John Blessing (Visual Effects & Motion Graphics 2004)

JOB TITLE:
Graphic Designer, WB2/KWGN-TV
Greenwood Village, CO
Winner of 2005 NATAS Heartland Region Emmy for Best Promotional Campaign

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Creates motion graphics for the station’s promotional spots, from a single spot to a complete re-branding of the channel to match what the WB network is doing

Design work ranges from Photoshop to 3D modeling, and animation in Cinema 4D and After Effects

Occasionally works on graphics for the News department for new segments and covers the News graphic designers when they are on vacation


THE ROAD TO SUCCESS:
Freelance work through college career helped gain experience in dealing with a variety of clients. 

Three internships during his last year of school. 

"While not all of them helped to improve my technical skills, they all gave me the experience I needed in a real-world company to make the transition from school to career much easier. The training I received while interning also helped my resume when I graduated."

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS:
"Don’t compare your work to fellow students once you are beyond a basic understanding of a program. Look at the demo reels of nationally acclaimed companies to see who your real competition is. Study their designs and try to figure out how you can do the same thing given you current skill level. Also, learn as many different programs as you can, but make sure you are still an expert at the core programs you need to get your jobs done." 

OTHER THOUGHTS:
"My education at The Art Institute of Colorado gave me a substantial advantage over anyone who was just trying to break into this industry. Many professionals around Denver spend years trying to learn programs just well enough to do their job, but don’t have the formal training and level of in-depth knowledge that I have after graduating from The Art Institute." 

ON WINNING AN EMMY:
"Winning a regional Emmy was a great way of finishing off a very blessed 13 months after four years of hard work at AiC. I graduated, got hired at WB2, got married, and won a regional Emmy. I hope this Emmy is the first of many awards for my work."