Exploring the World of Anime Through Workshops in Santa Cruz
Anime, a distinctive form of animation that originated in Japan, has been making waves in the United States for decades. The early 20th century saw the beginnings of Japan’s animation industry, and by the 1960s, American audiences were introduced to iconic series such as “Astro Boy” and “Speed Racer.” Over time, this unique art style gained a loyal following, with properties like “Pokemon” and “Dragon Ball” becoming cultural phenomena.
As anime continued to grow in popularity, many individuals sought to create their own versions of this artistic style. Whether it’s for storytelling through comics known as manga or for creating original animated content, the desire to express oneself through anime has inspired a new generation of artists.
In Santa Cruz, the public libraries are offering an exciting opportunity for people to explore this creative world. Two workshops will be held at the downtown and Aptos branches, where participants can learn step-by-step how to design their own anime characters. These sessions will be led by Carlos Nieto III, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the animation industry.
Who Is Carlos Nieto III?
Born into a Colombian family, Nieto grew up in the vibrant neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Echo Park in Los Angeles. His upbringing exposed him to a rich blend of Central American and South American cultures, which have influenced his artistic journey. Throughout his career, Nieto has worked as a background layout artist on several episodes of “The Simpsons” and contributed to the visual layouts of “King of the Hill.” He has also served as a visual consultant for major studios like Disney and Universal.
Beyond his professional achievements, Nieto is deeply committed to fostering creativity among young people. He currently serves as an artist in residence at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where he helps children cope with the challenges of hospitalization through art. Additionally, he hosts a series of “Anime Your Way” workshops across the country, teaching kids the fundamentals of drawing anime-style characters.
Workshops in Santa Cruz
Nieto will be bringing his expertise to two Santa Cruz library branches as part of the consortium’s 2025 Summer Reading Program titled “Color Our World.” This initiative aims to inspire creativity among youth through various engaging activities.
In addition to the traditional summer reading log, which offers rewards such as coupons for a free game at Boardwalk Bowl, a free scoop from Penny Ice Creamery, or raffle tickets for Santa Cruz Shakespeare tickets and Monterey Bay Aquarium memberships, the program will feature a range of family-friendly events. These include fairytale retellings by Fratello Marionettes and bilingual interactive musical performances by MusicalMe.
Details About the Workshops
The workshops will take place on Sundays at the following times:
- Aptos Branch Library: 12:30 p.m. at 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos.
- Downtown Branch Library: 2 p.m. at 224 Church St., Santa Cruz.
No prior experience in drawing anime is required, making these sessions accessible to all interested participants. However, registration is mandatory, and each session will accommodate a maximum of 30 attendees. To register, visit the following links:
These workshops provide a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in learning about anime and developing their artistic skills in a fun and supportive environment.
