Today we’d like to introduce you to Jorge Lega
Hi Jorge, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been interested in the arts ever since I was young, largely influenced by my uncle, who is a graphic designer and still works in the field today. Spending time with him and observing his work sparked my initial curiosity about design. He introduced me to the world of art and graphic design, which set the foundation for my creative journey.
As I grew older, my interest deepened, especially when I discovered motion design. The first time I felt truly inspired was after watching the title sequences of movies like Seven and Fight Club. I was fascinated by how those titles were crafted, and I knew I wanted to pursue work in that realm.
My exploration into digital art began with a program called TrueSpace. From there, I got my hands on a trial CD-ROM of 3ds Max, version 3 or 4. I vividly remember seeing an image of a cartoon character with a helmet on the software’s interface, thinking, “I want to learn how to create something like that.” That curiosity drove me to dive deeper into 3D.
Before becoming proficient in professional tools, I started with Microsoft Paint in the ’90s. As I honed my skills, I transitioned to CorelDRAW and eventually to Photoshop in the early 2000s. Each step felt like an evolution, opening new creative possibilities.
Eventually, I decided to formalize my education and enrolled at Miami International University of Art and Design (MIU), where I majored in Motion Graphics and Visual Effects. It was a transformative experience, thanks in part to influential instructors like Alvaro Sanint and Eli Locardi, who played pivotal roles in shaping my understanding of 3D and motion design.
While studying, I landed my first job at a graphic design company, which led to freelance opportunities at Univision and Telefutura. The job required me to learn Cinema 4D (C4D) and After Effects. However, since the university curriculum focused on 3ds Max, I had to teach myself C4D, which eventually became my primary 3D tool for motion design at the time. I later joined CBS4 as a designer and animator, followed by a role at Sapient (later Sapient Nitro), where I gained valuable agency experience.
A significant milestone in my career came when a recruiter approached me for an Art Director position at Discovery Channel in Miami. I accepted the role, working there for nearly two years, which gave me deep insights into large-scale productions and creative leadership.
During that time, most of my expertise was with C4D and Adobe products, but I hit a wall when it came to creating more procedural effects. I began exploring Thinking Particles and XPresso, which I loved because of my background with Particle Flow in 3ds Max. This led me to discover Autodesk Softimage, a program widely used in game development with an impressive node-based system called ICE, perfect for motion design FX. I remember being particularly inspired by Psyop’s work, especially from the artist Florian Witzel, who used Softimage extensively.
I spent about two years learning Autodesk Softimage, but unfortunately, then it was discontinued. This led me back to C4D for a brief period until around 2015, when I gravitated toward Houdini. I slowly learned Houdini until I was capable of handling most of my 3D motion design work. By 2018, I had fully transitioned to Houdini as my primary tool. Today, I use Houdini and Blender for 3D, along with After Effects and Fusion for compositing and motion design.
Since 2014, I’ve been working as a freelancer, collaborating with a diverse range of clients. Freelancing keeps me on my toes, it pushes me to stay adaptable, continuously learn new tools, and take advantage of emerging technologies. I currently juggle different roles, including Creative Director, Motion Designer, 3D Artist, and Houdini Artist. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m always looking forward to the next creative challenge.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s hard to say if the road has been smooth because, in many ways, the challenges are just part of the journey. First and foremost, I’m extremely passionate about my work, I think and breathe 3D motion design. It’s always at the forefront of my mind, which helps me stay motivated and push through obstacles. With every project I take on, I aim to make it better than the last. That mindset has helped me grow consistently over the years.
Of course, there have been struggles. One of the biggest challenges has been working with different types of clients. Some clients expect to see the final polished product without much involvement in the process, while others prefer to see storyboards, work-in-progress updates, and detailed explanations along the way. Learning how to communicate effectively with different clients and understanding their expectations has been crucial to smoothing out those experiences.
Another ongoing challenge is managing deadlines while trying to find the best tools for the job within a reasonable budget. As a freelancer, you don’t have the luxury of unlimited resources, so you have to be strategic about software investments. The industry is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is key. I’ve switched between many different software tools over the years, and at this point, adapting to new platforms has become second nature. I’ve accepted that no software is permanent, especially with the shift toward subscription-based models, which can be costly over time.
That’s why I’m always on the lookout for tools that offer great value, like Blender, Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, and DaVinci Resolve. These programs provide powerful features with minimal investment, making them ideal for freelancers or anyone starting out in the industry.
So, while the road hasn’t been entirely smooth, every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s all part of the process, and the key is to keep progressing, no matter the obstacles.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m primarily known for my work in 3D motion design, with a strong focus on technical effects. While motion design is a broad field, what sets me apart is my ability to blend creative animation with technical problem-solving. I consider myself not just a motion designer but also a technical 3D artist, capable of handling complex simulations and effects alongside traditional animation work.
One of my key strengths is adaptability. I can quickly learn new tools, adjust to different project styles, and meet the unique demands of each client. I work with cutting-edge software like Houdini, which allows me to create advanced 3D visuals and technical effects that push the boundaries of motion design. This flexibility ensures that I’m not limited to one style or approach, I can shift seamlessly between different techniques depending on the project’s needs.
In addition to my technical skills, I’m known for being easy to work with. I’m flexible, reliable, and always deliver projects on time. If unexpected challenges arise, I maintain clear and open communication with my clients to ensure transparency and trust. This approach has helped me build long-term relationships with clients, many of whom come back to work with me repeatedly.
Over the past 10+ years as a freelancer, I’ve sustained my career almost entirely through word of mouth. I haven’t relied heavily on marketing because my work and professional relationships speak for themselves. My clients appreciate that they can reach out to me directly without having to navigate layers of producers or middlemen. This direct line of communication allows for efficient collaboration and quicker turnarounds.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is a combination of technical expertise, creative versatility, and strong client relationships. I’m passionate about what I do, and I approach every project with the goal of not just meeting expectations but exceeding them.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to networking, most of my opportunities have come through word of mouth. I’ve found that building strong relationships with clients and colleagues naturally leads to more connections. For example, I might work with someone on a freelance project, and when they move to another company, they reach out to me again. Over time, as colleagues branch out into different roles and companies, my network has expanded organically, and those professional relationships have continued to open new doors.
As for finding a mentor, I believe it can be as simple as reaching out to someone whose work you admire. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for this, but if you’re fortunate enough to have local meetups, whether for CG, motion design, graphic design, or web design, I highly recommend attending. These events bring together people from various creative industries who are open to collaboration. You never know where a single conversation might lead. You could meet someone at an event, and a year later, they might reach out with an opportunity because you stayed top of mind.
In today’s world, social media also plays a huge role in networking. Sharing your work regularly, whether it’s finished projects, progress updates, or behind-the-scenes content, helps you stay visible. Right now, I’m focusing on growing my YouTube channel to share knowledge and help others in the community. It’s my way of giving back after years of learning and growing in this field. This shift has also helped me connect with like-minded artists and professionals who are passionate about motion design and 3D.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to networking or finding mentors. Whether it’s through personal connections, industry events, or online platforms, the key is to stay active, share your work, and be open to new relationships. Every connection has the potential to lead somewhere unexpected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lega.tv
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lega.xyz
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jorgelega
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lega_xyz
- Other: https://legaxyz.gumroad.com
Image Credits
Jorge Lega
