3D Animation
Class of 2010
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Why did you choose RMCAD?

When I started out at UNL, I was torn between majoring in chemistry or art; I chose chemistry. A year down the line, I realized that I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn't choose art, and that was the major decision that led me to RMCAD. I was looking for a school that offered an animation program, and found RMCAD in a "big book o' colleges." I checked out the animation program, and felt very good about the fact that it balanced fine arts, aesthetics, technical skill, and "film language" among other things. RMCAD caught my eye because of its curriculum and faculty, but I was happily surprised by the sense of community that exists here among the students and the professors. It's not hard to find passionate, experienced, helpful artists here.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

That's hard…I love learning, and each of my classes has had its day in the sun so to speak. I'll list my top five in no particular order: 3D Computer Modeling, Life Drawing, Visual Design 2, Art History (Non-Western), Creative Visualization. These are all united as my favorites because they made me grow as an artist and a person. I learned something new almost every day in each class, and had to step outside of my comfort zone to progress.

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

I didn't have any huge surprises in my Foundations classes. I guess my biggest surprise—and the best one too—was that I wasn't automatically good at everything in Foundations. There were a lot of design elements and media I had to study/use to further my understanding of art-making, and each new project usually taught me something new—especially in Visual Design 2. I rarely work with three dimensions, unless it's within a computer, so Visual Design 2 was extremely good for me because I had to address volume and shape; my brain had to struggle a bit, and that's always a good thing. Foundations are called foundations for a reason: they form the backbone of your technical skill. You'll learn to draw or sculpt or paint in your own way, but at some point you'll revert back to color theory, basic rules of composition, or elements of design, or something else. Foundations work doesn't end after your sophomore year.

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

I'm still preparing for graduation, but being here has exposed me to novel ideas and a lot of artistic culture/history that I probably would never have been aware of had I not been here. My problem-solving skills have improved, and I've gained a great deal in the way of technical skills on the computer and in my drawing. Plus, I've been around faculty that have instilled in me the importance of nurturing your ideas and talents. You've gotta have confidence as well as skill to make great artwork and my professors have given me that.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

RMCAD attracts very unique people, but at the same time, the people here are no different than anyone else I've ever met; for the most part, we humans are trying to pursue a life of meaning, learning, and fulfillment, and connect with others along our journey. While we're all united by a common cause, I've had the privilege of meeting more people at RMCAD who are devoted to a cause and to personal fulfillment than anywhere else. I've seen gorgeous, mind-blowing, scintillating work at this school—from students and faculty. I'm really lucky to have seen so much beauty, and to have worked next to some great artists.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

I like Denver because it's very eclectic. The population is very diverse and gives this metropolis all of its flavors. The size of this city also generates creative and entertaining outlets; you'd tire yourself out trying to do everything there is to experience in Denver. The music scene seems to be booming here, the downtown area is great for exploring, there are countless outdoor activities available, plus the art scene here is also strong and very much appreciated by the general public. I think it's crucial that our highly homogenized society keeps within it a place for fine arts/art in general, and Denver does that. In short, there's a lot to experience and lots of people to meet, so you'll almost never be bored.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

My life basically did a 180 when I came to RMCAD. When my spring semester ended at UNL in '07, I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, I felt trapped in a bleak city/college environment, and felt pretty empty inside. It sounds cliché, but I was rather lost—for those reasons as well as others. I did some serious questioning over the summer, and decided to pursue art professionally. I decided to attend RMCAD, and when I arrived here, I found friends with which I could share ideas, practice artwork, and hang out. I started a curriculum that filled in holes in my art education and inspired me to better myself. I motivated myself, but many people at RMCAD were very instrumental in pushing me forward. RMCAD is a college that requires a huge amount of personal motivation/desire to succeed, and that need to be self-sufficient/dedicated to your pursuits and yourself has been cemented here.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school"?

I didn't have an epiphany, but during summer school, I started to feel more connected to RMCAD. I got more personal interactions with friends/classmates over the summer, and got to spend more time with my professors, which was very important to me. After spending so much time here doing projects I enjoyed and interacting with my professors, I felt like I had a safe haven at RMCAD, and I felt the sense of community here very personally.

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

This place can be intimidating. The seniors and faculty have produced unbelievable pieces or art in their careers, and when you first enter the college portion of your artistic career, their work and knowledge can daunt you to the point of self-doubt. Don't give into doubt or fear—they're your worst enemies. Do artwork every day, whether it's homework or something for fun. In fact, find time to do something fun—it will save your brain/mind from imploding. Be prepared to spend long hours doing your work. You'll spend a lot of time on your work, but it's well worth it—artwork with half the heart is not worth it in my opinion. Perhaps most importantly, don't take all of my advice. I think I've got valuable pearls to share with people, but ultimately you have to make your own decisions and go with what you feel is right. Practice within your own workflow if it gives you good results, stick by your artistic decisions, take the classes you want to take, but always, always keep an open mind.