Image Alumni '16 Education BFA, Minneapolis College of Art and Design Website marslizard.net Social Media @marslizard Current Career Teaching Specialist, University of Minnesota / Freelance animator, Jacky Winter Group Personal Pronounsshe/herDescribe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.I am a freelance animator, illustrator, art director, and motion designer. I work primarily in documentary and nonfiction, creating motion designs for journalistic narratives. I am represented by the agency Jacky Winter Group. I am also an independent filmmaker.Additionally, I teach a course in illustration in the University of Minnesota's graphic design department. How did you get your job?I got represented by Jacky Winter Group by emailing them, and I got my teaching job by applying online!How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?7–10 years Where are you originally from and how did you hear about MCAD?I am originally from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. I heard about MCAD from my high school art teacher.What was your major and how did you choose it?I majored in animation. I initially wanted to major in illustration but pursued animation after taking the Media 1 class—I really enjoyed the process of filmmaking! Who was your favorite faculty member and why?Tom Schroeder and Piotr Szyhalski. Both faculties were passionate, compelling, and prioritized conceptual work from their students. Additionally, I never took a class with Julie Van Grohl, but I traveled with her for Light Grey Art Lab, and she was delightful!Describe your internship(s).I interned for JuiceMedia and helped instruct an after-school program for high schoolers pursuing filmmaking and animation. Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?That being an artist was absolutely the right career path for me.What inspires you/your work?Movies, art, traveling, and my own life experiences.Most helpful assignment?Getting into figure drawing helped my drawing skills immensely.