MASON TO ANIMATION

Hi everybody and welcome to Courtney Mason Illustration!

Illustration

My goal is to translate written and verbal ideas into visual imagery that is colorful, compelling, and clearly communicate the objectives of the client. I pride myself on my versatility and am confident in my abilities to tackle any challenge both effectively and efficiently. I am open to creative opportunities in a variety of markets such as but not limited to Graphic Design, Advertising, Editorial, Book Publishing, and especially Post Production for Entertainment.

Animation

My "dream job" is to someday have a career within the animation industry. The holy trio or trifecta of skills will be in character design, storyboarding, and character animation. I have experience in experimental animation, stop motion, claymation, 2D and 3D animation using Autodesk Maya, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro. In 2011, I received a grant from the Women's Education and Leadership Fund to conduct a study of animation through research and practical application. I learned the fundamentals and foundations of 3D animation through the Ianimate Advanced Character Animation Program and I am continuing my education through Animation Mentor School for Character Animation online starting this upcoming fall 2012.

Innovation

I am very much a team player, but also a self starter and driven towards success. Since I was a child, I was an entrepreneur, a quality I believe I enherited from my father. This sense of leadership and drive has always helped me optimize every opportunity and has given me confidence in the value of my ideas. While I am very dedicated to clients needs before my own needs, I always feel like I have something to learn and something to give.



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

I gots a BFA! HURRAY



I GOT MY Bachelors in FINE ARTS! I graduated this past sunday! After four years of all nighters in the studio, soul searching, and exploration of mediums and art forms I finally have found out what I want to be when I grow up.

So the burning question is...now what?

well allow me to illustrate my goals...ahem...

#1.  make new art for the jobs I want

I kinda just grazed the surface and I think I now know what I must do to get the jobs I want.  It involves making a portfolio that demonstrates my digital competence and my artistic skills set as it pertains to an industry in entertainment.

#2. get a job

This summer I am traveling a lot, so there is no point in looking for summer work, but I will be making summer work so that when August comes around I can apply with a portfolio that I know pertains to the jobs I am looking at.  I would preferably like to work somewhere that utilizes my skills (and NOT waitressing...ugh)  but if I have to do that to secure consistent income so be it.  just as long as I get to draw everyday.

#3.  start animation mentor!

I will be starting my education at Animation Mentor this fall, and I am very excited about it!  I can't wait to learn more about animation and to really get into my niche and to meet new people.  I hope to be hitting up NYC a lot more so I can meet more people that share my passion!

#4.  make a badass demo reel to add to my portfolio

So when my demo reel is complete and perfected, I can go to Cali and get jobs

#5. Move to Cali and make movies and art :)

yep, that one is the biggy.  I would like to accomplish that one before I am 25.




Tuesday, May 8, 2012

I DID IT!

I am finished!  My illustrations and animations are complete and show worthy!  Everything came together so beautifully and I am so very proud of my class for all we have accomplished! 24 of us participated in the show and I believe about 500 visitors in total came to our opening.  Thank you to everyone who has supported me and offered me this great opportunity!