Hi everyone! My name is Miguel Saldana, I was born in Mexico. I came to the US. when I was 22. I studied in
the Illinois Institute of Arts - Chicago and got a BA degree in Game Art and Design with a focus in character and environment modeling. Before finishing my studies there, exactly two classes away, I decided to complement my education by going to Vancouver Film School and study a 6 month program in Digital Character Animation. There is where I discovered my true passion for animation. I recently graduated on March 23, 2012. All I can say is that I had an amazing experience in both schools and met incredible instructors that really enjoyed CG and taught me with passion and devotion. All the work I am displaying here are my own, I have always worked on the side on my own skits, short films. I hope everyone enjoys it. My life as an artist began since I was little. Like most kids I always liked to paint and draw. Also, I had a natural talent in music. I come from a family where and from a country where art is not an option to study. 

I have a background in computer engineering. Even though I spent most of the time with my nose in a book I always had my notebooks full of colorful drawings and vivid music scores I came up with on my free time. I realized soon that I was more passionate about painting and writing music. 
To me art is freedom. Freedom is human nature. But we have never been free from limitations, pain, emotions. We don’t have to look deep into our hearts to know what we really want which is that intriguing and inspiring love for true freedom. Art definitely helps to get free of these variables by expressing them without words, by dancing, by chanting, by sculpting, by painting. You can communicate and inspire people you don’t know and probably will never know. The most amazing thing is that art doesn’t know any barriers. It is not involved in politics, and doesn’t support any religions. And what I like is that this is not a task for adventurers and courageous heroes. Anyone can manifest, express and admire the art around us.

I love working on concept art, design, modeling, and animating. Though I am a great admirer of traditional art and most of my art so far is with traditional techniques I work more currently on digital art. My work pipeline doesn’t change though. When I start a piece I always remind myself that I do not dictate what it should be on the piece. Instead, I just have to know what my main interest to communicate is. I also research a little bit of the theme to get to know it by heart. Then, I have to find the ingredients of the recipe. I think of some metaphors and symbolisms or ways to express myself without limiting my piece of one single meaning. That the way I put a little bit of myself in every single piece and leave the rest open to interpretation Feel free to critique my work and leave some feedback. Also check out my webpage.

Cheers!

Made by: Miguel Saldana
CG Artist & Digital Character Animator
Contact: mig.saldana@gmail.com
March 2012
miguelartsaldana.com