DreamWorks Animation Visited Platt College San Diego!
DreamWorks Animation Visited Platt College San Diego!
It was an exciting day in February when Platt College Digital Media Designers met Craig Dowsett from DreamWorks. Craig not only presented a very impressive live 3D modeling demonstration, he also conducted exclusive one-on-one meetings to review Platt Designers’ portfolios.
DreamWorks Animation is one of the leading animation studios in Hollywood. The studio is responsible for some of the largest featured films; such as: Shrek, How To Train Your Dragon and the more recent, Puss N’ Boots. DreamWorks was recently ranked one of the top companies to work for in the United States. (http://money.cnn.com)
Craig Dowsett is currently a lead animator at Dreamworks. His endless talent and creativity on character/prop models can be seen in featured movies like Puss N’ Boots, and the much anticipated movies “The Croods” and “Turbo”. Craig’s project responsibilities include poly/nurb modeling, UV layout, and model trouble shooting.
Both students and alumni were treated to a 30 minute live modeling demonstration. The demonstration showcased some of Craig’s tips and techniques used for organic modeling; as well as, adding details to a base mesh using some new features of the zbrush 4.0 rendering engine software.
You could feel the excitement in the room while students began to day dream about their future careers. Learning directly from a DreamWork’s expert, such as Craig Dowsett, was both inspirational and surreal. Craig discussed his journey into DreamWorks and shared real world experiences. It was definitely an insightful day-in-the-life of a 3D Animator!
After the demonstration, Craig conducted individual portfolio meetings with Platt Digital Media Designers. Platt designers were advised to work diligently to perfect their portfolio; and furthermore, to include projects that the designers worked on above and beyond their classroom time. Here at Platt College digital media designers are given the tools and knowledge to start an impressive portfolio and create their own demo reel with the guidance of their professor. A demo reel is a digital collection that runs less than a minute and features the designer’s best work.
Opportunities with local and high profile companies, such as this event, allow Platt designers to receive candid expert opinions regarding their portfolio and demo reel. The feedback and direction from Craig proved to be invaluable. Designers were encouraged to focus on their best work and showcase their most proficient skills. It needs to be simplified and to the point, therefore, less is more! Craig cautioned that prospective employers will see the difference in designer’s who have been inspired by industry leaders and who have worked hard to perfect their portfolio projects.
We would like to thank DreamWorks Animation and Craig Dowsett for this great opportunity!
Be sure to follow us on facebook, twitter and check the blog for more exciting events and news! To view student work visit http://www.youtube.com/plattcollege or the gallery sections of platt.edu
Leave a comment