Meet Rigo Pinto Jr

We recently connected with Rigo Pinto Jr and have shared our conversation below.

Rigo, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

In every art job I’ve had, I often felt like I didn’t belong—like I wasn’t truly part of the team. Every project I turned in made me worry it wasn’t good enough, and I constantly second-guessed myself. Even when I was an art director at Google, I didn’t think it was a mistake that I was there—I knew I had earned it—but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I didn’t fit in.

When the massive tech layoffs happened, I transitioned to working at Disneyland as an Attractions Host. It was a big change, but it turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. I met so many incredible people, and every time I shared my story about working in art, I began to see it through their eyes. My journey wasn’t just a series of jobs—it was impactful, surreal, and meaningful.

That’s when I realized the issue wasn’t my skills or qualifications—it was how I saw myself. I had put in the work, spent the hours, and delivered results. Those opportunities came to me because I had earned them.

Now, I don’t question my skills or my place in the industry. I have confidence in what I bring to the table, and I trust in my ability to create. That shift in perspective has made all the difference.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I currently work as a concept artist with Disney Live Entertainment, where I have the privilege of contributing to some of the most magical and immersive experiences for guests around the world. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work brings stories to life, whether it’s through stunning stage designs, interactive elements, or captivating visuals that create lasting memories for families and fans.

What’s especially exciting about this role is how collaborative it is—every project involves so many talented individuals working together to create something truly special. It’s a constant learning experience, and it pushes me to grow as an artist and storyteller.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about what’s in store for next year, particularly as Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary. It’s an honor to be part of the team helping to shape the magic for such a monumental occasion. The anniversary will undoubtedly be a time of celebration and nostalgia, and I can’t wait to see how our work continues to bring joy to so many people.

For me, it’s not just about the art—it’s about creating experiences that resonate on a deep emotional level. Whether it’s designing a new show element or reimagining a beloved space, I’m driven by the impact it can have on guests’ lives. It’s a dream come true to be part of something so meaningful, and I look forward to continuing this journey.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.

First, adaptability allowed me to take on opportunities I hadn’t originally imagined for myself. Early in my career, I took art gigs that weren’t at animation studios or major companies, but those opportunities led me to work in areas I didn’t even know existed. They helped me build skills and opened doors I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. That path eventually led me to work at Google, where I gained invaluable experience that I don’t believe a traditional path would have provided.

Second, perseverance was key. The creative field is incredibly competitive, and there were moments of doubt and uncertainty. But sticking with it and continuing to create, learn, and grow kept me moving forward, even when things felt challenging.

Lastly, a willingness to learn has been my greatest asset. Whether it was exploring new techniques, taking feedback, or learning about industries I wasn’t initially familiar with, that openness prepared me for roles I couldn’t have planned for.

For anyone starting out, my advice is to take any opportunity to get your foot in the door—even if it’s not your dream job right away. Every project, no matter how small, is a chance to grow your skillset, build connections, and gain confidence. Those experiences, no matter how unexpected, can lead to incredible opportunities and shape your path in ways you never imagined.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

My parents have been the most impactful in helping me overcome challenges and build the skills and qualities needed for success. They instilled in me the value of hard work and the belief that no job is too small or beneath you. My dad, who came to this country undocumented, worked tirelessly to provide for our family, showing me what perseverance truly looks like. My mom, a teacher in El Salvador, came here and worked in factories and cleaned houses. I know how much she struggled, but she believed in something bigger and sacrificed so much for us. Their example gave me the confidence to chase my dreams, as long as I was doing something meaningful with my life. They were learning what it meant to live here while laying down a strong foundation for me to build on.

I also owe so much to my wife. She has been my biggest supporter and has constantly pushed me to reach heights I sometimes doubted I could achieve. Having her as both a partner and a friend has been a key factor in who I am today and where I’ve been able to go in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rigobertopintojr.com/
• Instagram: Rigopintojr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rigobertpintojr?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Twitter: Rigopintojr

Image Credits

The photos is the work I for Walt Disney