Photo: Debby Coleman
Paul Abadilla is an animation art director and illustrator, living and working in California’s San Francisco Bay Area.
Paul began his career at Pixar Animation Studios as an art intern. He has contributed to the making of several Pixar feature films including "Elemental," "Incredibles 2," and Academy Award©-winning films "Brave" and "Inside Out." Additionally, Paul served as sets art director on "Luca," and Academy Award©-winning film "Soul." His latest contributions will soon be featured on the upcoming title "Win or Lose," Pixar's first ever original series.
Paul's illustration work has been recognized by Society of Illustrators (New York), American Illustration, and The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles.
Born in Manila, Philippines, Paul immigrated to the United States at a young age, and was raised in Milpitas and San Jose, California. He earned his bachelor of fine arts in animation / illustration, summa cum laude, at San Jose State University. Prior to joining Pixar, he was a visual development intern at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Aside from creating art, Paul loves to surf, cook, and scratch on the turntables.
Awards & Recognition
ADG Awards 2021 - Excellence in Production Design Award, Animated Feature Film, Soul (2020), Winner
Annie Awards 2021 - Outstanding Achievement for Production Design on an Animated Feature, Soul (2020), Nominee
Society of Illustrators 62
SILA Illustration West 57
SILA Illustration West 58, Bronze
American Illustration 38
Press
Animated Views - Soul interview
The Daily Texan: SXSW 2019 recap
GMA News: Hollywood Insider - Incredibles 2 interview
CNN (Philippines) - Finding Dory interview
SJSU Washington Square - Alumnus profile
Cartoon Brew - Artist of The Day feature
Collaborator Highlights
Pixar Animation Studios
Incubus
Thud Rumble / DJ Qbert
Dreamville
The UC Theatre
Tonko House
Quorum Films
AIDS Walk San Francisco
Shing02
OMA (band)
Projects
Feature Films
Elemental (2023), Pixar
Luca (2021), Pixar
Soul (2020), Pixar
Incredibles 2 (2018), Pixar
Coco (2017) uncredited, Pixar
Cars 3 (2017), Pixar
Finding Dory (2016), Pixar
Inside Out (2015) uncredited, Pixar
Monsters University (2013), Pixar
Brave (2012), Pixar
Episodics
Dream Productions (2024), Pixar
Win or Lose (2025), Pixar
Short Films
Loop (2020), Pixar SparkShorts
Sanjay’s Super Team (2015), Pixar
Borrowed Time (2015), Quorum Films
The Dam Keeper (2014), Tonko House
Lava (2014), Pixar
The Blue Umbrella (2013), Pixar
TV
Toy Story of Terror (2013), Pixar
Books
Foreword (2021), The Story Culture
Music
Luv (sic) Hexalogy Tour (2024), Shing02, OMA, Spin Master A-1
20 Years of Make Yourself & Beyond (2019), Incubus
Rodrigo y Gabriela (2018), The UC Theater
Invisibl Skratch Piklz (2017), Thud Rumble