It was in this context that we had the chance to meet her at the ESMA Graduation Show 2025. We talked to her about her career, the upcoming events that have left their mark on her, and the evolution of a sector in which she has been working for almost ten years.
An interview full of advice for a young generation which, according to this professional presenter, is rich in talent and today faces as many challenges as opportunities.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about the projects you are working on today?
After training in animated film at the Universitat de les Illes Balears in Mallorca, I worked for a few years as a rotomation artist (in animation, rotomation is a technique used to help create 3D animations based on a 2D reference).
It wasn’t until 2016 that I really started working as an animator, first as aVFX animator and then, since joining Skydance, as afeature film animator.
The project I’ve been working on recently is without doubt the one that has helped me grow the most, both professionally and personally. Pookoo, now called Swapped and due for release in early 2026, has given me an insight into the whole production process of an animated feature film, from pre-production (character development, research and testing of their personalities and movements, etc.) through to the final animation phase.
It was a truly enriching experience, as I was able to witness the complex and sometimes difficult process that paced the development of the story and characters over the three years that this project lasted for me. All this was achieved through teamwork with my fellow animators, team leaders, supervisors, and in close collaboration with director Nathan Greno. And we can’t wait to share the result!
How do you see the animation sector today, and how has it changed since you joined the industry?
The current situation is, it has to be said, a delicate one. After a boom in production directly correlated with the rise of the platforms, we have seen a slowdown in production, and the peak has subsided. Seen from the outside, it can be worrying to see so many companies shedding staff or even closing overnight. There are many factors to take into account in this situation, from the reduction in the number of orders from platforms to the reduction in tax incentives for animation studios.
However, I believe that what we are witnessing today is a transformation of the sector, not the end of it. Numerous opportunities will continue to emerge, and every year I can’t help but notice the diversity and quality of the productions in cinema and animated series, enough to delight the hearts of a public that’s always on hand.
What we need is to be able to adapt to the new model that is emerging from these changes, while continuing to learn and integrate the new technologies that will enable us to improve our day-to-day work. AI is going to play a key role, and we simply cannot reject it out of hand.
However, AI tools are still tools, and making art will always require human hearts and brains. That’s where creativity comes from.
What do you think makes a good professional in today’s animation industry?
A good balance between solid technical skills and a deep understanding of the storytelling mechanisms that govern our universe. Mastering tools like Maya or Blender is important, of course, but what really makes the difference is the ability to use these tools to convey emotion, rhythm and personality through each image.
Similarly, soft skills are also essential. It’s vital to be able to adapt, communicate and collaborate easily within a team, because animation is a collective art. We are constantly working with directors, artists and producers from different disciplines, but also from different cultures. Being open to feedback and maintaining a positive and constructive attitude can turn a good artist into an excellent colleague.
Finally, cultivate your curiosity, whether from a technological or artistic point of view. Having a creative vision is at least as important as being able to meet deadlines in our sector.
And what about managerial skills?
I think they’re becoming increasingly important. Whether you’re in charge of a small team or you just have to coordinate with other departments, being organised, empathetic and able to motivate others will help you to keep up a steady production rate while remaining creative.
Good management in animation is not just about good project management, it’s above all about being able to guide people and inspire them.
What advice would you give to students who want to go into animation today, or even join Skydance?
Three things: curiosity, team spirit and consistency.
Curiosity, because it’s essential to keep an eye open for new technologies, to explore different styles, and to understand the whole pipeline, not just your speciality. The industry moves fast, and being flexible is a real asset.
Team spirit, because being a good colleague is crucial. Big animated productions are built by teams, not individuals, and studios value artists who can communicate clearly, receive feedback, and create a positive working atmosphere around them.
Finally, you need to be consistent both in your work and in your attitude. Being able to meet deadlines while retaining a lively spirit of initiative and listening skills will help you to stand out from the crowd.
I insist, but I think that the collaborative aspect of our profession is what young people need to pay the most attention to. In animation, talent is multiplied by teamwork, and the best ideas always come from people who are able to listen, share and build together.
You recently took part in the ESMA Graduation Show. What did you think of the films and the chance to meet the newly graduated students?
They have a lot of potential. I also followed a general 3D animation course where I was introduced to every aspect of the pipeline, every department, which enabled me to choose my specialisation and develop my skills in this field.
Today, these students already have a broad knowledge of the animation industry, and they too are beginning to specialise. I hope they continue to learn, explore and improve.
At schools like ESMA, cultivating team spirit and curiosity, as well as staying at the cutting edge of new technologies, is crucial, and this is something that stands out in the productions I’ve seen.
Belén Sousa Domínguez returned to Madrid with stars in her eyes and was delighted to meet so many new people. She shared with us her demoreel, which led to her joining Skydance in 2022:
Find out more about her career on her LinkedIn profile: