I majored in animation and graduated in December 2020, drawn to SODA by a lifelong
interest in the field. Unlike other schools that were either too pricey or offered
courses that didn't align with my artistic goals, SODA met my needs both as an artist
and an academic. During my time there, I collaborated with fellow graduates and artists
online, which opened doors for me to work with various studios and employers in the
area, such as Spirit Aerosystems, Method Productions, and Integra Technologies.
After about three years of hard work that included freelancing, I was offered a full-time
position at Wichita State University two years post-graduation, and I later applied
for the Program Coordinator role. My biggest accomplishment so far has been being
promoted to Program Coordinator, allowing me to give back to the community while sharing
my industry experience with students, which has also contributed to my growth as an
artist.
A close second would be completing a delightful short film with a fellow grad, initially
created for a local film race. For anyone aspiring to enter the field, my advice is
to be kind, driven, and consistent. Don't shy away from reaching out to other artists
on social media to discuss your work; fostering a supportive community can be invaluable.
Collaborating with fellow students can lead to job opportunities, constructive critiques,
and solutions to any challenges you face. While talent is important, building connections
and putting in daily effort to engage with others and create is a surefire recipe
for growth.