My Story
I’m Manuela Montoya, a Colombian 3D Animator & Director based in the Bay Area, California.
I’m deeply devoted to the craft of storytelling, creating emotional, visually rich worlds that explore the fragile, beautiful complexity of the human experience.
How It All Started
I’ve always been a dreamer; curious, imaginative, and constantly creating stories. Animation became the perfect place to share my stories and share them with the world.
“Art is Not a Career”
Growing up in Colombia, there was no animation industry. No clear path, no studios, and no one doing what I wanted to do. People around me meant well when they advised me not to pursue animation as a career. But I knew exactly what I wanted and where I wanted to get.
So, I stepped outside my comfort zone. I moved to the United States, started meeting people, exploring opportunities, and learning from every experience I could find. Over time, those efforts grew into real connections, new friendships, and opportunities I could’ve only imagined before.
Diving into the Creative Process behind Moana 2 at Lightbox Expo 2024
Learning The Art of Movement
During my time at AnimSchool’s 3D Animation Program, I focused on learning the art of movement. This body of work reflects not only my technical training but also my deep fascination with storytelling through performance.
The Power of Consistency
Even when things got hard, I kept learning, creating, and showing up for my craft. I’ve learned that progress doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from showing up every single day.
Currently, my dedication has started to pay off. I landed my first animation gig, quit my job as a barista, and became a full-time animator, now directing my own short film.
Hidden Melody
“Hidden Melody” is a 5-minute animated short film about a shy ballerina in a music box, who dreams of becoming the greatest dancer in the antique shop. When an accident destroys her precious melody, she must summon the courage to step out of her comfort zone and pursue her dreams, even if it means dancing to a different beat.
🎥 Currently in the crowdfunding process, follow the journey and help bring this story to life.
Drawing by Claudia (Ga Hyung Kim)
Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Today, I’m focused on growth — both personal and professional. I try to live fully in the present, making the most of every chance to learn, connect, and tell meaningful stories.
Right now, I’m developing a new body of animation work for social media, something I haven’t shared yet, but that represents the next step in my creative journey.
If you’d like to follow along or support this next chapter in my career, stay tuned. I’ll be sharing more very soon. Every bit of encouragement, feedback, and connection means the world as I continue building my path as an animator.
Contact Me
Interested in working together? If you’re a creative soul, a dreamer, or someone seeking collaboration, I’d love to connect.
Fill out some info, and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you!