Lou Nillas
About Me
Hi, my name is Lou Nillas! I’m a Houston based visual development artist and illustrator with aspirations to do visual development or creative project management in animation. I draw a lot of inspiration from my identity as a first generation Filipino American and am drawn to character driven stories about identity with elements of folklore and mythology sprinkled into the mix! My aspirations include being a part of a team to tell creative stories and to illustrate a full length graphic novel. When I am not drawing or studying, you can find me trying out new recipes with my friends, watching Ghibli films or playing cozy video games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing!
Project Description
For my capstone proposal, I plan to compile a visual story pitch packet for an original graphic novel, The Sisters Crow. The story follows a young witch named Eden who is anxiously cramming for her potions entrance exam. While going on errands for her Tita’s (aunt’s) restaurant with her older sister Helena, she shoplifts a vial from the hidden magic aisle of the local Asian market. Back at home, she adds the contents of the vial into the wrong pot (one meant for her sister’s porridge), turning Helena into a crow and forcing Eden to go on a quest to bring her sister back to normal before her entrance exam. The story has inspiration drawn from Filipino folklore and culture as well as my experience growing up as a first-generation American. The purpose of the project would be to focus on character and world-building while also arranging the art and text in a professional manner (which ideally I could show to potential agents).
What is one piece of advice you would provide to new ATEC students?
Your peers and friends are your future! Horizontal networking is just as valuable, if not more valuable, than vertical networking!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Financially stable, I hope. In all seriousness, working for an animation studio with a couple book deals under my belt. I would absolutely love to work on a animated film or series about Filipino mythology!