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Featured Alumni
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portfolio interface design by Anika Boppel
2009 Web Design & Interactive Media graduate |
Anjan Upadhya
Web Designer/Developer
INI Health, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 1999
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interactive Multimedia from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Anjan began using his talents working for Turkel, Schwartz & Partners in Miami. One of the most rewarding projects that he worked on was The Jimmy Ryce Project. Anjan helped build a pro-bono site for The Jimmy Ryce Center for Victims of Predatory Abduction. “I met the parents and that was my first experience with real clients. The project gave a purpose to my career, because it really counted for something.”
At Turkel, Schwartz & Partners, Anjan gained tremendous experience in the field. After developing The Jimmy Ryce project, he worked on projects for Discovery, mortgage.com and aminworldwide.com. “I received very valuable lessons and gained a lot of confidence in my abilities.”
Currently, Anjan is employed at INI Health, Inc. as the New Media Manager. His responsibilities include making all Information Technology decisions, and deploying and maintaining technology. His primary duty is to overlook and manage the web development process in-house from inception to deployment. Anjan is also the lead developer.
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Brenner Vasconcelos
Multimedia Deveoper/Web Programmer
Motorola Corporation
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 1998
Brenner Vasconcelos graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Multimedia school in December 1998 and has already made his niche in his career. After he received his Bachelor degree in Computer Science in Brazil, he decided to further his education in the multimedia field. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was the place and it turned out to be the right decision.
It wasn't easy for Brenner to leave his home country, friends and family, but he knew that in the future all his efforts would turn into a comfortable life.
After receiving many job offers, Brenner chose to be the Multimedia Developer/Web Programmer for Motorola Corporation, located in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is responsible for multimedia authoring and web programming using Macromedia Director, Peri, Javascript, Sound Edit 16, Adobe Photoshop and HTML.
Brenner attributes his success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's professional, hands-on approach to teaching. He says it "gave me the knowledge that led me to grow personally and professionally. I use everything I learned at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in my everyday work."
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Cesar Cifuentes
President
cma Interactive
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2000
After being awarded a full scholarship for the Associate of Science program in Multimedia & Web Design, Cesar Cifuentes pursued his creative career. As a project manager for Evolution Studios in West Palm Beach, Florida, he has a team of designers under his direction and is currently immersed in a web communications project for RCN Radio & TV in Colombia, Latin America’s 2nd largest media & broadcasting company.
In 2000, Cesar furthered his education by obtaining a Bachelor in Interactive Multimedia. Impressively, he maintained a spot on the Dean’s List throughout his associate and bachelor degrees, winning “Best Portfolio” and graduating Magna cum Laude.
Cesar’s professional affiliations have included Interactive Media Developer with Fusive.com., Blockbuster Entertainment, Burger King, Lufthansa Airlines, Sony, Texaco, The Discovery Channel and Visa International.
In addition to his work at Evolution Studios, Cesar is President of cma Interactive, a talented group of production specialist and developers, which create projects where the original creative design and the final end user interface and functionality work together seamlessly.
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Chris Fullman
Senior Producer, Emerging Technologist
AgencyNet Interactive
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2004
Fort Lauderdale native Chris Fullman graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design (now Web Design & Interactive Media). He is the Senior Producer and Emerging Technologist at AgencyNet Interactive, responsible for maintaining consistent design and developmental practices across all teams and projects and heading up research and rapid prototyping for future projects and upcoming technologies. Chris is also known as the Emergency Response Technician doing anything from IT to copywriting, business development and project management.
“Along with my team here at AgencyNet Interactive,” says Chris, “we’ve been honored and humbled to have received over 150 high profile awards including an Interactive Emmy, a Webby, SXSW 2007’s “Best in Show,” a handful of FWA Site of the Day’s/Month’s IMA awards. Over the past few years, I have been responsible for helping shape interactive projects for HBO, Bacardi, iN DEMAND, MOJO, Howard TV, Ford, BBC America, Oxygen Networks, the State of Colorado, and Bombay Sapphire.”
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Cristina Fairhurst
Web Designer
Herald Online
Associate of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 1999
Fall 1999 graduate; Web Designer at Herald Online, Miami Herald Newspaper. Cristina started to work at the Herald Online while in school. In the newspaper industry, getting the news out is vital. Cristina is on a team of designers that is responsible for updating the look and adding the latest South Florida news to the site.
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Dana Ates
Multimedia Designer
CBC Sportsline.com
Associate of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 1999
Fall 1999 graduate; Multimedia Designer at CBS Sportsline.com.
Dana has been working at CBS Sportsline.com since he was in school. The position has kept him very busy. He creates web pages, games and intemet content for the company. Dana really enjoys working Sportsline.com.
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John Valentine
Program Manager
T-Mobile
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2006
John Valentine graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in Interactive Media Design and is currently Program Manager for T-Mobile, USA. He manages program initiatives relating to performance management and compensation planning tools. John has received recognition and numerous achievement awards for his work in the area of eLearning Development.
"I was looking to make a career shift from developing training content to developing online learning. I looked at a lot of local programs but none had the reputation The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale had. I decided to attend an open house where I was blown away by an instructor demonstration. It was a Flash animation of a mobile phone being built from the ground up. I remember thinking, I'll be able to do that by the time I graduate?' That pretty much sealed the deal for me."
While in school, John served as project manager for the college's library site, recording audio snippets in the on-site studio, renting equipment and doing video shoots, working in the green room, streaming video for the first time, and eventually, graduating with Best Interactive Portfolio.
"Upon graduating from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, I was offered jobs in the areas of streaming video and production management for web marketing, neither of which are the normal web designer position I might have expected just graduating. I credit that to all of the exposure I received to the different slices of media at school. I learned how to develop databases, create server-side scripting, create animations, light video shoots, edit and mix audio, develop desktop applications and games aside from the normal how-to-build a website that I originally expected from the degree program. My biggest educational achievement was learning how to solve problems and I have been able to apply that to much more than my career."
John's words of advice to prospective students is, "Don't settle for mediocrity. Mediocre gets you a job, pushing the levels of design and development and how you use what you know will position you for a fulfilling career and life!"
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Joshua Hughes
Web Deigner, Owner
Digital Skratch, Inc.
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2006
Joshua Hughes graduate with cum laude honors in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design. He also won Best Interactive Portfolio. He was always interested in business and in computers from an early age and chose The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because of the curriculum. “I wanted to study courses in my field right away,” said Joshua. “I also chose the college because the teachers have worked and do work in the field and can offer real world experience.”
While studying in school, Joshua was participated in an internship to gain real world experience and he also ran his own freelance company which helped him develop client management and business development skills.
“I would have to say my favorite experience from school was all of the friends and connections I made. I still keep in touch with several of people from school - students and faculty. I currently work with three of my friends from school on a daily basis.
Web design and development necessitates continued education and Joshua pursues every option available to enhance his knowledge and application of the latest technological advances. He runs his own web design agency and is one of the founders of a web marketing agency. He also helped start the "National Online Directory", a local search submission engine for businesses that allow enhanced listings on over 50 engines and landed a large search engine optimization project.
Joshua advises new students to “focus on what you like and are good at. It is impossible to be en expert at every area, you can surround yourself with experts in their field. It is also important to meet new people and never stop learning. Sign up for newsletters, magazines and blogs to stay in touch with what is going on.”
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Justin Hofstein
Internet Coordinator
Kerzner International
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2002
Justin Hofstein, a 2002 Multimedia & Web Design graduate, is the Internet Coordinator for Kerzner International. Kerzner International owns Atlantis owns The Atlantis and Paradise Island in the Bahamas and manages five star destination resorts all around the world. Justin is responsible for all maintenance, photos, graphics, and content on the site www.atlantis.com and www.kerzner.com. He also creates rich HTML email campaigns for the resort and other departments at Kernzer that get sent out to lists of thousands of past guest and travel news subscribers.
Justin grew up in South Florida and went to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Coral Springs. After two years of community college, he decided on a career in Multimedia & Web Design. He chose The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale after investigating the program, as he says, “It all clicked. I was very excited about this field and felt it was a perfect match for me. Before I went to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale I did not even have an email address. My first email address I did get was because of my first web class at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.” Justin achieved many personal goals while at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and says, “My career highlight is that I landed a job right out of school… getting paid a real salary… hah!”
Justin attributes much of his success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and says, “The energy and vibe in the school is something very unique. The creative juices are always flowing and the school is VERY nice to the creative minded student. Working in the classroom labs and seeing all the different work by other students was a constant inspiration. The cafe also has good fries!”
He also attributes his success to his fellow students and says, “Collaborating was key for me but I also learned how to step up and do things myself. Take that extra step to find out more than everyone else but don’t use other students as crutches, but rather as a ladder to a higher state of knowledge.” His advice to students is, “Learn as much as you can from your fellow students. Do not expect anything from anyone. Go get it yourself. I recommend getting an internship in the field because any work experience in the field will pay off immensely. Finally, start working on getting a full time job (if that is your goal) way before you graduate.”
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Lourdes Reigosa
Web Designer
Estefan Enterprise
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2002
Multimedia & Web Design alumna Lourdes Reigosa has had a very eventful career since graduating in 2002. Prior to her employment at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale as the college’s Web Developer, Lourdes was the Web and Graphic Designer for Estefan Enterprises, Inc., headed by Emilio and Gloria Estefan. She designed and programmed www.gloriaestefan.com, www.jonsecada.com, and www.bongoscubancafe.com, and updated the www.cardozohotel.com website. Lourdes also created ads published in Ocean Drive Magazine, The Miami Herald, program book for The Latin Grammy’s, program book for Michael Jackson’s 30-year celebration, program book for Christopher Reeve’s Paralysis Foundation, and many more.
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Lourdes discovered her fascination with the Internet during high school and began researching how the creative aspects of web pages were developed. In 2000, Lourdes enrolled at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to study Multimedia & Web Design. She particularly enjoyed getting the “hands on” experience in her first classes and the “one-on-one” help that her instructors provided. Her projects were always based on a specific “personal touch” and she developed her own style right from the beginning. Lourdes was one of the few students who enjoyed developing graphics as well as programming for her web pages. After receiving the Highest Achievement Award in her associate degree, Lourdes continued her education to earn a bachelor’s degree and the class’s Best Portfolio.
Lourdes’ passion for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and its students, staff, and faculty has brought her back to something that she truly enjoys. Her advice to students, “Follow your dreams as an artist. Think creatively and always try to recognize your own personal touch.”
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Marcus Vogel
Developer, Designer
V align Top, Webkidz, Form Foundry
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2000
The future looks bright for 2000 graduates Markus Vogl (Bachelors in Interactive Multimedia) and Mararita Benitez (Bachelors in Computer Animation). The creative partners recently showcased their illuminating artistry at the Kalgos Collection in Miami. They create lighting fixtures that incorporate items from ordinary including kitchen utensils, scrap metal and glassware and transform them to the extraordinary. The artists plan to market to interior designers and the general public.
Margarita is owner and designer of V align Top, an interactive web site blending technology and art, Form Foundry and Webkidz. She is also the creative director for Kidz Dealz, an interactive site for children.
Marcus is the developer for V align Top and Webkidz as well as being the designer for Form Foundry. Originally from Austria, he has had the opportunity to have his work shown at Siggraph in California, Mindmill Studio Exhibitions in Salzburg, Austria, and Art Alliance in Fort Myers.
They feel their education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale provided them the roots for their entrepreneurial endeavors. “Instructors always lent a helping hand.” The advice they give graduating students is,“Take an opportunity to work in the real world before you think of running your own business.”
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Matias Penela
Director of Technology
AgencyNet Interactive
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2004
Matias Penela graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia & Web Design at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. She is the Director of Technology at AgencyNet Interactive responsible for leading the Flash Development and Programming Teams. One of her high profile clients is Bacardi.
Originally from Montevideo, Uruguay, Matias enrolled in the Multimedia & Web Design program after much research. “I am enamored by the digital and Internet medium,” says Matias. “There are so many disciplines within the field and countless ways to express your creative side. I am glad I chose that program and do not see myself doing anything else other than this. I remember portfolio review clear as day. It was such an amazing time. I remember having a blast showcasing my work alongside my classmates.”
Matias continues, “The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale helped me land my dream job and career. All the skills I learned while in school proved to be essential in the real world. The program set a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the ever-changing digital realm.”
When asked what words of advice she would give to potential students, Matias said, “Do what you love most and always push yourself to the limit and you will find out that many doors will open for you.”
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Neil D'Amico
Integrated Interactive Producer
Crispin Porter+Bogusky
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2002
Neil D'Amico, a 2002 Bachelor of Science graduate in Multimedia & Web Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, is an Integrated Interactive Producer for the award-winning agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky. He manages the creative staff and outside vendors to produce all elements of interactive projects. His extensive list of clients includes Coca-Cola, Burger King, and Volkswagen. Originally from Palisades Park, New Jersey, Neil moved to Florida in 1995 and graduated with awards for both academics and community involvement from J.P. Taravella High School.
Neil says that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale appealed to him for many reasons, but mainly because “The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was a place that would let me bridge the gap between my love of programming and computers and my love of creativity and pure fun.” Much of his success at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale came from his instructors. “I was lucky to have a slew of excellent teachers who taught me more then I could ever have imagined about programming, design, and the entire multimedia field.” His memories include time in and out of the classroom and he says, “I was blessed to make some of the best friends one could ever imagine.” Neil was an active member of Student Government and served as president for two terms.
“While at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, I realized that only one thing truly matters when it comes to success and that is following your heart… having the courage, intelligence, and drive to do what makes you happy will make all the difference in the world when people say ‘it can’t be done,’ or ‘no, that’s not how you should do it,’ or
‘that’s just dumb,’ laugh, do what you love, and always strive to be the best. If you do those few things it is impossible to fail.”
Neil’s advice is, “A creative mind should never be stagnant. Stay away from anything that halts creativity, imagination, or fun. Take your work serious, but don¹t take yourself too serious during it. Enjoy what you do, laugh, and keep a lighthearted attitude.”
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Patrice LePaulmier
Freelance Web Designer
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2003
Patrice LePaulmier graduated in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Multimedia & Web Design. Since graduating, Patrice has studied internationally in Canada at York University, and is currently doing digital media production, web promotions, and photography in South Florida.
“I chose to attend The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because I would be open to variety of art majors such as Interior Design, Industrial Design, Digital Media Production, Photography, Multimedia Design, etc. I have fond memories of my courses at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.”
Using his acquired skills and knowledge, Patrice hopes to one day publish a full line of travel photography books and continue his education in photography and international studies. “I would also like to further my interests in Digital sales, Photography, and as a Web CEO Representative.”
Patrice is always striving to evolve and succeed in all his endeavors. “I would advise students to never give up on their dreams in life because their future is unpredictable and all things are possible.”
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Ramon E. Diaz
Web Developer
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
Bachelor of Science in Web Design & Interactive Media, 2004
Ramon E. Diaz graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Media Design and he is now the Web Developer for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. He is responsible for maintaining, updating and redesigning the school’s web presence. Prior clients included Sapphire Condos and Green Advertising. He was also affiliated with Miami Dade College and Explosive Image, Inc.
An Army veteran, Ramon became interested in pursuing a career in web design and became a student at The Art Institute because of its reputation and history. Ramon says, “I enjoyed studying at the school’s library. It has the largest selection of books related to my field.” He was also influenced by his instructors. “Russ Ben-Ezzer and Jon Doranz were both equally as influential because they explained the course material in a way that was relevant to the real world. I always left their classes feeling like I had learned something useful and exciting.”
Ramon advises new students to work on their portfolios right from the beginning and to start networking early. “Share your knowledge with your fellow classmates in order to help grow and strengthen a network of contacts that will contribute to your success in your future professional career.”
Ramon says, “It’s important to continuously challenge yourself to be better. Learning does not end at graduation so develop within you a craving for more knowledge. The bottom line is, get in there and get yourself noticed. Always believe in yourself and never give up.”
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