John Varvir

2D Animation
Class of 2008
Hometown: Thornton, CO

What is your favorite spot on campus?

The best spot on campus is the student lounge on the second floor [of the Texas building]. There the windows open to the beautiful view of the campus, letting in warm sunlight in which I can sit in all day. Also, there are some nice flat cushioned areas to nap on.

Where do you like to work on your art?

In the 2D animation lab is where I do most of my work. At first it seems secluded from the rest of the school, but that becomes helpful when trying to get work done. The walls are covered with familiar drawings that I like to look at when I take breaks and I like to remember how they got there in the first place.

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

Sunga A. Lee was the biggest surprise of the Liberal Studies classes. She knew what she was talking about and made it easy to get through a difficult class. And the thing I remember best about her wasn't really a test or book lesson. It's to always be respectful—she showed this by always being polite in class even if the students were not.

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

Every animation teacher—be it 2D or 3D—is amazing. They're also not afraid to take time and talk to you about what you need to improve on in your work—giving students one-on-one time to understand the movement and structure and perspective of each project you work on. Every last one of them listens to what you have to say and makes sure that you are helped with anything and everything you may need.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

The student body at RMCAD is indescribable, only in that there are people that I find to be familiar and others that constantly express creativity. Everyone is very nice and always willing to help out when needed. There are still cliques and groups that are found hanging out with each other, but everyone is still very polite and open to others' opinions.

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

RMCAD started becoming a real place to me when I took experimental animation with Jeff Jurich. It was there I realized that animation had no bonds to strictly paper and pencil; that animation was a media that could be displayed anywhere on anything that I desired. Within the class were three friends that I hope to know well out of college, still laughing about things only the animation students would understand—like Jeff's ever-changing sweater.