Daniel Arriaga: Celebrated Illustrator and Pixar Visionary

Artistic portrait of Ani, capturing the vibrant and diverse expressions of Latinx culture

Daniel Arriaga, born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, has made remarkable contributions to the animation industry through his innovative character and set designs. His journey from a production assistant to a leading artist at Pixar Animation Studios exemplifies his dedication and talent.

Early Life and Education

Arriaga pursued his passion for art and animation at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, where he honed his skills and prepared for a career in animation.

Career at Pixar Animation Studios

In May 2001, Arriaga joined Pixar Animation Studios as a Production Assistant on “Monsters, Inc.” His evident talent facilitated a swift transition to the art department, where he contributed as a Sketch Artist on the Academy Award-winning “Ratatouille,” focusing on character and set designs. He continued to showcase his artistic prowess on acclaimed films such as “WALL•E” and “Up.” Notably, Arriaga served as the Character Art Director for “Toy Story 3,” overseeing the visual development of new and existing characters.

Tenure at Walt Disney Animation Studios

In 2009, Arriaga expanded his horizons by joining Walt Disney Animation Studios as a Visual Development Artist on “Wreck-It Ralph” and as Art Director for “Prep & Landing 2.” These roles allowed him to further refine his artistic vision and contribute to the visual storytelling of Disney’s animated features.

Return to Pixar and Work on “Coco”

Arriaga returned to Pixar in 2011, taking on the role of Character Art Director for the culturally rich film “Coco.” His deep understanding of Mexican culture and traditions was instrumental in authentically bringing the film’s characters to life. His exceptional work on “Coco” earned him an Annie Award, recognizing his outstanding achievement in character design.

Screenshot depicting the importance of Latinx heritage in contemporary media or social movements

Freelance Endeavors and Teaching

As of May 2019, Arriaga embarked on a freelance career, collaborating with various studios including Illumination, Warner Bros, and Netflix. Beyond his contributions to animated films, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists. Arriaga offers courses on character design through Schoolism, sharing his extensive industry experience and insights with aspiring illustrators.

External Resources

For more insights into Daniel Arriaga’s work and contributions, consider these resources: