What does it take to succeed in the real world? Here, Art Institute graduates and industry partners offer personal advice for early success in the workplace.

Eric Deuel, Media Arts & Animation 2002
Assistant Animator, DreamWorks
Burbank, CA
"Find any opportunity you can to gain experience, network and develop your skills outside of class. Love the people around you and love what you do."

Paige W. Duplechan, Culinary Arts 1999/Culinary Management 2003
Private Chef
Denver, CO
"Take advantage of everything the school has to offer. You will have the opportunity to form bonds with instructors and classmates that last throughout your career."

Bradley Nguyen, Graphic Design 2001
Art Director, Sudler and Hennessey Communication
New York City, NY
"Never let the little things get in the way of your goals. An investment in your artwork, no matter how small, will go somewhere or to someone that will take you where you want to be."

Cheré Martin, Graphic Design 2001
Production Manager, Newspapers & Technology magazine
Denver, CO
"Whatever it takes, somehow get your foot in the door in the 'the business.' Even if it is a job sharpening pencils, eventually you will have a chance to show your skill."

Chianne M. Warner, Graphic Design 2003
Associate Graphic Designer, Horizon Organic
Boulder, CO
"Always treat others with respect and give them your time, because you never know what they may have to offer that will enhance you as a person and broaden your horizons in the working world."

Joshua Ortiz, Graphic Design 2003
Junior Art Director, Street Source/The Integer Group
Denver, CO
"Make every class assignment a portfolio piece; your portfolio is what lands you a job."

Derek Rippe, Media Arts & Animation 2001
Designer/Illustrator, Creative Consumer Concepts (C3)
Overland Park, KS
"Stay focused on your passion and your strengths, but always keep your mind as open as possible. You never know where your talent can take you."

Stephen Mendoza, Media Arts & Animation 2003
Computer Animator, Knott Laboratory, Inc.
Denver, CO
"Keep an active interest in the industry as well as developing a network of fellow animators and artists. Take your work seriously."

Phillip Edwards, Culinary Arts 2001
Executive Chef, The Independent
Minneapolis, MN
"Take the time to find out what it is that you would love to do, make it happen and you will never 'work' another day in your life!"

Aaron J. Heinen, Computer Animation 1999
Modeler, Sim Author Inc.
Boulder, CO
"Never, ever stop learning, even if it means learning an entirely new skill or way of thinking. You can't tell when all of your skills and experiences will be called upon to enter the big game."

Goose Sorensen, Culinary Arts 1996
The Art Institute of Colorado Hall of Fame 2003
Owner/Executive Chef, Solera
Denver, CO
"The Art Institute of Colorado gave me the background and base to meld cooking and business to take my career to a higher level."