"My specialty is in art and animation, and even if I didn’t need to work, I’d still be doing this because it’s incredibly rewarding. I first fell in love with animation in 2003 when I started experimenting with flipbooks and stop-motion, inspired by Ray Harryhausen’s iconic special effects. A few years later, my uncle introduced me to a 3D animation program, and I was hooked for life. Without easy access to mentors at the time, I taught myself by reading forums and experimenting endlessly. That journey shaped my belief in the value of mentorship and why I aim to provide students with the guidance I wish I’d had.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Animation and Game Development from Utah Valley University and a certificate in Advanced Character Animation from Animation Mentor. Over the years, I’ve worked as a creature animator, character animator, rigger, and 3D artist on feature films, TV series, YouTube cartoons, and web games. My skills include proficiency in Autodesk Maya for modeling, rigging, and animation, as well as experience with the entire production pipeline. Along the way, I’ve learned from industry professionals at DreamWorks and Disney, gaining insights that I now share with my students.

I’ve taught students of all ages in both one-on-one and classroom settings, adapting my methods to fit each student’s unique learning style. My goal is to break down complex concepts into manageable steps, empowering students to build their confidence and skills. I encourage students to share their goals and current skill level so I can tailor lessons specifically to their needs. I also ask them to send me questions ahead of time so I can prepare thorough and thoughtful responses, ensuring our time together is as productive as possible.

If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, let’s dive in and make learning a fun and rewarding adventure. Reach out, and let’s get started!" less...