About Mario
Mario Sotelo is a multi-media animator based in California. Sotelo received his MFA in Animation and Digital Art at the University of Southern California. With a masterful background in traditional art, Sotelo visualizes 2D concepts into professional 3D models. Sotelo is constantly exploring new ways to bridge cinema with new and emerging technology.
Today’s mobile technology is robust enough to capture the world around us and publish the work in realtime render engines. Sotelo is also exploring ways tell compelling stories with immersive experiences in augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality.
“Animation is a visual language that allows creativity to emerge like an explosion of emotion through art technology, and immersive experiences. The possibilities are truly endless.”
Profesional Experience
Motion Capture Technician, Industrial Light & Magic, San Francisco, CA. June, 2021
3D Animation Instructor, Del-York Creative Academy,Lagos, Nigeria. May, 2019
Africa’s foremost institution for film, media, technology and marketing communication industry.
3D Artist, Jauntxr, Santa Monica, CA. May, 2018
Immersive content creator in augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality.
Modeler/Rigger, Innovate Mobile LLC, San Diego, CA. February, 2018
Firm dedicated to reimagining technology products, providing business solutions, and marketing services for enterprises, startups and agencies.
Student Assistant, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. May, 2018-2019
At Hench DADA, students explore every aspect of art in motion and learn why animation has become central to all modern digital media. The Division teaches courses in all facets of animation and digital arts.
Technical Specialist, Apple Inc., Century City, CA., 2014-2018
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
Lead Animator, Broadway Augmented, Sacrament, CA. May, 2014
Broadway Augmented is a virtual public art project produced by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, curated by Shelly Willis (public art director for the City and County of Sacramento)
Awards/Honors
George Lucas Foundation Endowed Student Support Fund for DiversityUniversity of Southern California, 2016-19 Recipient
Official selection for the 11th annual Don Thompson LGBT Film Festival
Mermaid Grotto(2017) , University of Southern California, 2018
Best of Show Award, CSUS Student Purchase Award Show,Sacramento, CA, curated by Tiffany Dreyer, May 2010
-EGUSD Board of Education: Certificate of Achievement 1st place California State fair, Elk Grove, CA, October 2007
1st place Three Dimensional California State Fair, Sacramento, CA, August 2007
Honor of dedicated service to the visual and performing art program at Laguna Creek High School, Elk Grove, CA, June 2007
Solo Exhibitions
Angels and Mermaids, University Union Gallery, Sacramento, CA, curated by Zenia LaPorte, April 2013
Birds of Paradise, Raymond Witt Gallery, Sacramento, CA, October 2012