In the state of California for 2008, the annual average of ...



Office of Institutional Research

Labor Market Information and

Analysis of Animation Occupations

Executive Summary

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Riverside Community College District

2009

Table of Contents

A. Introduction 3

B. List of Animation Occupations 4

C. Animation Labor Market Information 6

D. Program Credibility/Career Potential 7

E. Environmental Scan 8

F. Summary 8

Appendix I a.-I g 9

Riverside Community College District

Office of Institutional Research

Labor Market Information and Analysis of Animation Occupations

Executive Summary

Is an Animation Career for You?

If you are passionate about drawing, telling stories, and working with computers you might find computer animation a dream come true. Graduates with an animation degree can land jobs all over the entertainment industry, or even continue studying the art form in graduate school.  Alumni who earn certificates or degrees in Visual Arts and Design have gone on to successful jobs in character animation, character modeling, texturing, rigging, visual effects, compositing, gaming, commercial animation, motion design, and technical direction. If you're looking for a job that will allow you to walk the line between art and technology, and throw in a little bit of drama as well, an animation career could be a great choice for you. With the growing demand for animation, there's no time like the present to get started.

Labor Market Analysis:

As the web, the entertainment industry, and other multimedia outlets continue to grow, there continue to be opportunities for talented artists to work as animators. The need for students to be trained in animation is supported by the following:

• Local and Statewide demand for animation related positions (2008-2018):

• In the state - 20% increase or 11,885 positions

• Inland Empire - 41% increase or 692 positions

• Orange County - 25% increase or 1,460 positions

• Los Angeles - 20% or 6,635 positions

How many jobs does this represent?

By the year of 2018, it is projected that there will be 72,331 openings for animation related positions. Also, there will 27,117 or 45% new and replacement openings for animators.

• Competitive Salaries

• The average annual entry-level salary is $53,165

• The median annual with some years of experience is $67,205

• The median annual with advanced experience is $85,925.

• Low number of Current Graduates In 2007-08, among the 22 programs at California Community Colleges that offered animation, there were only 60 awards (25 Associate’s Degrees granted and 35 certificates).

Occupations covered in the analysis of animation related careers include:

• Movie Production: Careers include concept development, illustration, and storyboarding, which draw on traditional art skills as well as more tech-savvy skills like modeling, texturing, and animation.  Techies also contribute to the production process behind the scenes by writing custom applications, scripts, and plugins that help the artists work more efficiently. The full spectrum of animation in these areas is quite large. Jobs may include character animation in the form of a cartoon, logo, special effect and more. In case you haven't noticed, 3D really has taken off in the realm of computer animation and animation in general. Movies such as Lord of the Rings, Finding Nemo, the latest Star Wars prequels are all relying extensively on 3D computer animation. What would have looked fake and rigid a mere 6-7 years ago now looks photo realistic and seamless for 3D rendering and animation. A program like Maya can spit out amazingly detailed and convincing characters like Gollum, and Ring Wraiths featured in the Lord of the Rings movie. Exciting techniques involving motion capture can really add to the realism of characters. It really is an exciting time to be in the industry. Texture mapping, lighting effects, collision detection and special effects also need to be covered. (see Appendix I f.)

• Television Production: TV also offers a fair amount of opportunity in computer animation. Commercials frequently use animated logos, and characters. Local News always has an animator of some kind who adds animated logos and other digital graphics to each news cast. There are also TV movies, and other shows that rely on a computer artist to do some digital special effects such as the NBC show “Heroes” and numerous other sci-fi shows. Some may start their animation career this way.

• Video Game Animation: The video game industry is just exploding right now, with no slowdown in sight. Nearly all games will need a team of animators to bring the games to life. Motion capture often is being used here as well as in movies to nail down convincing character animation. Texture mapping, lighting effects, and other special effects are just as important to the success of a video games attempt to draw you in and immerse you. It might sound like many of the same elements in a feature film. That's because technology is closing in the gap, and the paying consumer demands more. (see Appendix I g. )

• Internet: More and more, you are seeing animated advertisements dance across your screen as you're on the Internet. You go to a movie site or a band site, and you have a very good chance of seeing a flash animation. Much like other media industries, the Internet is expanding at a mind boggling rate. And with it comes new websites and advertisements that need a way to stand out. (see Appendix I e.)

• Art Directors: Art Directors formulate design concepts and presentation approaches, and direct workers engaged in art work, layout design, and copy writing for visual communications media, such as magazines, books, newspapers, and packaging. (see Appendix I c.)

• Set and Exhibit Designers: produce sketches or scale models to guide in the construction of the actual sets or exhibit spaces using graphic design technology. Exhibit designers often work with curators, art and museum directors, and trade-shows. Set and exhibit designers help make what you are seeing at a museum, play, or movie seem attractive and real. Their work creates a special environment that fits in perfectly with an event or production. They create sets for movies, television, and theater productions and design special exhibition displays. Set designers study scripts, speak with directors and other designers, and conduct research to determine the historical period, fashion, and architectural styles appropriate for the production on which they work. They often use graphic design technology to help sketch there ideas and draw blueprints.

• Craft artists: If making useful art is not just a hobby but your passion, you might consider pursuing a career as a craft artist. . Craft artists create works of art that have a practical as well as an artistic purpose, including ceramics, jewelry, art glass, quilts, furniture, welding, and weavings. These items can be found in a huge number of private homes and public collections around the world. Maybe your creations will become the next hot collectible. Many craft artists use graphics and animation technology to create designs, generate ideas, and work with animators for movie production companies.

Technical Writers: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. They may assist in layout work. Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods is essential. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. Technical writers must have an education in animation and graphics technology to acquire the knowledge they need to become successful in their field.

•

• Creative Director: The creative director is in charge of a product’s overall concept, strategies, and ideas. The creative director typically works closely with the client’s creative team to understand their marketing and other business objectives. From these discussions, the creative director creates the vision for the project that meets those objectives. In order to develop these visions and strategies, a creative director must have a wide variety of skills, such as marketing, branding, and audience assessment. It is his or her job to ensure that the interactive digital media product does not just provide information to a user, but creates an exciting user experience. Creative directors come from all different backgrounds. They typically have been a part of many interactive digital teams as a writer, designer, or other creative position before becoming a creative director. Many creative directors also have a background in marketing or advertising. (see Appendix I a.)

• Interface Designer: As interactive digital media products become much larger and more complex, the need for someone to organize the information in an easy-to-use manner and to create an effective "front-end" user interface increases. Interface Designers work to create the look and functionality of the Graphical User Interface (GUI), including buttons, icons, colors, text, graphics, and animation, so that the interface is easy to use. They work on video games, DVD’s, computer applications, websites ect. This involves designing a flowchart or site map for a product that organizes the information in a logical manner which the user will find easy to navigate. There are also user interface designers that specialize in creating the elements that are displayed on the screen that will make using a product an intuitive or self-explanatory process. (see Appendix I b.)

• Occupations covered in the analysis of animation related careers include: multi-media artists and animators, craft artists, graphic designers, film and video editors, art directors, technical writers, and set and exhibit designers. Training The need for learners instudents to be trained in animation animation iis supported by the following:

Local and Statewide dDemand for animation related positions (200?-200?):

• support the need for Animation Curriculum

• In the state - , there will be a 20% increase in animation related positions; in the

• Inland Empire - , there will be a 41% increase

• in animation jobs; in Orange County - , there will be a 25% increase in

• animation occupations; in Los Angeles - , there will be 20% growth in animation employment.

How many jobs does this represent?

Competitive Salaries

The average annual entry-level salary for animation related jobs is is $53,165

. The median annual salary for animation related jobs of individuals with some years of experience is $67,205

. The median annual salary of animation related jobs of individuals with advanced experience is $85,925.

Low numbers of Current Graduates

In 2007-08, among the 22 programs at California Community Colleges that offered animation, there were only 60 awards (25 Associate’s Degrees granted and 35 certificates).

8. Animation Labor Market Information

Riverside School of the Arts’ environmental scan of the state and three counties has identified the following needed: replacement of talent, training in technology, and need to diversify the field of animation. Animation related positions include multi-media artists and animators, craft artists, graphic designers, film and video editors, art directors, technical writers, and set and exhibit designers.

Growth encouraged by consumer usage

Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there would be future job opportunities for animation related workers. The demand will be spurred by the public’s interest in video games, movie and television that reflect real life. Also, the consumer’s desire for more television special effects and 3D animated movies will encourage the demand for animators. Website development and computer graphics adaptation from the growing mobile technologies will increase the demand for animators. Scientific research and design services are hiring more animators. However, the competition for jobs is expected to be intense for both salaried and freelance jobs in all areas. Despite the competition, employers will always look for talented and skilled animation related workers to keep their projects on the cutting edge. Employers from a variety of industries (advertising, public relations, publishing, and design firms) will be able to choose from among the most qualified candidates. Additionally, in comparison to all states, California is projected to have the highest number of positions second only to New York (Source: ).

Secondary Expertise

Multi-media and animators and other related positions could easily transition with their knowledge, skills and abilities to work in graphic design related positions. Due to the technological advancement in computers and graphics, and the availability of stock art Web sites, multimedia artists and animators will have access to more jobs requiring the creation of illustrations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09).

Statistics on the field

Furthermore, statewide the demand for animators is supported. In the state of California for 2008, the annual average of Animation related occupations was 60,446. By the year of 2018, the annual average of employment of animation related positions is expected to increase by 20% or by 11,885 more positions. Therefore, by the year of 2018, it is projected that there will be 72,331 openings for animation related positions. Also, there will 27,117 or 45% new and replacement openings for animators (See Attachment A).

In Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area, the 2008 annual average employment of was 1,678. By the year 2018, it is projected that there will be 2,371 animation related positions. This expected growth will represent a growth of 692 more positions or 41% increase in job opportunities for animation related positions. Due to openings and separations, it is anticipated that another 1,117 or 67% positions will be available (See Attachment B).Furthermore, statewide the demand for animators is supported. In the state of California for 2008, the annual average of Animation related occupations was 60,446. By the year of 2018, the annual average of employment of animation related positions is expected to increase by 20% or by 11,885 more positions. Therefore, by the year of 2018, it is projected that there will be 72,331 openings for animation related positions. Also, there will 27,117 or 45% new and replacement openings for animators (See Attachment A). In Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario Metropolitan Statistical Area, the 2008 annual average employment rate was 1,678. By the year 2018, it is projected that there will be 2,371 animation related positions. This expected growth will represent a growth of 692 more positions or a 41% increase in job opportunities for animation related positions. Due to openings and separations, it is anticipated that another 1,117 or 67% positions will be available. (See Attachment B)

In Orange County, the 2008 annual average employment rate was 5,900. By the year 2018, it is projected that there will be 7,361 animation related positions. This expected growth will represent a growth of 1,460 more positions or 25% increase in job opportunities. Due to openings and separations, it is anticipated that 3,016 or 51% more positions will be available (See Attachment C).

In Orange County, the 2008 annual average employment of was 5,900. By the year 2018, it is projected that there will be 7,361 animation related positions. This expected growth will represent a growth of 1,460 more positions or 25% increase in job opportunities. Due to openings and separations, it is anticipated that 3,016 or 51% positions will be available (See Attachment C).

In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana Metropolitan Statistical Area, the 2008 annual average employment of rate was 33,809. By the year 2018, it is projected that there will be 40,444 positions. This expected growth will represent a growth of 6,635 more positions or a 20% increase in job opportunities for animation related positions. Due to openings and separations, it is anticipated that there will be 14,966 or 44% more positions (See Attachment D).

In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara Metropolitan Statistical Area, the 2008 annual average employment of rate was 3,488. By the year 2018, it is projected that there will be 4,203 animation related jobs. This expected growth will represent a growth of 715 more positions or a 20% increase in job opportunities for animation related jobs. Due to openings and separations, it is anticipated that another 1,656 or 47% more positions will be available (See Attachment E).

Program Credibility/Career Potential

New talent is still needed and required to develop films and to assist Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar with concepts for rides and movies. In fact, (Kornblum, 2005) showed that DreamWorks has initiated programs where their animators teach students in efforts to find future animators at San Jose State University, Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and Ringling School of Art Design in Sarasota, Florida and two Canadian institutions. Furthermore, Riverside School of the Arts has already developed a relationship with animators in the field with the ACME program.Under the leadership of Riverside School of the Arts, Riverside Community College will provide students with the training and skills required to advance in the industries of motion picture and video, advertising and related services, computer systems design and related services, software publishing, and specialized design services. Furthermore, career opportunities exist for animation related positions as teachers in the fine arts at colleges, elementary or secondary schools. To become a teacher, students must acquire a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. An advanced degree in fine arts or arts administration is needed for management or administrative positions in government, foundations, or for teaching in colleges and universities. However, there are programs where experienced, currently employed animators critique and teach young animators within Art programs, ACME and other similar intern programs.

Riverside Community College, in particular at the Norco Campus, has addressed the need for computer graphics training through course offerings. Due to the availability of computer graphics packages and stock art Web sites, multimedia arts and animators, and writers are able to create their own illustrations. As the use of this technology grows, there will be fewer opportunities for illustrators. However, it also has opened up new opportunities for illustrators who prefer to work digitally.

New talent is still needed and required to develop films and to assist Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar with concepts for rides and movies. In fact, DreamWorks has initiated programs where their animators teach students in efforts to find future animators at San Jose State University, Ohio State University, Ringling School of Art Design in Sarasota, Florida and two Canadian institutions. Furthermore, Riverside School of the Arts has already developed a relationship with animators in the field with the ACME program. (Kornblum, 2005)

• Given the number of 35 enrollments projected for the program and necessary to support the program, there should be openings locally to permit placement of the expected number of graduates. Within California Community Colleges there are 22 Chancellors Office approved programs in Animation. The programs granted 60 awards (25 Associate Degree awards and 35 certificates). Mt. San Antonio College and Crafton Hills College (new program as of 2008) are the nearest institutions. Allan Hancock, American River College, Antelope Valley College, College of the Canyons, Cerritos College, De Anza College, Diablo Valley College, East Los Angeles College, El Camino College, Fullerton College, Glendale College, Los Angeles Mission College, Palomar College, Rio Hondo College, San Francisco City College, Santa Ana College, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Monica City College, Vista College, West Valley College, Ohlone College and Palo Verde College awarded certificates but these programs are not included on the program inventory of 22 programs (Chancellors Office Data Mart).

With the aforementioned explanations of the possibility of competition for employment for the 7,578 Inland Empire and Orange County local positions and 60,446 positions in the state of California, Riverside Community College Districts’ Animation Certificate and degree program will assist students in procuring employment within this competitive market of talented animators. Above all, if all 22 programs produced 30 graduates or 660 awards, there would still be ample openings for graduates.

•

Training in new technology

Riverside Community College, in particular at the Norco Campus, has addressed the need for computer graphics training through course offerings. Due to the availability of computer graphics packages and stock art Web sites, multimedia arts and animators, and writers are able to create their own illustrations. As the use of this technology grows, there will be fewer opportunities for illustrators. However, it also has opened up new opportunities for illustrators who prefer to work digitally.

Environmental Scan

Helping to Diversify Animation

Riverside School of the Arts’ environmental scan of the state and three counties has identified the following needed: replacement of talent, training in technology, and need to diversify the field of animation. Fordon (1999) found that women were discouraged from Art and Music careers. The make-up of animators today still reflects an imbalance in gender with men being the majority (citation). In 2007-2008, over fifty-percent of all students were female in Riverside Community College District. While not all female students are interested in animation, the district could target a select group of women to enter the animation field. Additionally, the percentage of non-White students within Riverside Community College District is 66% (Chancellors Data Mart, 2007-2008). Riverside Community College could educate a critical mass of minority students to enter and diversify the field of animation.

Promotion of a Global Society

Riverside Community College recognizes the importance of providing art education and its greater usage to end social problems. Furthermore, Gee (2006) and Duncum (2003) posits that visual cultural art education comes out of the combination of postmodern theories that promote justice for women, multiculturalism, diversity, environmental awareness and other important social issues. Graphic design is the filter through which nearly all communication is now disseminated. What, how, and for whom we choose to communicate are crucial decisions that have a serious impact. Through the study of graphic design, students will become aware of the diverse ways in which graphic design can affect the world and have an understanding of what options exist for designers interested in working from an ethical perspective.

Growth encouraged by consumer usage

Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there would be future job opportunities for animation related workers. The demand will be spurred by the public’s interest in video games, movie and television that reflect real life. Also, the consumer’s desire for more television special effects and 3D animated movies will encourage the demand for animators. Also, the demand for Website development and for computer graphics adaptation from the growing mobile technologies will increase the demand. Scientific research and design services are hiring more animators. However, the competition for jobs is expected to be intense for both salaried and freelance jobs in all areas. Despite the competition, employers will always look for talented and skilled animation related workers to keep their projects on the cutting edge. Employers from a variety of industries (advertising, public relations, publishing, and design firms) will be able to choose from among the most qualified candidates. Additionally, in comparison to all states, California is projected to have highest number of positions second only to New York (Source: ).

Labor Market Analysis

Net Job Market

Given the number of 35 enrollments projected for the program and necessary to support the program, there should be openings locally to permit placement of the expected number of graduates. Within California Community Colleges there are 22 Chancellors Office approved programs in Animation. The programs granted 60 awards (25 Associate Degree awards and 35 certificates). Mt. San Antonio College and Crafton Hills College (new program as of 2008) are the nearest institutions. Allan Hancock, American River College, Antelope Valley College, College of the Canyons, Cerritos College, De Anza College, Diablo Valley College, East Los Angeles College, El Camino College, Fullerton College, Glendale College, Los Angeles Mission College, Palomar College, Rio Hondo College, San Francisco City College, Santa Ana College, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Monica City College, Vista College, and West Valley College. Ohlone College and Palo Verde awarded certificates but these programs are not included on the program inventory of 22 programs (Chancellors Office Data Mart).

With the aforementioned explanations of the possibility of competition for employment for the 7,578 Inland Empire and Orange County local positions and 60,446 positions in the state of California, Riverside Community College Districts’ Animation certificate and degree program will assist students in procuring employment within this competitive market of talented animators. Above all, if all 22 programs produced 30 graduates or 660 awards, there would still be ample openings for graduates.

Earning Potential (See Attachment B)

The average initial salary for animation related jobs is $53,165.

The median annual salary for animation related jobs of individuals with some experience is $67,205.

The median annual salary of animation related jobs of individuals with advanced experience is $85,925.

Program Credibility/Career Potential

Under the leadership of Riverside School of the Arts, Riverside Community College will provide students with the training and skills required to advance in the industries of motion picture and video, advertising and related services, computer systems design and related services, software publishing, and specialized design services. Furthermore, career opportunities exist for animation related positions as teachers in the fine arts at colleges, elementary or secondary schools. To become a teacher, students must acquire a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential. An advanced degree in fine arts or arts administration is needed for management or administrative positions in government, foundations, or for teaching in colleges and universities. However, there are programs where experienced, currently employed animators critique and teach young animators within Art programs, ACME and other similar intern programs.

Secondary expertise

Multi-media and animators and other related positions could easily transition with their knowledge, skills and abilities to work in graphic design related positions. Due to the technological advancement in computers and graphics, and the availability of stock art Web sites, multimedia artists and animators will have access to more jobs requiring the creation of illustrations (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09).

Promotion of Global Society

Riverside Community College recognizes the importance of providing art education and its greater usage to end social problems. Furthermore, Gee (2006) and Duncum (2003) posits that visual cultural art education comes out of combination of postmodern theories that promote justice for women, multiculturalism and diversity.

SummarySummary

Given the need to replace the talented nine old men that created the Disney classics, Riverside Community College, under the direction of Riverside School of the Arts can educate new talent to the movie, television, internet, video game, and other industries that utilize graphics design technology industry. Riverside School of the Arts, Riverside Community College can provide the computer aided and technological training so that animation related workers are on the cutting edge of the movie and gaming industries. In addition, the diverse population served at Riverside Community College could be educated to enter occupations related to animation and provide images that reflect women and all ethnic and culture groups. .

Appendix I a.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Creative Director

Roger Sievers: 2006 Graphic Design Graduate from The Art Institutes International Minnesota

Employer: Prairie View Publishing

Career: Creative Director

"When people begin to understand how powerful the minds of our youth are, they begin to understand that they are our most valuable resource." — Roger Sievers

What's Roger doing today?

Roger is currently the creative director of four small companies. For nearly five years, he's worked with Prairie View Publishing on cover designs, website development and maintenance, identity management, and even author relations. He's also working with Rigid Tech, a growing internet service provider operating in the mountains in Utah. Roger works in website development and design — creating brochures, ads, and web advertisements. His other projects include web and promotional materials design for Rings of the Covenant, a company dealing in heirloom-quality jewelry for churches and community organizations; and Definitive Apparel, a company he started to bring meaning to clothing via artwork and messaging.

Creative inspiration

Inspired by the "Build Bridges, Not Walls" conference, Roger created a film chronicling the six-day event, which focused on forty young people from around the world coming together to learn and share views about human rights, conflict resolution, and multi-cultural understanding. Roger had been originally hired to simply film and provide raw footage of the conference to his client. However, he began to see an amazing story unfold, and he convinced his client that the story was powerful enough to be made into a film. Roger states that "the thoughts of the youth from other nations came to us and enlightened our understandings and perceptions of the world around us in ways that I find trouble expressing through these words."

Getting out there

In this project, Roger was responsible for all aspects of filming, scripting the narration, music gathering and selection, editing, DVD creation, and arranging and conducting on-camera interviews. One of the most important directorial decisions he made involved his filming of different subjects. Adult speakers were not engaged with the camera, but students were. Roger did this to alienate the audience from the adult "matured" speakers to emphasize the power and passion behind today's youth voices.

Appendix I b.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Interface Designer

Katy Poon: 2006 Graphic Design Graduate from The Art Institute of Vancouver

Employer: Electronic Arts Canada

Career: Interface Designer

"The Art Institute of Vancouver helped me prepare myself for this job by teaching me how to present myself." — Katy Poon

What's Katy doing today?

Katy is working at Electronic Arts Canada as an Interface Designer. She's part of the team that designs the menus, HUD elements, icons, and loading screens for video games. As a part of her job, she creates many motion demos, and she's thankful for the Flash skills she learned while attending The Art Institute of Vancouver.

Creative inspiration

Finding the right career was easy for Katy. She quickly knew that interface design was perfect for her. She states that "I am a perfectionist and am always looking for perfect composition (I even arrange my Photoshop windows and palettes so they are perfectly aligned with each other!)." She credits her education for teaching her how to present herself to prospective employers. She knows that tips from Career Services at The Art Institute of Vancouver enabled her to make a good first impression.

Getting out there

In her free time, Katy continues to challenge herself as a freelance designer, working mostly in web design and development and print.

Appendix I c.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Junior Art Director

Grace Espejel: 2006 Advertising Graduate from The Art Institute of California - San Diego

Employer: La Agencia de Orci

Career: Junior Art Director

"A lot of the media is shifting to the web. Learn it." — Grace Espejel

What's Grace doing today?

As a junior art director at La Agencia de Orci, Grace comes up with ideas for radio, TV, outdoor, the internet, and print. She also sketches layouts, creates storyboards, and attends TV shoots. She states that the best part of her job is working with national brands and seeing a TV commercial come to life — from coming up with an idea to watching reels, casting, meeting with the director, going to the shoot, color correction, and voice-over casting.

Creative inspiration

Grace remembers a book she read while in school — a passage from it stuck in her head: "Internships: Purgatory, Rip-off, or Free Education?" She believes that everyone will fall into one category or the other and she chose to use her internship as a learning experience.

Getting out there

After graduation, Grace drove to the San Diego Public Library, asked for the Red Advertising Book, jotted down all the names of the creative directors she wanted to work with, and mailed her mini-book to them. In response, she received four calls from advertising agencies. Grace has worked on projects that were recipients of five regional Addy awards and one national Addy award. She tells current students that "the truth is you have to look for the opportunities."

Appendix I d.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Graphic Designer

Allison Friedland: 2002 Graphic Design Graduate from The Art Institute of California - Orange County

Employer: Boost Mobile

Career: Graphic Designer

"Attending The Art Institute of California — Orange County gave me the confidence to learn computers and turn my childhood passion for painting and drawing into a career." — Allison Friedland

What's Allison doing today?

Allison is a graphic designer at Boost Mobile, a progressive, national, youth-focused telecommunications company. Allison's work includes designing billboards, posters, and magazine ads to planning upcoming projects and working with the design team. Allison is a part of every project and because of the fun, progressive nature of the company, she's encouraged to bring all creative ideas to the table.

Creative inspiration

Though she considers herself lucky, it's her skills and sophisticated creativity that helped her to achieve success in her career. She says she learned the value of teamwork at The Art Institute where her faculty structured the classes to work in real world team environments, encouraging positive critique and criticism to flesh out ideas and foster the creative process. Each day, she feels lucky to head to the office and get paid to do something she loves — design.

Getting out there

While she was a student at The Art Institute of California — Orange County, Allison gained experience through internships with Lathian Systems and Display Boy, a company she approached for work because she liked the company's logo. This same confidence won her a graphic design position at Boost. Allison believes that the coursework she took helped her immensely by introducing her to the possibilities created by a combination of art and technology.

Appendix I e.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Web Developer

Lourdes Reigosa: 2002 Multimedia & Web Design Graduate from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

Employer: The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale

Career: Web Developer

"Follow your dreams as an artist. Think creatively and always try to recognize your own personal touch." — Lourdes Reigosa

What's Lourdes doing today?

Lourdes' passion for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and its students, staff, and faculty brought her back to something that she truly enjoys. She's now working as a Web developer for the school.

Creative inspiration

Lourdes discovered her fascination with the Internet during high school and began researching how to create Web pages. She enrolled in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to gain "hands on" experience in multimedia & Web design. Her projects always contained a specific "personal touch" and she developed her own style right from the beginning. Lourdes enjoys developing graphics as well as programming for her Web pages. After receiving the Highest Achievement Award in her program, she continued her education to earn the class's Best Portfolio.

Getting out there

Prior to her employment at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Lourdes was the Web and Graphic Designer for Estefan Enterprises, Inc., headed by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. She designed and programmed , , and . Lourdes also created ads published in Ocean Drive magazine and The Miami Herald and program books for the Latin Grammy Awards, Michael Jackson's 30-year celebration, and Christopher Reeve's Paralysis Foundation.

Appendix I f.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Animator

Jenné Guerra: 2001 Media Arts & Animation Graduate from The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago

Employer: Dreamworks Animation

Career: Production Artist Assistant

"Be a self starter and ask people what they need to get done." — Jenné Guerra

What's Jenné doing today?

Jenné is employed as a production assistant with Dreamworks SKG, which created and produced the film "Shrek." She secured her job at Dreamworks by impressing her supervisor, who recommended that Jenné apply for a position at this prestigious company.

Creative inspiration

As a self-starter, Jenné looks at every experience as an opportunity to learn more and perfect her creative skills. "The animation field is very specialized," she said.

Getting out there

Jenné began her career with an internship at Film Roman in California after graduation from The Illinois Institute of Art — Chicago. There, she began working on the animated series "King of the Hill." After her internship ended, Film Roman hired her as a production assistant. Working as a member of a staff of nearly 100 people, Jenné learned that each person works on a certain element of the series, like prop design, set design, cleanup, or character design. Later, one of her supervisors took a position at Dreamworks and persuaded her to apply for a position there as well. Jenné was offered a position working on a new, primetime series in development for NBC called "Father of the Pride," a series using CGI effects.

Appendix I g.

Animation/Graphic Design Alumni Success Stories

Video Game Designer

Thomas Y. Kernan: Digital Filmmaking & Video Production Graduate from The Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago

Employer: Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA)

Career: Digital Modeler

"Work hard, but most importantly enjoy your work and have fun." — Thomas Y. Kernan

What's Thomas doing today?

Thomas is working as a digital modeler for Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA), the company responsible for the continued growth of the PlayStation® market in the United States and Canada. In his position, Thomas works with various departments building cinematic and in-game assets such as characters, buildings, props, and environments.

Creative inspiration

His main interests are in character and creature modeling. Thomas has a traditional background in human and animal anatomy and sculpting, which he describes as his strongest skill. "Anatomy is something that I consider when modeling digitally, which allows me to analyze the model and quickly identify how to create the most efficient type of model. Anatomy and the human form has been something that I've come to appreciate and love." He regularly uses Autodesk Maya, Pixelogic Zbrush, and Adobe Photoshop in his work.

Getting out there

Thomas has gotten to this point in his career by following his passion for modeling. He advises students: "Find what you're great at and love. Then utilize it. Take advantage of the teachers' advice and useful material at the school. Ask lots of questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question."

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Artists and Related Workers, on the Internet at (visited February, 25, 2009).

Canemaker, John. (2001). Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation. New York, NY: Disney Editions. ISBN 0-7868-6496-6

Duncum, P. (2003). The Theories and Practices of Visual Culture in Art Education.

Arts Education Policy Review, 105 (2):22.

Fordon, A.E. (1999). Careers in Music and the Arts: The Messages Women Receive. Cincinnati, OH, University of Cincinnati. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 437884). Retrieved March 2, 2009 from EBSCOHost ERIC database

Gee Bumgarner C. (2006, October) Valuing the Arts on Their own Terms. Paper presented at NASAD Annual Meeting.

Rabin, Nick and Redmond, Robin, ed. 2004. Putting the Arts in the Picture: Reframing Education in the 21st Century, Columbia College Chicago, 158- 59.

Art Institute: Career Success Stories

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