Ep 7. Jose Zelaya: Character Designer

Jose Zelaya: Character Designer takes viewers behind the scenes of the Walt Disney Animation Studios to meet Jose Zelaya. Zelaya, a character designer, has worked on many beloved Disney films such as Moana and Zootopia. In this episode, viewers get to see the creative process behind Zelaya's work and how he brings characters to life.

The episode begins with Zelaya talking about his passion for drawing and storytelling. He always knew he wanted to work in animation and he pursued a degree in animation and character design. The show then takes viewers to the Walt Disney Animation Studios where Zelaya works.

Zelaya explains that as a character designer, his job is to create the look and feel of the characters. He works closely with the animators to make sure that the designs are not only visually appealing, but also functional for animators to work with. The episode then shows Zelaya working on a new project, creating a character for an upcoming film.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when Zelaya explains his process for creating a character. He starts with researching different styles and looks that could work for the character. He then sketches out different designs, looking for a look that fits the character's personality and the overall tone of the film. Once a design is chosen, he creates a 3D model of the character to see how it will look in different poses and scenes.

The episode also explores Zelaya's role in creating characters from diverse backgrounds. He talks about the importance of representation in animation and how his own experiences have influenced his work. Viewers get to see how he incorporates cultural elements into his designs and how he works with other designers and animators to make sure that characters are depicted accurately and respectfully.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to see some of Zelaya's previous work, including characters from Moana, Zootopia, and Frozen 2. It's amazing to see how different each of these characters are and how much thought goes into each one. Zelaya also talks about how his work has evolved over the years and how he is always looking for new ways to challenge himself creatively.

The episode ends with Zelaya talking about what he loves most about his job: the ability to create characters that people will love and remember for years to come. He also talks about the impact that Disney has had on him personally and how he feels honored to be a part of such a beloved company.

Overall, Jose Zelaya: Character Designer is an inspiring look at one of the many talented people behind some of the most iconic animated characters of all time. It's a great episode for anyone who loves animation or is interested in the creative process behind it.