CG Spectrum Open Day 2023 (Replay)

CG Spectrum Compositing Dept. Head 

Sean has worked as a Compositing Supervisor, Senior Compositor, and Senior Artist Trainer for studios such as Technicolor VFX, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Rhythm & Hues, and many others. During his career, he has had the opportunity to work on projects such as Star Trek: Picard, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Avengers: Infinity War.

CG Spectrum Concept Art & Illustration Dept. Head

After receiving his degree in Fine Arts in 2003, Brandon began working in the video game industry as a Concept Artist. Since then he has produced work for companies like EA, Activision, Capcom, Gree, and Disney Interactive and is currently a Concept Art mentor for CG Spectrum. Brandon has created art for games like Crash Bandicoot, Prototype, and Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City.

2D Animator & CG Spectrum Mentor

Hubert is a 2D Animator, Online Educator, and Founder/Creative Director of Bon Jam Animation with over a decade of experience. Since studying 2D animation at Cégep du Vieux Montréal, he has had the privilege of working on hit TV series and animated films, including Rick and Morty and Solar Opposites, and completed contracts with dozens of freelance clients as an animator, animation supervisor, and director

CG Spectrum Dept. Head of Game Design 

Justin is a seasoned developer, consultant, and educator in interactive technology and game design. His expertise lies in Systems Analysis with a passion for creative innovation. He's worked for both AAA and Indie studios and now passes on his 20+ years of experience to game development students as CG Spectrum's Department Head of Game Design.

FX Artist & CG Spectrum Mentor

Kate Xagoraris is an FX artist working for a visual effects company in Canada called SPIN VFX. She's worked on projects including Nightmare Alley, The Witcher, Raised by Wolves, Vikings: Valhalla, and The Boys. She also runs a popular science and visual effects site called More VFX Help. Kate has presented at Houdini User Group events and promoted the benefits of scientific knowledge in visual effects.

CG Spectrum Mentor of Real-time 3D (Virtual Production)

Logan is a 3D motion designer and Unreal Engine developer. As a CGS Mentor, Logan teaches students the tools and workflows in Unreal Engine to help them stay on the cutting edge of the industry. Along with mentoring and sharing his knowledge on anything real-time, Logan works as a freelance artist creating cinematics, interactive experiences, and motion graphics.

CG Spectrum 3D Animation Dept. Head 

Mark has held lead positions at Rainmaker, Sony Pictures Imageworks, and Weta Digital working on films like Avatar, The Adventures of Tintin, The Smurfs, and Night at the Museum. As well as being the Animation Department head of CG Spectrum, Mark currently works at California State University in Chico California and undertakes freelance and consulting work at film and game studios. 

CG Spectrum Dept. Head of Visualization 

Nicklas is a 3D generalist/TD with extensive experience in 3D visualization, including running his own company Negative Black, a visualization, motion graphics, video, and event photography studio. A certified V-Ray instructor, Nicklas is also passionate about passing on his 3D knowledge—founding Chaos Theory, an online educational platform and YouTube channel for 3D artists. He continues to teach at CG Spectrum, as the Dept. Head of Visualization.

CG Spectrum Director of Game Development 

Scot has been a leader in tech for 30+ years, building a gameography worth nearly $1 billion. He’s designed networked combat simulation systems for US and NATO military forces, helped develop the first Dungeons & Dragons RPG to be published on PC, improved speed and graphics on Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and creatively contributed to hits like Falcon 3.0, Crimson Skies, 007: Everything or Nothing, and DMC.

CG Spectrum Animation Manager 

Disney's Fantasia sparked a lifelong love of animation for Scott. He worked as an animator for DreamWorks and Disney on films such as Pocahontas, Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Road to El Dorado before switching to CG and creature FX where he was part of the Oscar-winning team working on Life of Pi.

3D Animator & CG Spectrum Mentor

Animating for over ten years, Senior/Lead Animator Ambre has worked all over the globe for major studios such as Framestore, Bardel Entertainment, and Cinesite. Her credits include Avatar, Happy Feet 2, Where the Wild Things Are, The Willoughbys, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. She loves mentoring at CG Spectrum and how through teaching you also continue to learn.

Lead Animator at Cinesite

Neave has experience in both 2D and 3D on a variety of TV shows and films, working at studios such as Animal Logic, Reel FX and ICON. His credits include TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, The Monkey King and DC League of Super-Pets. Neave has been teaching at a variety of schools and non-profits such as AnimSchool, Rise Up Animation and KPU.

CG Spectrum Course Advisor

Neave has experience in both 2D and 3D on a variety of TV shows and films, working at studios such as Animal Logic, Reel FX and ICON. His credits include TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, The Monkey King and DC League of Super-Pets. Neave has been teaching at a variety of schools and non-profits such as AnimSchool, Rise Up Animation and KPU.

CG Spectrum Alum & Animation Trainee at Jelllyfish Pictures 

James Boyle is a recent graduate of CG Spectrum's 3D Animation Course. During his studies, he built an impressive character animation portfolio which was awarded the Editor's Choice and Staff Pick by The Rookies in 2021. James now works as an Animation Trainee at Jellyfish Pictures, an independent VFX and Animation studio based in London. James has been featured in CG Spectrum's blog as an inspiration to anyone deciding to change careers later in life.

CG Spectrum Alum and Technical Assistant

Kris was inspired by the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in 3D Animation. Since studying at CG Spectrum, their talents have led to positions as 3D Animator working at Little Grim Entertainment and as a Technical Assistant with CG Spectrum, where they help and inspire coworkers and students alike. Their future ambitions include a promise to wreak laughter upon unsuspecting audiences.

CG Spectrum Mentor of Advanced Illustration Course

Eric is an in-demand illustrator who has worked in the entertainment industry for more than a decade with clients like Weta Workshop, Marvel, Upper Deck, Dark Horse Comics, Scholastic and Disney Publishing. He’s carved an impressive career as an Illustrator for film, TV, advertising, publishing, animation, comics, video games and even costume design. His recent work includes art for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and the book cover art for Shuri, the latest Black Panther novel. Eric is a 2020 Chesley Award Winner. See some of Eric's work on his website.

CG Spectrum Mentor of Concept Art & Illustration 

Tyler is an award-winning artist who has worked with more than a dozen major developers and triple-A franchises over the last fifteen years. Serving in roles such as Concept Artist, 3D Character Artist and Art Director, his work is widely recognized and used for major character designs in game development. You can find his work in titles such as Heroes of the Storm, Warhammer, Rift, Star Wars, Hex, Warmachine, Wasteland, Warcraft, RWBY and many others. His work includes credits at companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Cryptozoic Entertainment, and Fantasy Flight Games. See some of Tyler's work on his website.

CG Spectrum Career Development Manager 

Maxine helps students increase their hiring potential and prepare for life beyond school in their chosen discipline through career advice, portfolio reviews, and priceless insider insights. Highly experienced and well-connected in the VFX industry, Maxine's worked in all aspects of the post-production process as a VFX Producer, Department Manager, Production Coordinator, and everything in between.    

CG Spectrum Mentor of Virtual Production 

Deepak is the Producer for film, TV, and virtual production at Epic Games' Unreal Online Learning platform, as well as an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and virtual production explorer. Alongside his work at Epic Games, Deepak is an Assistant Professor at UT Austin, and has helped create the virtual production term in CG Spectrum's Real-time 3D Technical Art & Virtual Production Course. Deepak is skilled in directing, writing, producing, motion capture, virtual reality, augmented and mixed reality, visual effects, compositing, and game engine integration.

CG Spectrum Foundations Dept. Head & Realtime 3D Mentor

Simon has been in video game animation since 2005. He worked at Silicon Knights and Rocksteady Studios as the Senior Technical Cinematic Animator, and helped create CG Spectrum's Realtime 3D Technical Art & Virtual Production course. Credits include Batman: Arkham City, and X-Men Destiny.   

CG Spectrum Mentor of Realtime 

William has been in the entertainment industry for the past 11 years, starting as a 3D Modeler in the games industry, then becoming a Lighter, and DoP. The Canadian-born, Norway-based Unreal Artist is a mentor for CG Spectrum's Realtime Technical Artist and Virtual Production course. William's work includes VFX/CGI shots in Marvel's Black Panther, and HBO's Watchmen.

CG Spectrum Head of Employer Partnerships

As acting Creative Director for The Rookies, Justin brings his extensive knowledge of games as well as years of experience as an instructor in higher education. During his 20+ years in the games industry, Justin has helped bring dozens of games to life including legacy franchises such as Tony Hawk, Kingdom Hearts, Mortal Kombat, and other AAA titles at studios like Epic Games, Disney Interactive, and Activision.

Career Coach 

Holly is a seasoned career counselor with 5-years' tenure as the Director of Career Services for a law school in the Pacific Northwest and 10+ years a U.S. licensed lawyer specializing in banking litigation, poverty law, and employment advice. Multi-talented and with a creative edge, Holly's pursuits also span theatre performance, costume design, jewelry making, and entrepreneurship. Holly is enthusiastic about collaborating with CG Spectrum students and finds joy in offering practical, actionable support as they navigate their career paths.

Clinical Psychologist

Karen is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours) focused in Psychology from La Trobe University. With a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry, Karen is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Addiction Recovery, Clinical Supervision, and Medicine. She works collaboratively with her patients, predominantly using a cognitive behavioral framework or Acceptance and Commitment therapy. 

Partnership Manager at CG Spectrum

An industry veteran, Mags has over 20 years of experience in production and talent management in high-end visual effects. Her credits include Spider-Man: Far from Home, Captain Marvel, Jojo Rabbit, Game of Thrones, John Wick and many more. Magdalena's industry expertise has been utilised to help build CGSI's film and games curriculums, ensuring students learn the skills that will serve them well throughout their creative careers.

CG Spectrum Head of Employer Partnerships

Penny studied Concept Art and Illustration at CG Spectrum. Not only a talented artist, Penny is also highly organized and great with people, skills that helped her pioneer CG Spectrum's Technical Assistant program and led to her involvement in Community Management. She is now providing ongoing support for students as a Student Experience Manager, helping guide them towards success.

Dean of Creative Industries

Stuart is Dean of Creative Industries at CG Spectrum and also a vehicle and hard surface artist. Previously, he worked on the TT Superbikes series before taking up a role teaching at Staffordshire University.

FX Manager

Daniel is a skilled Senior Houdini FX Artist with more than 15 years of experience working in 3D animation and VFX for film with credits including Terminator: Dark Fate, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, and Aquaman.

Mentor of Game Programming

Filip, a Game Programming mentor specializing in Unreal Engine, has been teaching since 2011. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science with Honors from Toronto Metropolitan University and has worked since 2007 at studios like Midway Games, Robomodo and Phosphor Games.

Head of Admissions

A CG Spectrum veteran, Elena plays a pivotal role in guiding prospective students on their educational journey. She ensures that every applicant receives personalized support and clear insights into the courses that best fit their goals.

CG Spectrum 3D Modeling Dept. Head

Bryan brings his award-winning experience to CG Spectrum's 3D Modeling Department Head role. He's worked at ILM, The Jim Henson Company, and Rhythm & Hues Studios on films such as The Golden Compass, Alvin and the Chipmunks, HULK, and Pacific Rim. His specialties are 3D modeling, rigging, creature FX, Python programming, rigid simulation, and geometry fracturing for destruction.

Admissions Advisor 

A Queensland Conservatorium graduate and self-professed film and games nerd, Marcus brings nearly a decade of mentoring expertise and six years of dedicated service in student transitions, admissions, and retention. A seasoned guide in the academic symphony, he hopes to ensure every student hits the right notes from admission to graduation.

Dean (Learning & Teaching)

Sherilyn is an educator, author and academic with a passion for creating educational experiences that are engaging, rigorous and meaningful. Throughout her extensive career she has worked in leadership roles across both the senior schooling and tertiary sectors. More recently, at CG Spectrum Institute, she has been a key member of the team designing the new suite of creative degrees launching in 2024.