Riley Phillips

Illustration
Class of 2010
Hometown: Warren, PA

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

Hugh Alexander's Basic Illustration class has had the greatest impact on my knowledge of how to approach my art. It was an extremely enjoyable class but was not without its challenges. Overall, I felt the Basic Illustration class has pushed me hardest in reaching my potential. I very much look forward to the more advanced classes, as I have a lot more stretching to do!

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

[One] reason I was so attracted to RMCAD is the fact that the professors are currently working artists. They all have this desire to help, and are more than willing to drop what they are doing to share their experiences and knowledge. They encourage us to bother them! And that is exactly what I do. For instance, I was interested in submitting work for a scholarship, but was finding it difficult to get everything organized while also balancing class projects and a job. Hugh Alexander was more than happy to take time outside of class to offer his advice as to how to approach the organization and presentation of my portfolio and was a great encouragement to go that extra mile. The pencil has always been my most confident tool, but I have seen my own style grow as the professors here continue to encourage me to branch out and experiment with different media and approaches to illustration.

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

I have really loved a number of projects. While some work is required for exercise's sake, RMCAD strongly encourages that what we exercise then be put into creative practice. I really enjoyed my Life Drawing 3 class with Steve Collins and recognized a substantial growth in my knowledge and ability to draw the human figure through many weeks of practice and research. As a final project, Steve allowed us to explore a more entertaining approach to anatomy by creatively mixing the anatomy of two different animals with that of a human. Seeing as how I live with two Dachshund puppies, I chose to use them as immediate reference, and used photos of elephants and a friend of mine to finish out the trio. It was one of those drawings I just couldn't step away from as I couldn't wait to see the end result of my humaweinerphant.

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

Although I am an Illustration major, The animation industry has always been my first love in art. Because it is not my desire to actually move the characters, but rather to design them, I felt it was appropriate to focus more on my layout, storytelling, and design abilities. The Illustration department here at RMCAD has nurtured my goal to work in the animation industry by giving me a good sense of storytelling through imagery. The faculty to whom I have mentioned my goals have given me experiential stories of others who have been educated as an illustrator but have gone on to work in the animation industry, and vice versa. They have shown only confidence in me and my pursuit of this dream.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

Because RMCAD is a relatively smaller school, it allows for a more intimate community of artists to share their work, their thoughts and ideas. There is such a wide range of styles and influences here that I've often found myself attempting something new in my sketchbook simply based off of conversations I had with a student earlier that day. In high school the students (including me) so often held to a strict method or approach to their assignments, whereas here I've found in just about every class, there are a number of students willing to approach their project from an angle not yet explored. It's really great to be free to explore the options rather than to be told "this is how it is supposed to be done." Instead, I am told "There are no rules…only tools!" (Glenn Vilppu).

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

The sun rarely shines where I come from in Pennsylvania. Here it is sunny 300 days of the year, and I love it. I play ultimate frisbee with my buddies whenever I have the chance, and if I get itchy for some powder, I can head up to the mountains close by for some snowboarding.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I have a better sense of purpose in my life, as I feel the gifts I have always longed to develop are being slowly chiseled into something worthwhile and productive. I suppose it's just good to know I can do those things I have always seen others doing but felt were too far or too large to grasp for myself. It's a good feeling!

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

I suppose RMCAD became my school pretty early on. I felt right away that the teachers were enthusiastic about me and the fact that they took notice of me and my work was especially welcoming. I suppose partial credit is due to the smaller size of the school, allowing for a more close-knit community, and the fact that the teachers are not spread so thin.

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

Draw everyday. It doesn't matter how good you were in high school—natural talent will only get you so far. You have to be willing to work everyday at this stuff. I've heard it said, and I agree, that talent owns up to about 10% of your success as an artist—the other 90% is hard word. That isn't meant to be a discouragement! What I am saying is that anyone can do this, you just have to have that fire lit under your butt, and if you don't…draw anyway. Believe me, you're gonna be great.