Join us for an exciting conversation with Nicolás P. Villarreal, a talented film and animation director from La Plata, Argentina. Currently serving as the Executive Art Director of the Visual Development and Traditional Animation Department at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where he teaches film and animation design, Nicolás brings a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to the table. Get ready for an inspiring discussion that combines his artistic mastery with his passion for teaching, and discover how the power of the creative process can enhance pedagogy across all disciplines, igniting curiosity, fostering innovation, and transforming the learning experience.
Nicolás P. Villarreal pursued his studies at the Escuela de Animación y Cinematografía de Avellaneda and the Master’s Program at the Academy of Art University, where he graduated with Honors in 2002. During his time in film and animation school, he had the privilege of learning from the esteemed Miguel Alzugaray, a renowned fine artist from Argentina.
He has an impressive track record working as a Director, Character Designer, Animator, Sculptor, and Visual Development artist for renowned companies in the film and video game industry. Some of the notable names he has collaborated with include Walt Disney Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment, Jim Henson Studios, Sega, Reel FX, Digital Domain, Duncan Studios, and Amazon Studios, among many others. He has also given presentations at Pixar Animation Studios, Dreamworks Animation, Apple, Stanford University, The Sydney Opera House and La Sapienza as well as a TEDx talk.
In 2020, Nicolás was featured in VOGUE Latin America as one of the creative minds of Latin America.
Nicolás is also the founder of Red Clover Studios. He is the writer and director of the awarded animated short films “Pasteurized”, “Nieta”, "ON/OFF", “The House of Colors” and the live-action short film “Things are looking up” and “The Tenants”. His film "ON/OFF" is the current title holder of the Guinness Award Record for most awards won by a short film with 1125 International Awards. “Nieta” won Best Animated Film at the Toronto Kids International Film Festival in 2015.