A talented Colombian video animator Jose Rodriguez has managed to captivate health companies in the United States with his innovative approach and artistic prowess. Armed with a wide array of skills and a unique vision, this animator has revolutionized the way American health companies communicate with their audience.

Tell us a little about yourself and your experience.

I'm a professional medical/health animator, working remotely from Colombia for companies in the US. I've been in this field for several years, creating animations that simplify complex medical concepts, making them more understandable and engaging. I've worked on a variety of projects, from illustrating cellular processes to visualizing surgical procedures. Mostly Cancer and DNA related.

What drove you to choose your career path?

I've always been fascinated by the intersection of art and science. The idea of using art to convey complex information in a way that's both engaging and educational was a challenge I couldn't resist lol. I’m more of an Art Nerd.

How did you go about getting your job? What kind of education and experience did you need?

I have a background in art and weirdly enough, in music!, which provided a solid foundation for my career. Everything started once I left New York and came back to Colombia and one of my now best friends gave me my first opportunity to help him with a medical animation. Everything started snowballing from that point.

What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?

Most of my time is spent on the computer … animating. Lol. The rest of my time I spent playing guitar, singing and taking care of my pretty baby dog “Sandia”. I barely leave the house these days … by choice btw.

What misconceptions do people often have about your job?

People often think that medical animation is just about making things look pretty. While aesthetics are important, the real challenge is accurately representing complex medical concepts in a way that's easy to understand.

What are your average work hours?

As a remote worker, I have the flexibility to set my own hours. Typically, I work around 40 hours a week, but this can vary depending on project deadlines.

What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?

Staying organized is key. I use project management tools to keep track of deadlines and tasks. Also, I've found that taking the time to thoroughly research and understand the medical concept I'm animating makes the whole process smoother.

What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?

I think my background in both art and music gives me a unique perspective. I strive to create animations that are not only visually stunning but also scientifically accurate and educational. Most people in Animation are in the field of entertainment or film animation.

Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?

Be clear about what you want to convey with the animation. The more information you can provide, the better I can create an animation that meets your needs.

What's the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?

The worst part is probably the pressure of deadlines. To deal with it, I make sure to manage my time effectively and communicate regularly with my clients about progress and any potential delays.

What's the most enjoyable part of the job?

The most enjoyable part is seeing the final product come to life and knowing that it will help people better understand complex medical concepts. It often means help someone understand what options they have for their health treatment better! There’s so much information that patients usually don’t understand from their doctors.

What kind of money can one expect to make at your job?

The salary can vary widely depending on experience and the complexity of the projects. On average, a medical animator can expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 a year.

How do you move up in your field?

Building a strong portfolio and gaining experience with a variety of projects is key. Networking within the industry and keeping up with the latest software and techniques can also open up new opportunities.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?

Invest in both your artistic and scientific education. Practice your skills, build a strong portfolio, and don't be afraid to start with smaller projects to gain experience. And most importantly, stay curious and keep learning! Do what you love or die trying!