CTN Spotligt on ... Alicia!
CTNX: Hello Alicia, it's a pleasure to speak with you! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
AN: I am a passionate 3D modeler, eager to give my all in an animation studio that shares my enthusiasm for this art form. My days are filled with polygon wrangling – checking all angles of a sculpt, and debating whether a certain vertex is well-placed. I also adore playing video games with loved ones, and am a ‘regular’ at video game conventions like E3 and PAX West. I am loving life from sunny Anaheim, California.
CTNX: When and how did your relationship with CTN begin?
AN: The story of CTN and I began in 2012 when I was a humble student in California State University, Fullerton’s animation department. One of my great teachers, Chuck Grieb, strongly encouraged all of us to attend CTN Animation Expo. I am so very glad I did.
CTNX: What have your positions been with CTNX and what have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
AN: I was a workshop warrior. I created orderly lines from the chaos for workshop rooms one and two in the city ballroom (zone 15), directing attendees to the right place at the right time. I strategized with other workshop allies to ensure each helper was ideally positioned to answer questions for puzzled attendees. I kept the map and app handy at all times, finding correct answers to tricky questions. I also tended to the workshop speakers, making sure everything was in order for a successful session. I am proud to say that the transition from panel to panel went very smoothly during my shifts.
CTNX: What are your ultimate career goals?
AN: Right now, I would be over-the-moon happy to be a 3D prop modeler for a lovely animation studio in Burbank/Glendale, or a certain one in Emeryville. Eventually, I would like to explore polygon wrangling environments and characters, respectively.
CTNX: How does working with CTN help you meet those goals?
AN: Working with CTN can help an animation professional in more ways than I can count. You meet so many wonderful people, and build pivotal relationships that can boost your morale and open career doors. The enthusiasm for animation is so strong at CTN, it’s almost tangible.
CTNX: What have you learned most from your experience working with CTN?
AN: Working with CTN Animation Expo has been invaluable. I have learned that it takes a great deal of coordination and hard work to make this very special event possible. There are so many different people you meet, from different corners of the planet and places in their career. You may be anywhere from an eager newbie to an experienced professional. Wherever you are in the spectrum, that’s ok. Embrace it. Everyone is welcome.
CTNX: What do you look forward to most in the coming years regarding your career?
AN: I look forward to that great feeling of belonging – making a worthy contribution in a squad of animation superheroes. I am eager to feel that sense of pride, knowing that the art struggle I went through to produce something wonderful was worth it and is appreciated. I can’t wait to see co-workers at CTN, and be able to say, “Hey, did you see THIS? Wow, what about THAT! Alright, see you Monday.”
CTNX: It was a pleasure to talk with you Alicia!