What is your current job title and where do you work?
Unemployed! I do have a little freelance coming in from PG&E, where I'm a computer graphics contractor.
What does your job entail?
It's 3D generalist work - I basically make computer graphics for clients, start to finish. I listen to what they want, come up with ideas and a general look for their approval, then create the animation / graphics.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Practicing something and getting paid for it - especially when it's something I'd want to do any way - has an irresistible appeal.
Where did you study?
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I was a film major.
Why did you choose the studio to apply for the internship?
It was straightforward: location and, frankly, existence. I was outside of Chicago at the time, where studios are a little thin on the ground. It was one of the few places with opportunities for digital art / computer graphics work that offered internships.
What did you submit for your portfolio and how did you prepare for the submission?
Looking back, my portfolio submission to High Voltage was very broad. I put everything in there: illustration, 3D modeling, texturing, animation, life drawing, etc. Basically anything remotely 3D / art related I had done went in there. I would certainly not take that approach today.
As smorgasbord-like as it was, though, I made an effort to show only my best stuff in an attractive and coherent presentation. I think that helped.
What do you believe separated you from others who were also applying for the internship?
I can't speak to what the other applicants looked like, but I can only guess that my professionalism and thorough portfolio sealed the deal.
What was the interview process like for the internship?
Friendly and informal. They reviewed my portfolio with me, but I got the impression I had the position before I walked into the room. They just wanted to meet me and make sure I didn't toss up any major red flags.
What department did you intern in and what specific tasks did you accomplish as an intern?
The department didn't have a name, but it was quite varied. I catalogued, cut, and edited audio clips from voice actor sessions. I modeled environments - mainly cityscapes, and did some basic animation.
How did the internship prepare you for your current career?
Much of the work was the same, just on tighter deadlines. And while this is small I do think it's important: it made me much more familiar with using computers with networked version control. Simple file management became a lot more important.
What is your opinion on paid versus unpaid internships?
People should be paid for their work. Unpaid internships exacerbate already rampant inequality where those who can afford to work for free for months at a time get better connections and jobs than those who must support themselves.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists who want to intern at a studio?
It really helps to know someone. More than half of the people I know that got internships at reputable studios did so for two reasons: their work was fantastic, and they had a friend on the inside. The importance of that cannot be overstated. A network of friends and acquaintances is your best bet for getting good work.
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