Today we’d like to introduce you to Isai Oviedo.
Hi Isai, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been making art, comics, and designing games since I was a kid. As a teen, we got our first family computer and I started learning pixel art during the summer and really enjoyed it. An art teacher saw my interests and encouraged me to apply for art schools and I was able to attend art schools up until high school. I went to Design & Architecture Senior High- your first year you just study fine arts, then you choose between several branches of design like architecture, fashion, film, product design- I ended up choosing Graphic Design, which gave me a lot of familiarity with the Adobe suite and animation tools. Since then, I’ve always been working and freelancing for video games and animation. I got to work on a feature film (The Intergalactic Adventures of Max Cloud) and videogames (Super Kid Cannon, Bitmates) as well as make pixel art games for Doja Cat, Latto, Lil Pump, Faouzia, Corey Taylor, Rico Nasty, and more. A lot of my work is pixel art- so its cool to still be doing something 20 years later that I started as a teen.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There have been spells where the work dries up. I’ve worked in construction and offices to make ends meet, but I always use those times to improve my skills and expand my portfolio. My biggest struggle was charging too little because I didn’t value my own work. But thankfully, I feel like my work can speak for itself at this point and attracts clients to me without having to chase people down.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I do a bit of everything: pixel art, animation, illustration, comics, graphic design, motion graphics, etc. Lately I’m trying to push myself more into physical prints, merch, board games, and card games. On top of the visual aspect, I love to design games and experiences for people, whatever the medium. That might be “Who Dunnit” comic like “Who Stole My Croquetas?” or a 4 player board game like “Pixelements”.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be a chameleon: learn new skills, step out of your comfort zone, and say yes to projects as a challenge to yourself. Learn how to identify the client’s wants and needs, and learn the red flags of a client. Learn to price things where your time and skills are valued. For example: Fast, Good, and Cheap. You can only pick 2. If its fast and cheap, it can’t be good. If its good and cheap, it won’t be fast. And if its fast and good, it won’t be cheap.
Pricing:
- I might charge 250-400/Day depending on expediency or materials.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isai.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isai_sketches/
