About Joe

Born:
March, 1982

Hometown:
New Martinsville, West Virginia

Background:
I have had my sights set on a career in computer animation for many years. My interest began at a young age, when I first began to tinker with computer software and video games, and I wondered how I might combine those interests with my love of drawing. When I began to see CG cartoons and visual effects on television and in the movies, I realized that such a career would give me a great opportunity to exercise both my technical fascination and my creative impulses.

My first step was to enroll in the Graphic Design program at Marshall University, where I learned my way around graphics software, and the fantastic faculty educated me on the history, practice, and theory of visual art and design. Toward the end of my education there, I steered my focus toward motion graphics (using Flash and After Effects) to better acquaint myself with the concepts of aesthetic timing and motion. This focus served me well upon graduation, when I began work at a prolific video production company called MotionMasters.

My time at MotionMasters was fun, and the experience I gained there invaluable, but I knew that I wanted to seek out a career in more character-based entertainment. To that end, I decided to enroll at SCAD to seek an MFA in Animation. There, I quickly learned the principles and techniques involved in character animation from the many talented teachers. Throughout my time at SCAD, I dabbled in various other aspects of the 3D production process, learning a bit about modeling, texturing, scripting, cinematography, and editing; however, character animation continued to be the aspect that most firmly held my interest.

I am now setting foot out of the academic world to start my career as an animator. I have an interest in both cinematic/television and game animation, and I will be happy to be a part of the CG entertainment world, regardless of which path my career takes.

Other Interests:
When I'm not animating, I spend much of my time playing video games. I'm primarily a PC gamer, into RPGs and shooters. I also love console action titles and, at least once or twice a year, play through classic games that I either missed the first time around or love enough to play multiple times.

I also enjoy playing "tabletop" games with friends, such as board games and card games. I was a much more avid player of such games in past years, but I take every opportunity to enjoy the senses of community and competition that they foster.

When I have the chance to do so, I also enjoy armored combat in the S.C.A.. Spending as much time as I do at the computer can make a man restless -- it's great to get out and pursue such a physical, competitive activity in a positive environment that considers honorable behavior as important as skill. Also, the S.C.A. provides a means to get active without losing any "geek cred." :)