Career Roadmap
Ryan's work combines: Art, Technology, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
The Art Institute of California-Orange County
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Video Game Designers:
High School
Certification: Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics and Special Effects
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Moved across the country to attend school in California.
2.
Created a short animation that was featured on IFC.
3.
Graduated college with a degree in animation.
4.
Took a job in Quality Assurance (Game tester).
5.
After several months, was hired as a VFX Artist at Shiny Entertainment.
6.
Became Lead VFX Artist on several projects, including a Green Lantern game.
7.
Took a Senior VFX Artist position at Respawn Entertainment.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Teachers:
You should not be an artist. You will not be successful.
How I responded:
Often people who don't share your passion won't understand why you would choose the career you are in. Do what you can to build a career out of what you love to do most. Don't worry about defining yourself by society's success (Doctor, Lawyer, etc) - unless those careers are what you find the most satisfying.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Art school is very expensive. If you go that route, you may need to take a very large loan out. It is for that reason that I would recommend alternatives such as finding courses cheaper online. You will need to be very focused, but it is worth it.