When Rafael Humberto Perez Camargo talks about the work that shaped him, he goes straight back to childhood.

"The animations I watched as a child inspired me so much to one day be able to work on one of these productions," he said. That early spark set him on what he calls his "little ninja journey," a path that eventually turned him into Rafatoon, the director and animator behind striking videos for global artists.

That journey began in earnest when Rafael was in his second year at University. He had always loved illustrating and designing, but felt something was missing. "I wanted to see them move and come to life," he said. That curiosity led him to discover After Effects on his own (a program not yet covered in his classes) and opened up what he calls "an entire universe called Motion Graphics."

The pivot to music videos came from an unexpected place: a trip to the beach where he brought a camera and recorded moments without any real technique. While editing that footage later, he realized he wanted to dedicate himself to visual production. That small video became, without him knowing it, his first project.

You may have come across his visual style in music videos for performers like Sia, Deftones, Santana, or Katy Perry. What stands out, though, is his focus on the craft itself.

"What I enjoy most about my work, I feel, is the process," he said. "The process makes every project, no matter how complex or difficult, have a much greater value." That commitment helped him navigate moments that pushed him professionally, including his first shoot in the United States.

"It meant stepping out of that comfort zone in Colombia and working with a crew that spoke only English. It was a huge challenge."

That first American production – a music video for an artist called Milck, filmed in New York – remains one of the most meaningful projects of his career. "It was not the biggest project of my career, but it was extremely special on a personal level," he said. Directing abroad, managing the shoot, communicating in English showed him how much he loved the work.

At the same level sits another project: his first animated short film for Starfall by Illenium. The undertaking stretched seven or eight months and resulted in a nearly 45-minute short film. "We premiered it in a theater, invited the whole team and my family, and seeing the project on a big screen was a truly emotional and meaningful moment for me," he said. When asked to choose his most important work, he put it simply: "It is hard to choose, like being asked to pick a favorite child."

Not every shoot goes according to plan. While filming the video for Kygo in a desert where locals insisted rain was almost impossible, it rained for both days of the shoot. Cars got stuck, some flooded, cameras got wet (they managed to save one), and even a laptop was damaged by water. "It was complete chaos," he recalled. "We had to change all our plans and adapt everything on the spot. It was one of those situations you never imagine could happen… until it does."

As a director, much of what Rafatoon does never appears in the final project: coordinating teams, guiding processes, making decisions, solving problems. But he considers one aspect essential: holding and defending the creative vision. "I like to stay in constant communication with the client, the production company, or the artist, explaining each creative decision and standing behind what we do and what my team proposes," he said. "Many of the projects I have delivered were approved because I defended them until the very end and was able to communicate their value."

Building a space that supports global collaboration

As Rafatoon’s career grew, he needed a clear and dependable way for people to see his work and get in touch. Rafatoon.TV became that home base. It showcases his portfolio, but it also gives clients, crew members, and talent a direct way to reach him.

“My experience with my website Rafatoon TV has been very rewarding,” he said. “I’ve gotten clients from all over the world.” He also shared that collaborators have contacted him through the site to join new projects. For someone whose work depends on having the right people involved, that level of visibility and accessibility can shape opportunities in a meaningful way.

How a .TV domain supports his work (and how you can use the same approach)

Rafatoon could have used a standard .com, but he chose the .TV extension because it reflects what he creates. The domain sets an expectation for visitors and gives them a sense of the visual world they’re about to enter.

For small business owners, freelancers, and side-hustlers, his choice shows how a domain can carry meaning and help people understand what you do. When your domain aligns with your field, it becomes easier for people to remember you, which can help when someone is deciding who to contact or recommend.

If you want your own domain to support your work more effectively, consider the following:

● Choose a domain that reflects your specialty – like .TV, which is perfect for those wanting to make their mark in the film industry

● Make your website a place where people can reach out easily, not just a gallery of past work

● Keep your domain short and clear so it stays top of mind for people who may want to recommend you

Rafatoon built a space that supports the kind of projects he wants to create, and the .TV domain plays a simple but effective part in that. If you’re shaping your own digital presence, his approach is a reminder that the choices you make online can work in your favor.