Media Arts & Animation Alumnus Returns to Help Students with Their Portfolios

Not every student who graduates from The Art Institute of California – Orange County dreams of coming back to teach, but many alumni are open to stopping by occasionally to share a few words of wisdom with current students.

During summer quarter, Felix Urquiza, who graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Media Arts & Animation in 2007, hosted a lighting workshop for current Media Arts & Animation and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics students.

Felix works as a 3D visual effects artist at Hydraulx, the visual effects studio that has worked on such films as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Wolverine and the soon to be released 2012.

After showing the students a demo of the studio’s work, Felix spent a few hours walking the students through several rendering and lighting techniques. He also took the time to look over individual student work and offer pointers.

Workshops like these offer alumni a chance to give back to the school, and current students get to see what they can accomplish after graduation. Alumni interested in contributing to a workshop are encouraged to get in touch with their academic program director.