Ricardo Andrade embodies a unique fusion of artistic prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, visionary thinking, and innovative leadership. Serving as the President & Creative Director of Pixeldust Studios, he has transformed his dream into reality, steering a world-class animation and motion graphics company that caters to diverse clients in the broadcast, corporate, and non-profit sectors. Ricardo’s creative contributions are prominently featured in many notable network television projects like PBS’s “Fabric of the Cosmos,” National Geographic’s “Alien Deep,” and the History Channel’s “American Daredevil.”
In the industry’s dynamic landscape, Ricardo’s vision has evolved to encompass video production, original content creation, interactive services, and mobile games and apps. Before founding Pixeldust Studios, he earned acclaim as an Emmy award-winning visual effects artist and was Director of Art & Animation for National Geographic Television. Under his leadership, the art and animation department delivered concept development, 3D animation, visual effects supervision, and digital compositing annually for over 90 hours of programming, spanning National Geographic Channel, MSNBC, PBS, and Fox Specials.
Hailing from El Salvador, Ricardo initiated his career in Mexico City’s television industry. His journey led him to Digital FX, Inc. in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1993, where he began as a visual effects artist and ascended to Senior Editor and Post-Production Supervisor. In this capacity, he oversaw client and vendor relations for numerous commercials, PSAs, and industrial spots, catering to esteemed clients such as Exxon Mobil, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MCI WorldCom, Harley-Davidson, Shell, and Midstream Enterprises. Ricardo also contributed to long-form programming for Spike TV, Discovery Health Channel, and the local PBS affiliate.
Throughout his career, Ricardo has earned 43 Emmy nominations and 17 Emmy Awards, including awards for direction, art direction and editing. His standing in the industry is further solidified by his membership in the prestigious Visual Effects Society, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and The American Advertising Federation.
