I majored in Animation with a minor in Art and Design (and Criminal Justice) and graduated
at the weirdest time, December of 2020. I was one of the lucky individuals to be a
part of SODA from the very beginning, even before there was an official structure.
I was drawn in through rumors that circulated in the fine arts department, and once
it became available, I left graphic design and joined SODA as quickly as I could.
It was everything I wanted that wasn't available when I started attending WSU. I learned
so much from everyone there, met many people that I can still call my closest friends,
and had numerous great opportunities, like working on a Netflix production.
After graduation, I actually didn't go into my field at all. I graduated at the peak
of COVID, so I entered the finance world and became a specialized teller (crazy, right?).
I like to mention this because it taught me to pivot and keep growing while still
trying to achieve my goals. After applying to over 500 roles, I was able to transfer
back to the media world as a Motion Designer for Signal Theory. That experience was
crucial in learning about the business and how to both produce and collaborate while
problem-solving. I worked with brands like Bose Aviation, John Deere, and Sonic, to
name a few. After being there for three years, I moved to my current job at Corporate
Tools. I am the Lead Motion Designer for the company and get to work with over 1,000
employees in all 50 states.
My biggest accomplishments so far have been creating characters for Harvesters (a
client at Signal Theory), where my timed animations and animation growls helped raise
over $500,000 in total donations during the event. We received multiple awards, winning
at the ADDYs and the NYC Anthem Awards. Along with that, I am proud to have created
a working 3D animated motion design asset that also won multiple packaging awards
at the Heartland AAF, the World Brand Design Society, and the Dieline Awards. Lastly,
my most recent achievement is having my design and animation displayed on the Las
Vegas Strip on screens that can be seen from airplanes during descent, in addition
to taking over all the inside screens at the Conrad World Resort and Zouk Nightclub.
All of these accomplishments feel surreal.
My main advice for any students that want to be in the same field is to be patient.
It can be so frustrating and discouraging, but the rejection is what makes you work
harder to keep going. Take it all in as a learning experience and move forward ready
to learn from anyone and everyone. The second piece of advice I have is to incorporate
other things into your routine that aren't just sitting at a computer. It helps with
being creative, but also helps with your overall mental and physical health. Take
care of yourself so that you can put your best self out there.