For Marco Orozco, animation has never been just a career path — it has been a lifeline. What began as childhood sketches of Spider-Man on Mother’s Day cards and handmade Pokémon figurines has evolved into a professional pursuit defined by resilience, persistence, and a relentless desire to connect through art.

Orozco’s journey has not been straightforward. He began in computer science, following what he thought was a practical path. But after years of anxiety, mismatched values, and an eventual layoff, he realized his true passion was always animation. That decision, though risky, has since unlocked a career fueled by creativity, community, and an unwavering drive to grow.

From Coding Deadlines to Animation Dreams

Like many artists, Orozco didn’t always see himself as someone who could pursue a creative career. “I didn’t think I had the portfolio, the talent, or the money to go to art school,” he recalls. Practicality led him to major in computer science, but his heart wasn’t in it.

The stress of coding deadlines and coursework weighed heavily, but animation offered relief. He started animating as a hobby, creating small projects for himself, and discovered that joy came naturally when he was drawing or bringing characters to life. The pivotal moment came when he lost his coding job — instead of panic, he felt a sense of relief. That clarity pushed him to embrace animation fully.

Looking back, Orozco credits his decision to the encouragement of others who believed in his potential. Teachers and professors created opportunities for him to showcase his creativity in unexpected ways, and mentors reinforced the idea that he could, in fact, build a career as an animator.

“Making the switch to a creative field has been so affirming,” Orozco says. “I finally feel that I can chase what excites me, rather than run from what scares me.”

Building a Freelance Path in Animation

Instead of entering the industry through a traditional pipeline, Orozco carved out his own space. He founded UPPERCUTT Animations, a platform that reflects his independence and his vision. As a freelancer, he wears many hats: producer, creative director, storyboard artist, and animator, with experience across both 2D and 3D projects.

While Orozco thrives on variety, his love for 2D character animation shines through. His style is deliberately bold and chaotic — the kind of art that demands a second or third viewing to notice every detail. It’s a balance of intensity and satisfaction, pushing creative boundaries while remaining deeply personal.

What makes him proudest, however, is his persistence. “I shifted from a career with little to no overlap with animation and without formal art training,” he says. “Through my devotion to animating, I’ve found some success in my animation career. I don’t think I’ve ‘made it’ just yet, but I think it’s just a matter of time.”

Inspired by Spider-Verse, Driven by Impact

For Orozco, the turning point in his artistic mission came with the groundbreaking Spider-Verse films, which redefined what animation could be. “The first one got me started animating, and the second made me become a professional animator myself,” he shares.

While he doesn’t know if he’ll ever contribute directly to the franchise, the impact of those films continues to drive his vision. It isn’t about the intellectual property itself, but about creating work with the same profound resonance. He recalls staying up until 4 a.m. sketching after watching Across the Spider-Verse, energized by the film’s mix of styles, characters, and daring visual ideas.

“That night, I knew that if I could ever work on a project so incredible and so impactful, I could die happily,” he says.

Today, Orozco’s mission is not only to push his own creative boundaries but also to give back. He hopes to mentor younger artists, helping them find the confidence and persistence that defined his own journey. “I want to help younger artists find their confidence and reach their potential so that they might help the next person,” he says.

Navigating the Tension Between Art and Industry

Orozco acknowledges that the artist’s path comes with unique struggles. Unlike other careers, creativity is often deeply tied to identity and emotion. “The motivations for becoming an artist are often deep and personal,” he explains. “Which is why it’s so difficult for artists to shape this skill to fit the needs and tastes of the industry.”

The pressure to monetize art and the competitive nature of creative industries can create self-doubt and comparison, challenges that Orozco admits he never felt when animation was just a hobby. Yet, despite the difficulties, the rewards are equally meaningful. “Knowing you’ve created something beautiful and important can be reward enough,” he reflects.

It’s why he urges non-creatives to appreciate the labor that goes into their favorite films, shows, and media — and to advocate for artists when it matters most.

A Future Built on Persistence and Passion

Marco Orozco’s story is one of resilience — of finding joy where fear once lived, and of creating art that doesn’t just entertain but inspires. From childhood sketches to founding his own animation studio, his path is proof that passion, persistence, and community can redefine a career.

And while he admits he hasn’t “made it” yet, Orozco’s drive suggests his best work is still ahead — art that, like the films that inspired him, may one day spark a new generation of animators to chase their own dreams.

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