IED Alumni Interview: Antonello Stornelli
In a nutshell
- IED Roma
- Illustration and Animation - 2004
- Emmy Award-winning CG Artist at Disney Television Animation
Who
Antonello Stornelli is a 3D artist who grew up in Rome till he was 24 years old. Then he moved to Los Angeles where he has been living for the last 17 years.
What
“Once I finished my studies, in the USA, I worked straight away in a Visual Effects studio on TV shows such as Lost, Pushing Daisies and Bones, as well as films such as Speed Racer, Captain America and Black Swan. In 2011 I finally made the leap to animation and worked in Dreamworks Television as Character Lead on the How To Train Your Dragon animated series. Then came my longest working experience, in Disney Television Animation, where I worked on almost all the Disney Channel shows until I landed on a spin-off of Monsters Inc, Monsters at Work, where I started working as a Set Designer and then moved on to Asset Lead. After 8 years with Disney, I joined Netflix Animation as Modeling Supervisor and Environment Lead for the Blue Eye Samurai series. Today I am set modelling supervisor”.
Where
“I was born in Rome, where I attended the IED starting in 2001. I began with illustration and traditional animation techniques, which made me understand my interest and affinity for digital graphics and the use of computers graphics software. After the IED I moved to Los Angeles where I attended the Gnomon, which at the time was one of the few visual effects schools in the world”.
Why
“The Disney experience was the most significant for me. In 8 years I have grown tremendously, both artistically and professionally. I went from creating and developing characters to designing and building sets. I learned how to manage a large operation, and expanded my professional goals. I learned the essential work ethics of working in animation, which is a very small community where everyone knows everyone else”.
How
“Thanks to dedication and motivation. I have always wanted to do this job, and live in Los Angeles. And I didn't give up until I succeeded. What I've learned over time is that everything will come when the time is right. Be patient, never give up. The NOs will always be more than the YESes, but NOs will help you become a better person and a better artist. I have learned that in this field there are many ups and downs, but in the end, you can achieve everything if you have dedication, motivation and a positive approach to life”.
An Emmy, the cherry on top
“The Emmy was totally unexpected but very welcome. It was awarded to me for my Computer Graphics for the series Tangled, but for me, it was an award for all the effort I have put in all these years, and for the love, I have for this profession, which has become part of my lifestyle. For me it is a starting point, I still have so much to explore and learn. I'm 41 and it's just the beginning for me”.
Find out more
Instagram: @antonello.3d
Website: www.antonello.info