Showing posts with label The Art Institute of Dallas Alumni. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Art Institute of Dallas Alumni. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Happy Hour

Last Thursday, August 5, Career Services hosted a happy hour for all Ai Dallas alumni at Gordon Biersch Dallas. It was a good time with good food and drinks! There were also a few instructors that popped in -Carl Rossini, Chad Hardy, and G. Lysa Ausmus.

If you didn't attend this time, don't worry, we're already planning another one for the end of the year! So, hopefully see you at the next one!



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

AiD Grads and Chef Honored


During the recent Texas Chef’s Association state convention, AiD Grad and Faculty received honors:

Aid Graduate, Robert Gillentine, CC, Executive Chef of Medical City was honored as the Dallas Chapter Chef of the Year

AiD Graduate, Kat Kilpatrick, CC, Pastry Chef at Edom Bakery near Tyler was honored as the East Texas Chapter Pastry Chef of the Year

Brenden Mesch, CEC, CCE of the Art Institute of Dallas was honored as the State Culinary Educator of the Year.



Congratulations!!!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

AiD Alum, Jim Sharp, Edits New TV Show

Read an exciting article on Jim Sharp from starlocalnews.com!

Jim Sharp edits new tv show
By Mary Wright

Published: Wednesday, March 17, 2010 9:44 AM CDT

Jim Sharp, a former resident of The Colony and 1998 graduate of The Colony High School,is the senior editor of a new television program premiering April 9th on CMT - Country Music TV. The show, "Gator 911", documents alligator rescues in Beaumont, Texas, from personal properties, golf courses, municipal drainage systems and so on. The alligators rescued come in all sizes and temperaments, including new hatchlings and even one that is sick. The show will air Fridays at 8 p.m. Central Time and run for ten weeks. After the third episode, on April 23rd or later, the show's star and owner of the 'Gator 911' enterprise in Beaumont will appear on the David Letterman Show with an alligator. Jim is associated with the Dallas video production company "Twelve Forward" and earned a degree in video editing from the Art Institute of Dallas.

An Invitation from Blake Malouf, an AiD Alum

Blake Malouf is having an exhibition of photographs and artwork at Estates & More in the Design District in Dallas from April 29th-May 21.

You are invited to attend the OPENING RECEPTION on Thursday, April 29th, 2010.


...and everything in between...Photographs and Artwork by Blake Malouf
Thursday, April 29th 6-8pm
Estates & More
1444 Oak Lawn Avenue
Space #604
Dallas, TX 75207

ENTER ON DRAGON STREET!

Directions:

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&q=map+of+1444+Oak+Lawn+Ave.+Dallas,TX&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=1444+Oak+Lawn+Ave,+Dallas,+TX+75207&gl=us&ei=pMuyS_3OIYmssgOyjbnmAQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAwQ8gEwAA

Monday, February 22, 2010

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Chris Belcher - Nickelodeon Production Assistant Intern



Chris Belcher, MAA June 2009 graduate, talks about how he got his new job as a Production Assistant Intern on "Penguins of Madagascar" for Nickelodeon. He also talks about his future goals and offers advice to graduates and students about pursuing a career in Media Arts & Animation.

Your Name: Chris Belcher
Job Title: Production Assistant Intern on "Penguins of Madagascar"
Employer: Nickelodeon Animation Studio

What was the application and interview process like at Nickelodeon?
I applied for the internship online. A couple of days later, I received a call from Nickelodeon's Human Resources department. I did a brief interview with H.R. over the phone, then he told me he would send my resume and portfolio to one of the animation departments for review. The next day I received a call from Vladimir, the Sr. Production Coordinator on Penguins of Madagascar. We set up a date and time for my phone interview which he and two other crew members were part of. A couple of days after the interview, I received a call from Vladimir telling me that I had been selected to intern on the Penguins crew. I jumped at the chance to go to Burbank, CA to work at the studio. What makes the icing on the cake is that Nickelodeon's internship program has recently been awarded one of the top 10 internships in the country. Once in California, I started at Nickelodeon and have loved my experience.
What does a day-in-the-life look like at Nickelodeon?
Very busy. Nickelodeon gives it's employees and artists the best. There is breakfast provided, and a wide range of amenities, including: a basketball court, ping pong tables, foosball, and the studio offers other activities to relieve the stress from the job. They provide interns with a class every week, taught by artists in the studio. Interns are from all over the country and from many art schools, so networking is a must. As an intern, I do not have the work load that full time positions have, but I am expected to finish any work I receive in a timely matter. Nickelodeon is a television studio, and deadlines are extremely important, so every person on the crew is expected to give 110%.

What are your favorite job duties?
One of the most important jobs I have been given, so far, is I receive a stack of storyboards and have to rename them into correct scene # and sequence #. There can be hundreds of storyboard panels, and each one has to be organized and numbered correctly to be shipped overseas, or to go to the next department. We also have an organized system of jpegs for all of the props and character models that are in the series. We go through these, placing key words for each model, so if needed, they can be pulled up quickly. Mostly, the job is day to day. Something I did today is not necessarily what I will do tomorrow, so learning and accepting challenges is part of the job.

What are the most difficult aspects of your job?
One of the more difficult jobs is creating DVD animatic presentations, that are not only viewed by directing animators at Nickelodeon, but also viewed by Dreamworks Animation Chairman, Jeffery Katzenberg. Penguins of Madagascar is a partnership between Nickelodeon and Dreamworks. These animatic presentations are created for storyboards, layout and blocking animation, and for final animation. We have a certain DVD menu that is used, parameters that are used, and even a certain way that every DVD is labeled. We check each presentation very carefully and make multiple copies. This ensures that, when in meetings, there are no mistakes or costly time taking issues.

What are your future goals?
My future goal is to be an animator for a major studio. Being here at Nickelodeon is giving me the opportunity of networking with artists, animators, producers, and other important people in the animation industry. Being in Burbank also gives me the opportunity of networking with other studios such as Dreamworks, Disney Animation Studios,and Warner Bros. There are many other animation companies that reside here, and many other opportunities, other than animation, in the entertainment industry. With any luck, perhaps too I will have the opportunity of working, as an animator, in a major animation studio.

What is your advice to other new grads and students pursuing careers in Animation?
Work extremely hard, and never give up. For recent grads, apply everywhere and for every position that you are qualified for. For current students, listen to the faculty and ask them as many questions as you can. They have great experience, and they all know what they are talking about. Animation is about networking, and you want to start in school. Work as a member of a team, NOT an individual. There is not one studio where you do not work as part of a team. Learn everything you can about the animation pipeline. Concentrate on one area and specialize in it, but be a hybrid. Be able to do other jobs. You may want to be an animator, but so does everyone else in the studio. Jobs are scarce, so if you can get in as a storyboard artist, modeler, or texture artist, then you got your foot in the door. If and when a position does open up where you want to work, then you can apply and test for that position. If you want to be an artist in the industry, draw, draw, and draw more. These studios don't necessarily care how many software applications you know, though it does help. They want to see that you know how to design, and that you can do the job efficently. Never fall in love with your work. It can always be better. Every part of an animated production goes through numerous changes, so get used to it. It will receive notes and will be changed over and over again. When it works, it works great. Animation is tedious work, but the magic that it creates puts the biggest smile on your face, and you realize that all the hard work was worth it.

What Nickelodeon character can you most identify with and why?
Good question. There are many great characters that Nick has created over the years, but I will go with one from "Penguins", Maurice the Lemur. He is not in charge, but is loyal, hardworking, and believes in his cause. He is also short and rounded, like me. LOL.


Thursday, January 21, 2010

AiD Job-A-Palooza Job Fair- Tues, Jan. 26th!




Need $$? Need a job?


Then attend the JOB-A-PALOOZA Student Job Fair


TUESDAY, January 26th11am-1pm

8th Floor

Apply for part-time or full-time jobs

Bring info to fill out applications

Bring copies of your resume

Visit our Career Services / Job Search Assistance Table

Need resume assistance? I'd be happy to look over it for you! Email me at nrincon@aii.edu

Friday, November 20, 2009

Local AiD Alum Makes Top 10 List in D Magazine!


Masaryk Modern Mexican Kitchen Makes Top 10 "BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2009" in D Magazine!

"an experience that is fresh and innovative...It isn't Mexican without guacamole and queso, but Masaryk has much more...salmon steamed in banana leaves, shrimp wrapped in bacon, and a pulled pork relleno...as beautiful to the eyes as it is warm on the lips...the Swiss chocolate pot de crème, tasting like a deluxe fudgesicle and topped with a quenelle of unsweetened whipped cream..."
Visit Masaryk Modern Mexican Kitchen and sign up to receive food and drink specials!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Calling all Austin-ites!

Wednesday night. Six Artists...two djs...free spectacle sunglasses...ultimat vodka...art exhibition

Thursday, November 5, 2009

ImagiNations Design Competition


I wanted to share this with you as it hits all programs like Interior Design, Sound Design, Designers, and many more.

If you have a passion for creative and innovative design, here's an opportunity to work with one of the most creative organizations in family entertainment. Created and sponsored by Walt Disney Imagineering, the ImagiNations Design Competition offers opportunities for diverse students to showcase their talents.
You can win a 10-day all-expense-paid trip to present your project to a panel of Walt Disney Imagineering executives and have the opportunity to compete for the "Best in Show" awards.
This incredible opportunity will provide participants with insight into Disney's creative process, and learn what it takes to succeed in an innovative organization. Additionally, all qualified applicants will be considered for Internship opportunities with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Imagineers are challenged to build on the Disney legacy of great storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment through technical innovation and creativity. The ImagiNations competition encourages you to do the same!
Past winners of the competition have gone on to serve internships at Imagineering and some have become full-time Imagineers.

Student must be a Junior, Senior, or a recent graduate within 1 year of graduation.
Click here for competition information!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Alumni Connections Website - UPGRADED!

The Career Insider, formerly called Vault, is now live on the Alumni Connections website. You will see it on the right-hand navigation AFTER signing in.

The Career Insider has a new look and some fresh new features.


A summary of new features:

·The number of industries the new site covers increase from 40 to nearly 200, expanding further to cover more career paths

·The number of professions has also increased from 60 to more than 400

·50,000 employee and industry influencer surveys

· Expanded company profiles that provide targeted insight into the interview and hiring practices, salaries, advancement opportunities and corporate cultures of thousands of companies

· Up-to-the-minute news from Dow Jones

· “SixFigureStart,” offering practical tips and strategies based on how hiring really works and what employers really want from former Fortune 500 recruiters

· “Career Nation,” a blog aimed at helping readers achieve career and job fulfillment

· “My Vault” is a content organizational tool, through which users can access the latest information about their personalized list of target companies, industries and professions

· Career and Profession Discussion Boards allow users to interface with those already working or searching for jobs in targeted industries

In order to access The Career Insider, you will need to register (one time only). You will enter in any valid email address and click on “Create an Account”. The next page is where you will sign up for a basic account, and they have the option to complete additional information in order to have a customized experience. Once registered you can log in and access the new site.

Monday, October 19, 2009

A Bunch of Short Guys Meeting to Feature Ai Dallas Graduate....

As seen on the A Bunch of Short Guys site:

The next ABOSG meeting is October 24th from 10am to noon. CCCCD Campus room c-104.

The October 24th Meeting of A Bunch of Short Guys is entitled "Sculpting and Maquettes" and is described here: "This month we break away from the computer and get down with some tactile materials. ABOSG welcomes an all star line lineup of traditional and modern sculptors. Each panelist will have 15 min to discuss their style with q&a at the end. Come join us - meetings are free."

Each panelist will have 15 minutes to talk, and one of the panelists is our our graduate Tyson Summers.

Tyson Summers
Tyson graduate of the Art Institute of Dallas 1995. Long time fan of late eighties and early nineties skateboard art. He is influenced by things that cross lines, whether its comedy, music or artwork. Tyson grew up in Garland TX, surrounded by an artistic family and Sesame Street. I had the privilege of seeing first hand how hard work and dedication combined can be truly magical.TysonSummers.com

Friday, September 18, 2009

Art Show - TOMORROW - 9/19/09

I got this from a fellow alum. Check it out!

This is a little last minute but i just got your email and wanted to let you know of a few art shows coming up that i am a part of. The most recent one is Saturday at a very very nice venue in Deep Ellum. You can get all the details at this link.....

http://www.dallasnomads.com/nucleus332/

I thought that everybody would like to know, and its a good opportunity for some networking as they drew i about 1,800 people last show

Thursday, September 17, 2009

June 2008 Video Production Alum

Ode to a Chipotle burrito
wins $10,000 for Texan

Shane Connelly likes his Chipotle burrito with steak, peppers and onions, black beans and cheese; no lettuce. For that, plus a little musical and video talent, he gets $10,000.

Connelly, of Denton, Texas, was proclaimed the winner Monday of Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.'s "My Chipotle" contest for the best customer-generated commercial.

Contestants created ads about their favorite combination of burrito ingredients and uploaded them to Chipotle's website. Connelly's do-it-yourself spot for his "Oso Closo Burrito" featured a saucy little soul tune about its ingredients. Besides winning the $10,000 grand prize, Chipotle plans to add Connelly's burrito recipe to its Dallas-area menus for a limited time.

Clay Carnill of Rochester, Mich., took second place for his rap-style spot. He gets $5,000 and a party at a local Chipotle for 50 friends.

Chipotle claims there are 60,000 possible combinations of ingredients for its burritos.

"We received thousands of submissions with dramatically different approaches and including everything from original music to animation and photography," Mark Crumpacker, Chipotle chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "The common thread through them all was just how passionate these customers are about their favorite Chipotle food."

The winning and runner-up amateur ads can be viewed at http://www.mychipotle.com/#/home.

The overall "My Chipotle" campaign was developed by Butler Shine Stern and Partners of Sausalito, Calif. Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) operates about 900 restaurants.
Denver Business Journal - by Mark Harden

Click here to view the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0hI4PiyUTI

Friday, September 4, 2009

Attention Graphic Design Alum

Are you currently working in the design field? Are you willing to take out time to give "real world" advice to our students? Then you should email Julie Janik at jjanik@aii.edu to find out more on being considered to judge at the 5th Annual Clampitt Paper Contest!


Alumni Show in Austin!


Brandon Strange - 2007 Graphic Design Alum


http://www.myspace.com/bestrangedesign

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Recent Client Visits


Drive Collective

Andrea Maiella & Andrew Urbanyi, AiD Interns and Kevin Hanson, Principal

Check out Drive Collective online!


IDEATION

Doug Ruppert, Executive Producer & Mark Haynes, Creative Director - AiDallas Alumni

Check out IDEATION online!


Wednesday, August 26, 2009

One of AiD's Own, Van Hurd, is featured on Hell's Kitchen!


Van Hurd is a 2008 Culinary Arts Alum from The Art Institute of Dallas and is currently being featured as a contestant of the hit reality show, Hell’s Kitchen!

Additionally, Van is the “Chef de Tournant”, also known as the Roundsman or Swing Cook in the French Room at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The legendary Dallas hotel has earned Gourmet magazine’s top ranking for the Dallas/Fort Worth region for three consecutive years and includes a wine list that recently earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.

Van is a member of the Texas Chefs Association and enjoys volunteering his services and skills when he has extra time.

When asked which instructor has influenced him the most, he couldn’t choose just one and named Chef Mesch, Chef Pilat and Chef Savoie.

If he could give students and other alum advice, he states “"If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen", Harry S. Truman.” This is what has got me through a lot.”

Watch Van every Tuesday, 8/7c on FOX!