Christine Racinez graduated in 1999 with an Associates Degree in Computer Animation, and with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Animation and Media Arts in 2003. Inspired by her grandfather, Emilio Racinez and father Piorelio Racinez, both artists, Christine grew up surrounded by creativity. Though her grandfather was legally blind, he found a way to teach her foundational art skills by sculpting with her since she was three years old. By age five, her parents decided to teach her how to publish her own storybooks-- from using the typewriter, illustrating, and even binding the canvas cover. By the fourth grade, Christine had her first illustration featured in Scholastic News in their Young Artists of America highlights.

After learning about The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Christine, with the support of her family and mentors such as Dr. Carol B. Choye, superintendent of the Board of Education received various scholarships, including one from the Adele de Leuw Foundation to help fund her education.

In September 1999, Christine graduated and started work at, Invision Media Communications. Christine was hired as an in betweener and production artist. After a few months, her hard work paid off and she became a project manager with her first big account with Panasonic. Being the youngest in the animation production department and with having just an Associate’s degree sometimes created challenges for the manner in which Christine was received amongst more seasoned coworkers. So, in December of 1999, Christine decided to pursue a Bachelor degree.

She decided to re-attend The Art Institute of Philadelphia after recommendations about their bachelors program in Computer Animation. Over the course of her schooling at The Art Institute of Philadelphia and in her professional experiences, Christine can site many highlights of how The Art Institute of Philadelphia has helped her along within her career. Christine recognized early on that it was vital to use the supports around you. She understood the importance of taking what she learned in the classroom and applying it to “real work” situations and vice versa. This truly helped Christine grow as a student and professional as well as also being a good resource to her classmates.

Christine has had an extremely extensive and exciting career. She got involved with NBC Designworks, ultimately leading to an extensive production career with the Olympics. Her experience with the Olympics is a part of the NBC Olympics & Sports Division. Christine has even had the opportunity to work with producing the “X Games”. Presently, she is working at ESPN Sports Center as a Freelance Stage Manager/ Utilities. However, in further demonstration of her skills and diversified talents, Christine was also the Freelance Production Coordinator for the Film The River of Copsa Mica; MixMax Biz, Ltd. Next Generation Online Video Gaming Consulation.

Christine’s ever evolving and exciting career has taken her all over the world. No matter where she is, she never looses sight of the excellent experiences, education and people she has met at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. She provides special recognition to Jeff Otto and Marilyn Burstein for their continual support to her career. Christine finds time whenever possible to “give back” by visiting classes, providing job leads to current students and when she can, promotes The Art Institutes as a leader in creative education.