Follow this link and read the THU Tales with Victor Hugo
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This is a story about following your dreams, pursuing your passions and being inspired. Pedro Ragazzi started out his working life as a lawyer in Brazil. It was a stable job, of course, but “it quickly made me and other people miserable,” says Ragazzi.
In 2012, Ragazzi started dabbling in 3D as a hobby and began studying design. “The joy of creating resonated with my core, and I knew that was what I wanted to do with my time,” he says. “Since then, I saved a couple hours every week to study art, film and CGI as much as I could.”
But this new path wasn’t easy and “for many reasons”, Ragazzi says he was ready to quit his new career in CGI. That was, until one of his heroes, Brazilian 3D artist Victor Hugo Queiroz, told his followers about the Trojan Horse was a Unicorn event in Troia, Portugal and how great - and how unique - it was.
“I listened!” exclaims Ragazzi. “This was in early 2014. When they announced the last 3 tickets to THU 2015, I took the leap. What could be the worst thing that could happen?”
It would be Ragazzi’s first time out of Brazil but as soon as he arrived in Troia, he says, “THU felt like home. I was surrounded by people who had the very same dreams and ambitions as I did, and I don't think I could get that from any other place on Earth. It seemed like the goal I was working towards wasn't that crazy after all.”
Asked about a highlight from the 2015 event, Ragazzi struggles to name just one. “There were so may incredible and successful human beings that gave me personal and professional mentorship on an eye to eye level that it feels wrong not naming them. But if I must pick someone, it would have to be Iain McCaig and Dice Tsutsumi - please allow me to pick two!”
“After talking to them,” adds Ragazzi, “they inspired me not only to keep pursuing my dreams, but to make them bigger and more meaningful to others. Therefore, I'm directing a group of 40 artists to make our first animated short - a story about a struggling female artist.”
And that’s a common theme amongst the responses many attendees have to THU; the wealth of inspiration and mentorship coming from the speakers and the inspiration to go out and continue to create.
It helps, too, that many attendees meet many other arists and creators of like-mindedness in Troia. “I made many, many friends from all over the world,” notes Ragazzi, “and we keep in touch. We trade feedback and stories and I'm a better professional and a better person for having them in my life.”
Ragazzi, who will be returning to THU in 2016, says he quickly made the most of the casual, collaborative and inclusive environment at THU last year, an experience which has credits as a turning point in his life and career. And he has some tips for new attendees. “Have fun showing your portfolio around. Ask for critiques. Using an iPad might be super helpful for this. Eat well, and don't drink way too much.”
There are also ways, suggests Ragazzi, for getting over any initial fears about being amongst your peers. “Don't be afraid to talk to people. Artists are usually very introverted, and when you're gentle with your greetings with them, they can become amazing friends, and even co-workers!”
You can check out some of Pedro’s artwork here: https://www.artstation.com/artist/ragazzi
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Follow this link and read the THU Tales with Victor Hugo
