Much like many of today’s illustrators, Niccolo Balce started from scratch. His first project as a kid was crayon drawings of F1 cars—inspired by Atari game Pole Position—on the walls of their house.
Seeing his potential, his architect dad supported him by giving him proper equipment and sketchbooks, which he filled with drawings influenced by his ‘80s childhood.
With a goal to become an illustrator, Balce took up Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Visual Communications at the University of the Philippines and taught himself Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash on the side.
Years later, the kid who used to draw on the walls have become an illustrator whose works have been published in several comic book publications and magazines (Viper Comics and Xbox Nation Magazine), were featured in art books (Exotique 4), trading cards (Street Fighter), mobile and social games (Disney Interactive), and have won him major recognition (1st Place in Wizard’s “Bayonetta Re-envisioned” Competition).
His creations were even pirated in France, something that made him feel terrible and flattered at the same time. But “I’ll probably seek legal action the next time it happens,” he told Manila Standard.
At 36, Balce, also known as Robotnicc (a play on Sonic The Hedgehog 2 villain Dr. Robotnik and his nickname “Nicc”), has built himself pretty impressive credentials to back him up as he progresses into the industry and makes a name in California, where he and his wife Jamie are currently based.
For three years (2011-2013), Balce worked his own magic at Disney where he was a senior artist for Disney Interactive. He was responsible for concept and production art for the graphics used in Armies of Magic and Pirates of the Caribbean: Isles of War.
During his Disney stint, the Filipino artist shared how he felt a “happy disbelief” working for something he only dreamt of as a kid.
“Never thought I’d actually get in but it happened and it’s done,” he enthused.
Balce then worked for mobile gaming company RockYou, drawing environments for Kitchen Scramble.
He is currently a contract illustrator for Facebook, while doing many other personal projects on the side.
Always ready to evolve and aim for higher goals, Balce said he now dreams of doing visual development for an animated TV series or an animated film.
“In my free time I’m taking up workshops and doing personal work that would hopefully take me there,” he related.
With ample experience, impressive talent, and right attitude, there is no telling what Balce would be drawing next. One thing’s certain, though, we would be looking forward to watching an animated TV series or film featuring a Robotnicc creation.
Check out Niccolo Balce’s drawings on his Instagram account @robotnicc.