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Featured Alumni
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3D environment by Josh Silvers
2008 Media Arts & Animation graduate |
Alejandro Lugo
Freelance Artist
Tempest Digital, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation, 2001
Alejandro Lugo graduated in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Media Arts & Animation from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. While at BECON, the Broward Education Communications Network, he won an Emmy for Outstanding Children's/Youth TV Programming: Series in December 2007 for It's the Write Time. He was the Art Director/Lead Compositor/Lead Animator. In all, there were 20, 15 minute episodes which were 90 per cent animated and/or with greenscreen live-action.
As a TV artist, Alejandro wore many hats depending on the project. In addition to working on children's programs, he produced multimedia DVDs with video, weblinks, PDF content. Alejandro also runs his own freelance company called Tempest Digital, Inc. He handles a gamut of productions and post production projects. Among his many clients are: Microsoft, Disney, Maybelline, Suzuki, and the Saban Entertainment Group.
Alejandro recalls the Emmy awards ceremony as, "A wonderful night." Alejandro loves doing children's shows, but also dreams about one day creating movies. "I would love to have the chance to produce something that has a unique spin with powerful storytelling, and lush, fantastic visuals."
Alejandro is now in California pursuing his dreams. When he was asked what advice he would give to young designers, he said, "You simply cannot remain viable in this business unless you stay on top of what other people are doing and how they are doing it. Furthermore, you have to continue to educate yourself once you graduate, be it with DVDs, trade magazines, online tutorials, networking with other artists, etc., you can never stop learning."
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Fabio Zapata
Technical Director
Sony Pictures Imageworks
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation, 2003
Fabio Zapata graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Arts & Animation and quickly packed his bags and moved to Hollywood, California, where he is currently Technical Director on Visual Effects at Sony Pictures Imageworks. His passion in computer graphics is evident in his motion pictures credits which include: Watchman (animator), Alice in Wonderland (Technical Director), and Cats & Dogs (match move and rotomation supervisor). Others include: Sky Captain, Click, Ghost Rider, Superman, and Spiderman III (he composed 2D and 3D tracking). Fabio's specialties are rotomation, layout and photogrammetry.
Born in Colombia, Fabio took advantage of all the opportunities that came his way while is school such as working as an assistant art director at NBC6.
"My experience at the art institute of Fort Lauderdale was very unique and rewarding," says Fabio. "The teachers encouraged me to pursue specifics goals, explore different directions and make new consideration on life. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale experience gave me the confidence needed to find the dream job."
Fabio was affiliated with the digital effects and design studio Ring of Fire where he worked on music videos for MTV, compositing and 3D model texturing, and creating commercials for Cingular Wireless and Tiger Woods.
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Jayme Veith-Perez
Technical Director
Sun-Sentinel
Associate of Science in Animation Art & Design, 2002
Jayme Veith-Perez graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Computer Animation program with an associate degree in 2002. Currently, Jayme works for the Sun-Sentinel selling retail advertising. Though Jayme isn't currently working in the animation field, she feels that her education has helped lead the way in her success at the Sun-Sentinel. She says, "I was able to learn and work with so many programs at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale that it enabled me to be more creative with my customers' ad designs. I also am able to freelance with my eye on ad design for clients' ads for publications and web design."
Originally from Jacksonville, Jayme was going to attend The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale right out of high school in 1983 but got side tracked with modeling. After 10 years working consistently, she decided it was finally time to pursue her degree.
Her most memorable experience from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was her graduation and the feeling of going to school later in life, yet still being able to accomplish earning a degree. "No matter how old you are, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks.... If you have that burning desire to do something then work hard at accomplishing it. There were many times I thought of changing my degree but I was encouraged by the faculty to continue because they saw creativity when I saw none."
Jayme's advice to students is, "Never give up... if for any reason you're feeling that you can't accomplish what your task is, dig down very deep inside and you will find the inner creative and wonderful gift that you have been given.
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Jeff Brodsky
Modeler/Animator
Fathom Studios
Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation, 2000
Jeff Brodsky pursued his passion for animation and graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in March 2000. He has utilized his creative talents to quickly launch himself into his current position as a modeler/animator at Fathom Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, Jeff is busy working on "Delgo-A Hero's Journey," a fantasy themed animation due out in the prime release spot of Thanksgiving 2002.
Jeff is thankful to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale for helping him hone his skills and natural artistic talent to meet the demands of today's animation industry.
He is also tremendously grateful to Mary Hicks, Assistant Director of Career Services, for her continuous support and knowledge, which helped him land his dream job.
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Jon Juriga
President/Founder
14 East Multimedia Group
Associate of Science in Computer Animation, 2000
"I couldn't even turn on a MAC when I started," says Jon Juriga, a 2000 graduate of the Computer Animation program. Things have radically changed for him since then. He recently launched 14 East Multimedia Group, a full service interactive media firm located in Fort Lauderdale. The firm specializes in 3D modeling, rendering, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROM authoring, kiosk design, Flash design and website development. Currently he is working with high-profile clients including, AT&T Latin America, and Florida Atlantic University.
Jon's business now revolves around the very skills he acquired while at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. It introduced him to animation, web design and a variety of other pertinent topics. He is particularly thankful to Animation instructor, Mike Carnegie. " He is a great teacher, motivator and just a great person."
According to Jon, "Owning your own business is not for everyone. Neither is working for someone. Do what you think is right, not the most obvious choice."
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Julian Sarmiento
Technical Animator
Sony Pictures Imageworks
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation, 2004
Julian Sarmiento, a 2004 Bachelor of Science degree major in Media Arts & Animation at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, already has three motion pictures credits to list on his resume: Day After Tomorrow, I Robot and Polar Express. Julian didn't monkey around on Digital Domain's I Robot movie. While at Digital Domain, he worked on modeling for facial set ups and cloth simulation. For Sony Pictures Imageworks' Polar Express, he was a Technical Animator on eight sequences shot inside the train. On Day After Tomorrow, Julian concentrated on particle work.
Originally from Colombia and now residing in Los Angeles, Julian started working as an intern with South Florida's NBC6 affiliate WTVJ as an Art Director in 2001, while at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He was involved in modeling, texturing and various other CG related projects. While attending SIGGRAPH in 2003, with work in hand, he was interviewed and hired by Digital Domain, all the while continuing his studies via on line classes. Sony Pictures picked him up shortly thereafter.
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Keith Lackey
Visual Effects Technical Director
Digital Domain
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation, 2003
Visual effects technical director Keith Lackey specializes in lighting, character rigging, and scripting. At the commercial division of award-winning visual effects facility Digital Domain, Lackey was the Lead Character TD for an animated skeleton in "Thirsty," and a television spot for the high profile ‘Got Milk?' campaign. For the spot, the onset skeleton puppet was replaced by a digital model which was rigged by Lackey. Additionally, he wrote GUIs (graphical user interfaces) for easy interactive control of the character and provided technical support for the animated rig for the team of visual artists who also contributed to the spot.
At Digital Domain's feature film visual effects division, Lackey was responsible for the layout, lighting, and rendering of CG set extension shots for Universal Pictures "Peter Pan." He wrote custom tools and menus to enhance the production pipeline, added functionality to existing lighting tools, modified shaders, and oversaw shot renders through Renderman.
Most recently, Lackey worked at Cro Inc. on the upcoming Touchstone Pictures feature film "The Life Aquatic." As Modeler and Character TD, he modeled multiple fish to match live-action animatronics and created automated straight forward rigs to incorporate simulations. Lackey earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Media Arts and Animation from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2003 and he was awarded Best Digital Portfolio and Highest Achievement.
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Lisa Hunt
Freelance Artist
Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation, 1998
Lisa Hunt, a 1998 Bachelor of Science degree graduate in Computer Animation, came to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale "…to expand my horizons and become a more proficient, versatile and confident artist." Originally from New England, Lisa studied art while a senior in high school at the Educational Center of the Arts located in New Haven, Connecticut. Lisa earned a masters degree in 2004 in Interdisciplinary Studies at the Union Institute & University. Since 2001, she also has been teaching in The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Media Arts & Animation department as an adjunct instructor.
Since graduating, Lisa has produced collectible gaming card art pieces, several books and tarot decks, and is currently working on two more contracted tarot projects with US Games and Llewellyn Publications due in 2006 and 2008. Lisa's work was chosen in "The New Masters of Fantasy 2003" -- a collection of the year's best science fiction and fantasy artwork sponsored by Epilogue (www.epilogue.net). She illustrated the Shapeshifter Tarot (now in its 6th printing), the bestselling Celtic Dragon Tarot (translated into several languages around the world and is currently in its 8th printing), and authored and illustrated a full color hardcover book showcasing her interest in mythology (Llewellyn 2001). She says her greatest accomplishment is that The Animals Divine Tarot is soon to be released and will be distributed nationwide including Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores. She has also created preproduction material for local animation/media houses and illustrations for book covers, magazines, and calendars.
Lisa says, "The excitement of seeing my art translated into other media was exciting and endlessly challenging." She also says, "The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale helped me to truly blossom as an individual. I became a confident professional and have tackled a steady stream of contracted assignments ever since."
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Martin Merryman
Director of Operations
Eyewitness Animations
Associate of Science in Computer Animation, 1998
Creativity abounds! Computer Animation 1998 alumnus Martin Merryman uses his creativity daily as the Director of Operations at Eyewitness Animations in Pompano Beach. He is in charge of all 3-D animation, graphic design, interactive presentations, and DVD authoring. His work is used nationally in the legal community throughout courtrooms and has been shown on ABC's "20/20" and local television news channels.
"The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale gave me direction and discipline, opening doors for career opportunities," says Martin who is grateful to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where he acquired the knowledge of computer programs and skills required to be successful in the animation field.
Martin sends many thanks to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale instructor Jim Radford. " He taught me the only way to become good at something is constant practice and study. He taught from a broad spectrum of lessons and I learned a great deal from him."
When asked what advice he would give graduating students, Martin replied, "Don't be afraid to ask your teachers and peers questions. Be open and prepared to wear many hats in your career. Don't expect the first job you get to be what you want. You may learn new things and it will make you well rounded."
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Michelle Bandin
Motion Graphics Artist
Onboard Media
Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation, 2000
"My education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale has helped me significantly in my success," states 2000 Bachelor of Computer Animation graduate, Michelle Bandin. As a motion graphics artist with Onboard Media, located in Miami, her responsibilities include heading all graphics involved with video/film production, including composting, special effects, design and graphics. With less than a year under her belt, the accolades from her superiors keep rolling in. "They consider me a great asset for the company and see room for my upward growth."
Michelle has worked on projects for the Atlanta Hawks, Sunglass Hut, Circuit City, El Nuevo Herald, Telemundo, Discovery Channel, and McDonalds. Presently, she works on projects that are travel related for Royal Caribbean Cruiseline and Las Vegas hotels Aladdin and Caesar's Palace.
Instructors Emmy Druckman, Tim Gorski and former Computer Animation chair, Scott Nelowet, are a few of the people Michelle feels greatly influenced her while at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "They gave worthwhile critiques, while finding something in each student's work to build upon." Always striving for success, she pushed herself to find an internship before it was necessary in school; something she believes helped her get where she is today. She advises students, "Get out there in the business… do the gopher work if necessary. But definitely get your feet wet before entering the real world or you will be in for quite a surprise. Be patient and look into all aspects of this field. It's a competitive world out there and you really have to give 150% of yourself to be successful."
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Rachel Tiep-Daniels
Visual Development Artist
Blue Sky Studios
Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation, 1999
Rachel Tiep-Daniels graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in December 1999, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Animation and began working in the animation industry immediately at Blue Sky Studios. Her first movie was Ice Age. She then moved on to Dreamworks and worked for seven years in various positions as visual development artist, set design, and modeler. Credits are: Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs Aliens, Shrek the Musical, The Madagascar Penguins in A Christmas Caper, and Shark Tale. She is currently back at Blue Sky Studios as a visual development artist.
Originally from Boston, Rachel Tiep-Daniels attended the University of Miami School of Architecture. Following UM she decided to attend The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to broaden her horizons and study art. She entered the newly formed Computer Animation department at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale where she was about to begin her new journey. While in school, Rachel had an internship at Nickelodeon and MTV in Miami and she worked many freelance jobs.
Rachel sent her demo reel to Blue Sky and as a result had an interview at SIGGRAPH. From there she continued her correspondence with them over the next few months. After graduation, Rachel set her sights on Blue Sky Studios in New York. She interviewed with them at SIGGRAPH later that year. Rachel was hired as an environmental modeler for the movie Ice Age. After the completion of Ice Age, she was hired by Dreamworks and worked on the film Shark Tale as Lead Sequence Modeler.
Rachel's advice to students is, "You can do anything you set your mind to!"
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Raul Ruiz
Freelance Artist
Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation, 2003
February 21, 2001 -- Born in Mexico City, Mexico, 23-year-old Raul knew he was destined to be an animator when he was a teenager after he watched a video entitled "Beyond the Mind's Eye." Raul graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2000 with a Bachelor degree in Animation. His intense interest landed him a recent Suncoast Regional Emmy Award for a 30 second news PSA on CBS4 for Zo's Summer Groove, a children's benefit spearheaded by Miami Heat's basketball star Alonso Mourning.
Raul produced all the 3D and compositing for the PSA which took only 1-1/2 weeks to complete. At the time, Raul was employed by CBS4 part time involved in 3D animation and after effects. He is currently an active freelancer in South Florida.
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Rolando Reyes
Digital Artist
Pipedream Interactive
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation, 1999
Within two months of graduating with a bachelor degree in Computer Animation, 1999 alumnus, Rolando Reyes landed a dream job. Currently, he is a digital artist working with Pipedream Interactive, a division of Majesco. Majesco is a leading publisher and distributor of interactive software for various hardware platforms that collectively dominate the video game market. They publish titles on the Advanced GameBoy Color System, Sony Playstation2, Sega Dreamcast, Sega Genisis, Super Nintendo, Pico and is currently developing software for the new Microsoft X-Box system. Their software includes action, adventure, arcade, driving & flying simulations and sports titles.
Rolando is responsible for producing all digital images including models, textures, animation and conceptual designs that are implemented into one of Majesco's various video games. The greatest highlight of his career thus far, is producing video games for GameBoy Advance. Working for a national company has offered Rolando the opportunity to travel throughout the United States.
Rolando views his days at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as "most enjoyable." He says that there was so much more behind digital entertainment than he ever imagined. At times, he found it overwhelming, but lots of dedication and self-motivation helped him plot along. The expertise of the many experienced instructors inspired him to go for his dream. He says, " The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale gave me many windows of opportunity after graduating. It gave me a very substantial foundation to which I will continue to grow as a person and a professional."
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Shae Strachan
3D Multimedia Designer
Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts & Animation, 2001
As far back as he can recall, 2001 Animation graduate Shae Strachan has been artistic, paying very close attention to detail in everything that he touched. His childhood coloring books looked like color prints when he finished them and throughout grade school and high school he won many art contests and shows. When Shae moved to Florida to pursue his education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, he remembered walking through the art crammed walls of the school for the first time and he knew this was where he belonged.
Shae is currently a 3D/Multimedia Designer for Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc., a Fort Lauderdale based engineering firm. He creates 3D models and animations of the firms various engineering projects including bridges, landscape design, and residential building developments. These animations help aid in the design process and give the clients a very realistic understanding of what their project will look like long before construction even begins.
Prior to his employment with CGA, Shae was Lead Animator for DAS Group, an advertising firm in Hollywood Florida. He created the 3D mouse car for Truly Nolen of America, which is featured in advertising material including nationally aired television commercials. Some of his other clients included Coca Cola, UPS, and Hair Color Express. His words of advice for any graduating students are practice, practice, practice and don't be closed-minded on choosing the work you create.
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