First, the short story: My name is Bruno Omena, and I am an illustrator and digital artist, holding a degree in Graphic Design. Since 2017, I have worked with various publishers, creating illustrations for children's books, educational materials, and live caricatures at events and festivals. I currently work as a freelance illustrator for Mauricio de Sousa Productions, illustrating comics for the iconic Turma da Mônica (Monica and Friends) franchise.
Currently, I work in the animation area, focusing on layout design, character turnarounds, concept art, and storyboarding. I am continually honing my skills in drawing, painting, and animation, using software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Clip Studio, Toon Boom, and Storyboard Pro. My influences stem from anime, manga, and comics, evolving into children's illustration and cartoon. Additionally, I draw deep inspiration from themes of nature, especially Brazil's rich fauna and flora. The country's folklore and cultural myths also captivate me, often weaving into my creative works.
Now, the long story: I have been drawing since childhood, often sought after by classmates for artistic assignments, during my school days. At 16, I began my professional journey at a design studio, where I created my first piece—a mascot for a food industry company. Seeing my artwork on product packaging was incredibly rewarding!
My mentor recognized my talent and supported me through my first drawing course with Natan Heber. At 20, I earned a scholarship to study Graphic Design at UNIBAN. Following graduation in 2009, I worked as an art assistant and designer at Editora JBC, V-Control Studio, and Santa Edwiges. In 2015, I transitioned from design to illustration, refining my skills through intuitive drawing courses with comic artist Hiro Kawahara. In 2017, I pursued digital art training with Daniel Rossini at Quanta Academia das Artes.
I have collaborated with renowned publishers such as Editora Escala, Leya, Editora do Brasil, and FTD. In 2020, I created medical illustrations for Estratégia Concursos, and from 2022 to 2024, I have collaborated to Studio Split. At the studio, I participated in significant projects like the "Animated Retrospective 2023" for Nostalgia Channel, hosted by influencer Felipe Castanhari, known for his high-quality educational and nostalgic content. Another notable project was the series "My Life Is Worth Living," featuring beautiful animations and powerful stories of teenagers overcoming diverse challenges, illustrating how life is worth living. These experiences have been profoundly fulfilling, underscoring the impact and reach of my work in animation. I currently work as a freelance comic book illustrator for Mauricio de Sousa Productions, illustrating stories for the Turma da Mônica (Monica and Friends) franchise.