Artist Teaches Workshop To Local Kids

By NICK YAMASHITA

The Progress

Local kids got some early lessons in the art of animation and anime from a genuine expert last week thanks to a Moapa Valley Public Library branch program.

Animation and Anime Artist Carl Nieto made a visit to the Old Logandale School on Wednesday, July 14 to give some instructions in Anime Your Way, a comprehensive step-by-step drawing program developed over 10 years by the former artist to the animated TV program The Simpson’s, Carlos Nieto III.

Nearly 20 youth from elementary school to high school attended the workshop which was sponsored by the Clark Country Library District.

Nieto instructed the kids in drawing anime characters by using simple and basic shapes.
“This was a wonderful opportunity for these youth,” said Aimee Potts, of the Moapa Valley Art Guild who was in attendance. “The little bit older youth are into anime and animation literature and videos, which gives them a great opportunity to learn from someone who has done it and who has had his work featured in Hollywood and entertainment.”

Nieto took the youth step by step through drawing characters. He began with the head, face, and even got into facial expressions. The youth loved it and many were quiet as they were focused on creating their own anime characters.

After the scheduled time had passed, the youth were so enthralled with the special guest, that parents ended up waiting an extra half hour for their kids who all had questions for Nieto.

“This was awesome,” said participant Justice Rowley. “I have been drawing since I was 4 or 5. It was great meeting him (Nieto).”

Nieto said he was excited to be here. Born of Colombian roots, he grew up in Los Angeles, California. It was here where he got into the Hispanic culture and heritage that influenced his artwork.

Nieto is mostly self-taught. He did layout art for The Simpsons and King of the Hill. He has also worked as a consultant to Disney and Universal for artwork for set designs and more.

“I am currently working for myself and trying to get things going on a new app that will help people be able to go to my website and draw,” Nieto said. “It will be similar to such apps as DrawShow and ibisPaint, but it will really highlight the simplicity of the Anime your Way Program and hopefully, help youth find their creative side.”

Nieto is also currently writing a graphic novel, which will highlight his Hispanic roots and culture.
“Like the Japanese paranormal and historical references in anime, I am trying to highlight the Hispanic supernatural, culture, and history in my new graphic novel,” said Nieto.

Nieto will be continuously developing the Anime Your Way Program and expects lots of new and interesting artwork and comic-style anime work to come out in the future.
“I will never retire fully from this,” he said. “This is something I will do until I die.”

You can follow along with Nieto on his pursuits with animation and his program at www.animeyourway.org.