2D Animation
Class of 2010
Hometown: Denver, CO

Why did you choose to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design?

I've known that I wanted to be an animator since early childhood and this was the closest school with an awesome 2D/3D department available.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

The first three that come to mind are Kiki Gilderhus's Art History 4 class, Screenwriting with Shari Fleming, and whatever class I just happen to have with Sam Fleming. I'm able to ask questions about the industry because these instructors have been in it for a long time. They're brutally honest in a way that will prepare me for where I'm going.

Which Liberal Studies or Foundation Studies classes did you find the most surprising or useful?

The Art History classes brought a lot to the table that was new and inspiring. the instructors in that area were particularly seasoned and could answer whatever I asked or send me somewhere to find out. The Humanities courses brought to light questions I'd had on a back burner for years and showed me how to organize my analytical processes.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

Sam and Shari Fleming have become my archetype for what an animation/family team is supposed to look like. The most valuable lesson I've received from them is simple: I am not special. This sounds harsh, but it's exactly what I needed to hear to reach my full potential as a student and a professional artist. They've helped me learn that natural talent does not entitle us to anything but rather burdens us with a tremendous responsibility to USE that talent to its fullest capacity. Being gifted in anything sometimes grants us undue credit and I'm grateful for being knocked down a notch. For the first time in my life, I'm building my character instead of my ego thanks in part to the Flemings' influence.

Tell us about a favorite project you've worked on.

In Visual Design 2, I built a glass box for a Thai plant. It worked in such a way that when a candle was lit on the outside, a bulb of water would boil to create condensation, and the box rained on the inside for about 4 days. I have designs for rain boxes that are walls, bookshelves, window facades, etc. My goal is to open an online business or storefront for custom rain boxes.

How has RMCAD prepared you for what you want to do when you graduate?

As is the case with ANY school, the curriculum here cannot fully prepare someone to make it in their chosen field. This sheet of paper does not entitle us to squat. Our responsibility is to utilize our time to polish our skills, ask questions constantly, and otherwise ensure our own education.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD? How are they different or similar to students you knew in high school?

(RMCAD) is a community of truly passionate people transforming their talent into skill so that their passion becomes their primary bread winner. These people are often a lot more open-minded, driven, and focused than many I've known around our age group. They're good people and lasting friends.

What kinds of things do you do when you're not attending classes?

I'm either working full-time security for high rises in Denver, attending Bujinkan Ninjutsu classes, doing homework, working on illustration commissions, or trying to crack a book at whatever cafe is closest.

What would you want a prospective student to know about RMCAD?

This school is a privilege and not a right. If you're lucky enough to be here, I sincerely recommend realizing the tools at your fingertips early on. There are people and technologies here that are beyond rare elsewhere and that kind of opportunity demands respect.