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Raphael Oda: Paper Art, Illustration, and the Soul of Animation
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My Story & Background
I am Raphael Oda, a Brazilian visual artist who transforms the delicacy of paper into three-dimensional sculptures and story-driven illustrations. My journey began with a degree in Graphic Design from Mackenzie University, where I built a solid foundation in composition and aesthetics. However, what truly shifted my perspective was my Post-Graduate degree in Animation from Méliès.
There, I learned to push art beyond the ordinary, applying principles of movement, light, and scene composition to every layer of paper. This quest for life and volume led me to one of the most exciting milestones of my career: becoming an official illustrator for Magic: The Gathering (Wizards of the Coast). Translating iconic cards like Slippery Bogle and Thousand-Year Elixir into the Paper Art universe proved that with paper and patience, you can truly build entire worlds
Process & Philosophy (Why Paper?)
Paper is the medium I chose to express myself. Its simplicity hides an immense complexity. Each piece is an exercise in patience and precision: the cuts are surgical, and every fold is carefully planned to define how light and shadow will behave. For me, Paper Art is the perfect intersection between the rigor of 3D design and the sensitivity of handcrafted work. It is about giving soul and texture to stories.
The Next Story is Yours!
My passion is translating concepts and characters into evocative paper volumes. The success of my projects — whether in global collaborations with Wizards of the Coast or editorial partnerships with Elo Editora and Parent Propaganda — stems from a methodology that merges design precision with the depth of animation. If you are looking for an illustration that stands out, full of life and a unique technical edge, your project is my next challenge.