“No one knows everything so it’s important to learn as much as you can. You shouldn’t just memorize what you learn but actually understand it because you will use it throughout your career.” Andrew Foresman, fourth-year visual effects student and technical direction minor, understands that everything he learns will only continue to build on itself.
Born in upstate New York, Foresman actually grew up in Fayette County, Ga. located 30 minutes south of Atlanta. “Before I graduated high school, I thought about studying computer science at a technical school. I picked SCAD because it was the only school that offered visual effects as a major. Visual effects is a good crossover because I can create art aesthetically but I can also do coding and other technical aspects on the computer.” When the technical direction minor became available to students, he seized the opportunity to study it. “I think the minor is a good way to improve student work and it really complements the visual effects curriculum.”
Though in his senior year, Foresman says, “I’m not nervous about graduating. I think I have all of the the knowledge necessary to work. I actually got an internship through SCAD and earned college credit.” As a third-year student, he held an internship at RIOT studio. “It’s a company that produces a lot of local promotional videos. I like that I was able to experience working in a commercial studio.”
Another way Foresman gains experience working with visual effects software is by serving as a student tutor for the department. “I am the first ever student tutor for the visual effects department. I help other students with the program Houdini and similar software packages.” During fall quarter, he led a team of students who participated in the Generate Challenge — a 24-hour contest that required digital media students to create a composite of live action and computer-generated elements using Houdini. “No one slept so the last five hours were really hard but we finished.” In the end, the team completed their project titled “Flight of the Fishes.” “I think it was a really good experience. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”
In the future, Foresman aspires to continuously work with the lastest technology. “I see myself pioneering with new technologies in the field. It changes every day.” He seeks to be a part of these important changes. “I really want to have a recognized name.”
Approaching the end of his program, Foresman has been applying for jobs and developing his portfolio and website. “I’ve already finished the first half of my senior project. I’m also waiting to hear back from some companies that I have interviewed with. You can see my work at on my website.”