I hear it all the time from friends who’ve worked on big productions: your portfolio might get you in the door, but connections, referrals, and “fitting in” often end up deciding who gets the job.
Nepotism and networking play a massive role. People tend to bring on folks they’ve worked with before or who they feel comfortable with, which isn’t always about raw talent. That’s not to say the people getting those jobs can’t do the work, but it definitely means the playing field is far from even. Add in things like unpaid internships, the high cost of living in animation hubs, or the expectation to grind 80-hour weeks, and you start to see how many structural barriers keep talented artists from even getting a shot. I’m strictly speaking from the U.S. side of things. I can’t even imagine other countries go through.
That’s why I’m grateful my career path has involved smaller, independent studios instead of only chasing major productions. In those spaces, I’ve been able to focus more on the work itself, collaborate with people who are genuinely passionate, and avoid some of the harsher gatekeeping that comes with big-name projects. It’s given me the chance to grow on my own terms, without feeling like I have to play a rigged game.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
In a sense, yes. Even outside of animation, I feel I am living what I was meant to do. I believe everyone has a purpose, whether it is big or small, broad or specific. Mine is to entertain. I know I can’t save the world. The world can barely save itself. But if I can brighten someone’s day, or bring even the smallest smirk in their hardest moments, then I have done my job. My purpose is fulfilled, and for me, that is enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://semplecarlos.wixsite.com/mgs3
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carl.oats/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-semple-914b76164/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/carloats
