I grew up in the same small town where Pixar co-founder Alvy Ray Smith attended high school. Our families were close—his parents and my grandparents played bridge together every week. One Christmas, during a visit home, Alvy took the time to speak with my siblings and me about computer science. We were captivated—especially when he shared Tin Toy, one of Pixar’s earliest animated shorts.
I wish I could say that moment set me on a path to study 3D animation—but the truth is, it didn’t. Still, life has a way of coming full circle. I eventually became a member of the second graduating class in the U.S. to earn an accredited degree in Computer Animation.
Below are a few highlights from my journey in 3D and digital painting—each piece reflecting a blend of technical skill and visual storytelling.
