Motion design and animation

The Salesman’s Challenge

Isaac Martinez

Bridgeport, CT

Advisor: Heejoo Kim

Artist Bio

Isaac Martinez is an inspiring digital animator and editor. Growing up in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Isaac spent most of his time playing video games and watching animations, developing a love for indie content and varied storytelling, world building, character development, and creative design. He wanted to create his own world and show off his creativity. This is what led him to pursue studying animation, leading him to pursue a BFA in Digital Media and Design at the University of Connecticut. He knew that animation was key to bringing ideas to life. He has worked with programs and ideas to create projects that tell his own story, such as a 5-minute short animation of a kid overcoming a confusing tutorial. He has come so far and is excited to continue to explore the possibilities animating brings him.

Artist Statement

“The Salesman’s Challenge” combines 2D and 3D animation. Its design was inspired by the retro games my generation and others find nostalgic, and indie series on YouTube like ENA from Joel G. My goal is to bring comedy to people’s daily lives. I find it important in these times to bring joy or humor to people, and animation is a great storytelling device for that. My project aims to do just that, and best of all, it’s with the characters and ideas I made.

My environment takes inspiration from games that I, and many others, have played and enjoyed, like New Super Mario Bro’s underground levels, shops from Legend of Zelda, and open worlds from Super Mario 64. The combination of 2D and 3D design was inspired by the Paper Mario series, as well as the ENA series on YouTube. I enjoy mixing concepts, genres, and styles because it allows for some great combos that most people wouldn’t expect. The video game concept goes well with the combination too, as well as my style. That’s a great perk of animation: you can bring your own style to life. To create an animation, whether that be 2D or 3D, in your own style with your own characters and world feels amazing, seeing them come to life by hand.