Pablo Leon, illustrator, author and director, spoke at UT’s BIPOC PoP, a comics, gaming, animation art expo and symposium. Leon illustrated “Miles Morales: Shock Waves” and its follow-up, “Stranger Tides,” from Marvel and Scholastic. The Daily Texan sat down with Leon to discuss his experience as an artist.
The Daily Texan: Can you walk me through your career path up until now?
Pablo Leon: I originally started in animation. That’s my main job. I started working at Warner Brothers somewhere during the pandemic era. Around then, I got nominated for an Eisner for (“The Journey”).
From there, I was able to jump on Marvel and Scholastic. They were trying to make kids’ comics with superheroes that were accessible for anyone, especially children. So, I got on board with that … and we did the first Miles Morales book with Marvel and Scholastic.
DT: What experiences throughout your life inspired you to become an illustrator?
PL: I’m from Guatemala. I grew up over there, and when I was still living there, my mom sent me … a VHS (tape) of “Aladdin.” It was in English, so I didn’t really understand it, but I watched the hell out of it. … Just being able to watch it (and) understand it without really understanding the dialogue — it was amazing.
DT: Why do you think it’s important to come and speak at university events like the BIPOC PoP Expo?
PL: It’s a great opportunity to hear where other professionals are. … Just hearing what worked for other people and how you can take some of (those) rough points and just fly on your own.
DT: What advice would you give to students who are aspiring illustrators or interested in working in the animation and comic industries?
PL: Looking at people for reference but trying to go beyond those references. Because sometimes we tend to fall back on trying to copy what we see a lot, especially now, because our work is so accessible.
DT: Since you’re speaking with this new generation of illustrators and comics, what improvements or innovations do you hope to see introduced in your field in the future?
PL: Right now, we’re in the best time to make new things because a lot of the technology is so accessible. And when I say that, I don’t mean AI. I’m completely against it. But more like we have open-source programs like the Oscar winner for animation. “Flow” was made in an open-source, free program. (There are) a lot of cheaper options for drawing digitally right now.
