Boiling It Down
I Love to Learn. Digging into a subject is one of the most exciting parts of a project for me.
I Love to Teach. Taking subject matter that may seem abstract or opaque then breaking it down into engaging schema such as object lesson, allegory, hands-on activity or scenario is one of my favorite challenges.
I Love to Create. Hopefully, this portfolio shows just how meaningful the act of making stuff is for me – especially when it serves the purpose of education and training.
Relevant Experience
I have a history of seeing a need or opportunity then building and managing an educational experience to serve it.
- After graduating from SCAD I proposed and
created a series of animation and illustration camps for Arts Clayton –
a large arts and education organization in the Atlanta area. I went on to build
and conduct similar courses and programs for
- Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
- The Center for Puppetry Arts
- Clayton State University Continuing Education
- SCAD Continuing Education
- I proposed, designed and conducted an immersive one-day course for the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University on the links between ancient art and modern animation. The course used a wide range of teaching techniques from original animated media to hands on projects where students created early animation devices called zoetropes.
- I taught for six years as a certified public school educator in Florida and Georgia. I was recognized as “Teacher of the Year” by my school in 2011.
- I’ve been an adjunct professor in the Media Arts and Animation Program at The Art Institute of Atlanta for eight years teaching a wide range of courses – some involving mastery of highly technical animation programs.
- I was hired by Lagrange College to create an animation program from the ground up – considering industry needs, accreditation and technological needs. I was also part of the team that developed their Digital Creative Media and Film program.
- When not working on freelance projects I am developing projects based on my own original properties.
- Most recently I worked with the nonprofit organization Rebuilding Macon to develop an extensive training series that will be utilized by thousands of young volunteers over the next few years. You can see these materials in the ELearning section of this portfolio.
My Thoughts on Educational Training and Development
I see the job of a designer and educator as creating an entrance into new content for the learner. And, depending on the approach and level of effort, that entrance can seem like a “Cave of Wonders” or just another hole in the ground.
For me, the most meaningful, and therefore most effective education utilizes both the age-old gifts of storytelling with the most modern tools of educational theory and technology. They are the tools I use in every project I develop. It’s why I received my BFA in Animation and my MFA in Creative Writing and why I continue to upgrade my training with courses through Lynda.com, the Association for Talent Development, Adobe Education Exchange and other online sources.
I believe that education and training can go far beyond informing. It can engage, entertain and inspire.
And if you are looking for more of the personal in this About Me section, here it is. I live in the Atlanta area and am married to an amazing woman and have two very creative, funny and loving kids.
Thank you.