SCAD GAMING FEST: Alumni Voices

One of my favorite events during the Gaming Fest was the Alumni Voices panel. It is always great to see students return and talk about their experience at SCAD. This event was hosted by Audra Price Pittman, vice president for SCAD Atlanta. She was in conversation with alumni John Da Fonte, Associate Animator at Hi-Rez Studios (B.F.A Animation 2020), Juliana Mercado, Jr. Real Time Designer at Meptik (M.F.A Visual Effects 2021), Jacey Robinson, Associate Video Editor at Hi-Rez Studios (B.F.A Visual Effects 2018), and Nick Loy, Motion Designer at The Weather Channel, (B.F.A Motion Media Design 2021)

Audra Price started the conversation by introducing the panelists and asking them the big question: What inspired you to study at SCAD? Each panelist had a unique answer to their experience, but they were all equally inspiring. For example, Nick Loy mentioned that the sports community was key in his experience at SCAD. They encouraged him to work as a team and, most of all pushed him academically. For Juliana Mercado, the excellent student work that she saw inspired her to stay at SCAD and the collaborative environment throughout all majors. Everyone’s will to help whenever she asked questions moved her as well. 

The panelists talked about their challenges before reaching their current positions and their lives within their jobs. John Da Fonte emphasized that one of his biggest challenges was finding a job during the pandemic. Immediately out of college, he did not have a job or internship opportunity; however, his connections at SCAD helped him get a freelance job where he kept developing skills that helped him reach the place he is at today. John also mentioned that COVID was also a good opportunity because High-Res hired many people worldwide and provided resources from home. In addition to sharing his challenging experience after graduation, he emphasized that getting an internship while you are at SCAD or immediately after you graduate is helpful. Although internships are tough to get, he reminded the audience that there are multiple routes within the field; be open to all types of opportunities.

“Be open to learning” was the advice that all the panelists shared in common throughout the event. Try to motivate yourself to learn when taking classes by thinking, “Can I put this in my portfolio?”. The projects made at SCAD are not just for a class; they are made to develop the artist’s skills and increase job opportunities. Juliana Mercado mentioned that she wears many hats during a typical day at her job. Having a variety of good skills helps the team develop a project efficiently. Jacey Robinson mentioned that to succeed in her career, she had to be ok with problem-solving and also be ok with “being in the fire for a little bit.” All these uncomfortable situations are part of the growing and learning process within any career. 

One of the most moving and hopeful moments for me was when Audra Price asked the panelists to share advice that they would give to their younger selves. It made me realize that many of their struggles, many of us can relate to. Some of the small pieces of advice that they shared were the following: 

• Stay involved outside of class
• Find what you are passionate about. Once you do, go all out about your passion. 
• Your professors are willing to talk outside of class to help you.
• Say yes to opportunities. 
• Don’t be afraid to communicate with others about how you can improve your skill. 
• Don’t be judgemental with yourself. 

My biggest takeaway from this part of the event was when Juliana Mercado mentioned how common Imposter Syndrome is.. As one grows, it won’t necessarily go away; however, we can learn how to manage it. She gave the audience a tip of writing down the successes, which is helpful when the syndrome hits hard. Even when you go through this issue, it is essential to know that people will recognize good work, talent, and the desire to learn. John Da Fonte also supported her view by saying, “It is not about comparing yourself with other people, it is about what you want to do. Evaluate yourself.” 

The event was finalized with a Q&A session from the audience. One of the questions was directed to Juliana Mercado and her experience in Virtual Production. She shared that every day is a new challenge. In the VSFX industry, 50% is working, and the other 50% is creative problem-solving. 

Another excellent question from the audience was, “What separates you from other people when applying?” They mentioned that the collaborative experience and team morale separate you from other applicants, your attitude towards your job, and if you are pleasant to work with. The interviewer wants to know who you are beyond your portfolio work. When applying, one of the most challenging aspects is realizing that many of the positions you are applying for require experience. The panelists recommended applying to those positions anyways despite the experience requirements. There might be a new opportunity within that job. “Apply for mid-level, the worst thing they can say is no. Then you can move on to the next application.” 

Lastly, they emphasized how important it is to set a boundary between work and life once you are out in the industry. Be passionate about your work but set a limit to enjoy your break and life as a person. Find a schedule that works best for you and your work/life balance. 

This Gaming Fest panel gave me hope because these successful professionals were once like me, a young SCAD student, looking for their path; now, we see them thriving in their careers. We wish them the best throughout the rest of their careers and look forward to hearing about more of their work in the future.