3D Summer Service Learning

This summer, a group of approximately 12 students participated in a four-week summer service learning program taught by Mr. Perez and sponsored by Kids Who Care, Inc.

High school juniors and seniors learned how to use digital technology such as animation, graphic design and production software techniques. They utilized these skills to create charts, posters and presentations on topics they are passionate about such as teen suicide, drug abuse and game addition.

Students also took a field trip to the Microsoft store in Scottsdale where they learned hands-on about Kodu gaming software and the newest products on the market.

Space is still available for fall classes! Sign up during Registration Days on July 27 and 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, call 480-461-4000 or visit http://www.evit.com/.

Photo: Student John Guerrero works on a graphic for his Prescription Drug Abuse presentation.

Featuring 3D Animation

EVIT 3D Animation students are amazingly talented. If you've ever wondered what those students are able to create (and even if you've never wondered it), you have to check out this video.

Stick with it until the end, and you'll see something truly impressive.

Former EVIT student returns to inspire and hire

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) alumnus Bryan J. Kinnaird returned to share his success with students, and recruit future employees. Kinnaird is an award winning screenwriter and author/creator of the popular sci-fi graphic novel series THE VILLIKON CHRONICLES, and executive producer of the short film THE VILLIKON CHRONICLES: GENESIS OF EVIL.

Kinnaird was a student in the Radio/TV program at Mesa Vo Tech, the predecessor of EVIT, in 1986-87. He visited Eric Perez' 3D Animation program to recruit student employees to work on the VILLIKON CHRONICLES, and a cartoon reproduction of the immensely popular 1980's television series "Dallas."

EVIT is fortunate to have many successful graduates who often return to inspire...and hire...students who share their passion.

EVIT teacher honored by Mesa PD

Congratulations to 3D Animation teacher Eric Perez who was honored recently by the Mesa Police Department.

Mr. Perez received a Citizen Meritorious Service Award earlier this month for his work on the department's hiring web site.

Well done!

Gnomon school visits EVIT 3D Animation classes

A representative from the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Los Angeles visited EVIT 3D Animation students on Monday to talk about the animation industry and education.

The school first opened its doors in October of 1997 and offers programs in entertainment design, digital production for entertainment, and entertainment design and digital production. Students can also choose to take individual classes on topics they are most interested in, as well as online classes and master classes.

The presenter stressed that there are several potential careers within the industry -- not just animation. Other options include working in design, modeling, texturing, and lighting.

Students also got to ask questions after the presentation. One student asked what they could be doing right now to distinguish themselves from other students and professionals in the field. The answer? Draw every day, network, and stretch your horizons to learn as much as you can about anything and everything.

Former EVIT student inspires 3D class

A former EVIT digital imaging student was on campus Thursday to tell to 3D Animation students that what they are learning in class now can lead them to success in the future.

Jared Payne was in Eric Perez's digital imaging classes from 2001 to 2003. Now, Jared is running his own sign design business called SignsXtra.

Since completing the program at EVIT, Jared has designed everything from comic books to websites to brochures.

"It's amazing to me, as I look back on my career, how much I've been able to accomplish based on the building blocks Mr. Perez gave me," Jared told the students.

Jared encouraged the students to follow their passions and push themselves to learn more and get more experience so that one day, they can enjoy their jobs as much as he enjoys his.

"The sky is the limit with the skill set that you learn here," he said.

3D Animation students collaborate with Spark

Students in Eric Perez's 3D Animation class will spend the next several weeks redesigning the website for Spark Magazine.

Spark officials met with Perez's class on Wednesday morning to detail what they expect from the new site, which hasn't been redesigned in several years. They want all the same basic information available but presented in a fresh new way.

The Spark folks are giving Perez's students a creative license to make the site interative and visual in whichever ways they choose.

The service learning project is a win-win for all involved because Spark gets their site redesigned for free and the students get real life experience to add to their resumes.

"By the time they go to college, they have work to reference and show their professors or future employers," Perez said.

3D is springing into action

I stopped by Eric Perez's 3D Animation class yesterday to watch his students work on assigments and talk with him about all the service learning projects they have coming up this semester.

They are going to be busy. They are finishing up a hygiene video game they're producing for students in Haiti. They're going to work with EduKid on a variety of publications. They're tackling some projects for Spark Advertising. And they're pairing up with the video class to get some online menus up and running for Sushi Brokers Restaurant.

It sounds like the students will walk away from his class at the end of the year with a slew of experience and a bursting portfolio.