Prattfolio connected with the members of Pratt’s Young Alumni Leadership Group, a program of Pratt Alumni Engagement, to talk about where they landed after Pratt, changing paths, and what’s energizing them now. Illustrator Sebastian Torrens, BFA Communications Design (Illustration) ’23, has been working on fashion merchandising, album covers, and movie art while building his concept art portfolio and finding inspiration in animation.
What was your first job after graduation from Pratt?
The first position I had after Pratt was interning with comic book publisher Somos Arte LLC. What excited me the most about the opportunity was being part of a team that championed social action with the artistic medium of sequential art. For those unfamiliar, Somos Arte publishes the La Borinqueña graphic novel series. The story follows a Nuyorican college student, Marisol Rios De La Luz, who is gifted incredible superpowers by the Puerto Rican deities. With these powers, she aims to solve the island’s environmental issues.
Comics have always been an incredible vehicle to discuss social change, whether it be the X-Men being an allegory for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s or Iron Man being a critique of the Vietnam War. Being part of this publishing press as an intern was incredibly fulfilling for my first job out of college!
What’s your favorite part of the work you’re doing now?
I have been mostly freelancing: I have worked on several projects such as fashion merchandise, album covers, and movie art. I am currently drawing and coloring a comic book with a self-published author. In addition to that, I am developing a portfolio to pursue a career in concept art.
My favorite part about the work I do is using my artistic vision to inspire others. That’s honestly the main reason why I pursued this career.
I remember before I took art seriously, I would listen to professionals in comics or concept art. They would talk about their influences, challenges, achievements, and their passion for their craft. Their passion would often bleed into their work. Listening to them, I wanted to do the same.
Is there an experience you had at Pratt that prepared you especially well for your career?
Projects in my Illustration Intensive class prepared me the most for my career. Projects often tested me conceptually and technically, thanks to professors who were in the industry. They gave me some incredible insight as to what it would be like working in the industry and working with art directors.
What advice do you have for students?
I’d tell them to build their network while they’re at school. That was something I wish I learned sooner since I went to Pratt during the pandemic. Junior year is the best time to start. Go to any networking events for any industry you’re interested in. Email art directors or industry professionals too. You can get their advice on your work or perhaps even obtain a job or an internship. Make sure you maintain those relationships too. You never know where they might lead in the future.
What’s inspiring you now?
I’m looking at animation a lot more. Before, I was looking at a lot of live-action media for cinematography, which is still important to look at. Currently though, I am interested in seeing how 2D and 3D artists utilize moving images to tell a story. I’m currently watching Arcane, Scavengers Reign, The Legend of Korra, Samurai Jack, Pantheon, Castlevania, and some anime too.
Outside of visual art, I’ve also been inspired by fitness. Especially with bodybuilders talking about their journeys through competitions like the Olympia or Arnold Classic. Their passion for the sport is very moving, and I think some artists can find themselves relating to some stories. This is more of a recent development, as I grew up not interested in sports at all. After Pratt, I became more health conscious to increase my longevity.