Leo is a freelance animator and illustrator living in California's Central Valley.

 

Like most kids, Leo grew up on a steady diet of cartoons, often drawing his favorite characters as a way to try to own a piece of them in lieu of owning the toys. When he and his family moved to Japan, he fully immersed himself in the country's pop culture - particularly the rich animation, comic, and video game culture that continues to heavily fuel, inform, and influence him to this day. 

 

After moving back to the US and graduating from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cinema Studies, he spent a few years in educational IT before returning to his first love. He studied animation at De Anza College where he created his first film, The Turtle and the Monkey, an adaptation of a Filipino folk tale. 

 

He has been freelancing since 2012, creating art and animation for projects ranging from music videos, to animated training films to card games. His clients include Iron Mountain, Bleacher Report, Washington Gas, Medieval Lords and Respect Music. 

 

When he isn't at his drawing desk, Leo enjoys discovering new music, collecting art books, and daydreaming about all of the movies/books/games he'd like to watch/read/play someday.