Spotlight on // Darren Simons
BFA Computer Animation
Originating from Maryland and looking to make a big change, Darren came to Florida in search of a school that offered a solid Graphic Design program. After attending a school in Maryland, he realized Graphic Design was not for him. His search for another college and change of concentration, led him to Florida Atlantic University and The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Even though both schools are well known and respected, Darren discovered DMAC and so his journey began. At the time, DMAC was a new up-and-coming college that was focused on its Computer Animation program. DMAC helped him become an all-around artist and prepared him to become all that he is today. “I was never a great modeler or a great rigger, but I love the study of motion and how things came to life. I had great professors like John Conway and Juan Carlos Valdez that identified my strengths and weaknesses and pushed me to be all that I could be.”
As a previous graduate of DMAC, Darren now works at Studio Kinate, a 2D animation studio where he is a Junior Animator working on the in-between frames and clean-ups for their animations. Some of his colleagues and mentors include Rusty Mills and Pam Darley who have animated and/or produced some of the biggest animated shorts and feature films. With the skills Darren has acquired working with such people; he hopes to some day have the opportunity to work on a full length feature film. His hard work has really paid off and his future is limitless.
To all the students at DMAC, Darren stresses that all the professors and staff are there purely to benefit the students, and to take advantage of that opportunity. There are so many aspects to Computer Animation and that if you apply yourself, you will be sure to find your niche. “This field is hard work for anyone, but is so rewarding in the end”, says the man living his dream job.