All the right strokes

By Chelzee Salera, UP Cebu Intern

UC Animation School molds ‘industry aware, work-ready animators’

THE animation industry is on the rise, and it’s now made more accessible by the growing number of schools in Cebu offering specialized digital art studies. One of these schools is the University of Cebu, which started its animation program in June of 2009.

“This program is a product of collaborative effort,” says department head Patricia Kyle Mendoza. “We mold students with essential disciplines and animation fundamentals but launch them with specific targets in mind.”

Their overall intention, Mendoza added, is to create an environment where students can express themselves freely, but at the same time be aware of game boundaries and industry requirements. “With each improvement we incorporate into the program, we zero in on creating industry-aware and work-ready animators,” she said.

Students

When it comes to their art skills, or lack of it, most people humor themselves by saying: “When God showered the gift of art, I was using the bathroom.” And that is what makes these animation students fascinating: they make the most out of their God-given talents.

Obsessed with “Bambi” of Disney Animated Films, first year student James Tangal started illustrating or drawing ever since he could remember. “The first thing I kept drawing in my childhood days were deer because of my complete of obsession for the Disney film “Bambi.” From then on I simply loved the Idea of creating things,” he said.

Von Kirby Romo finds digital illustration a much easier task, adding it’s a career he’d love to pursue. “Drawing on a computer is a lot easier. You’re introduced to tools that let you create high class artwork. Plus, the undo and redo button is a great perk,” he said.

Christel Jane Inoc said illustration is her form of expression. “I love to draw. It is my way of expressing my feelings, since I’m a quiet person and I don’t share my deepest feelings. Also, drawing is fun. Expressing Ideas and doing things like these make me happy,” she said.

Who knows, a few years from now, that these freshmen would find jobs in Disney, Pixar, or Marvel, or they might even build one of their own animation studios? Remember, a fulfilling career in the creative industry always begins with one stroke of the pen.