“A lot of students are exploring 3D animation,” says Grieb, whose career credits include working as an animator, storyboard artist, director, character designer and Maya artist/animator for such studios as Walt Disney TV Animation, Cornerstone Animation and Flashbang Studios. “We’ve introduced a number of new courses that cover introduction, modeling and texturing, making films using 3D technology, building a game. Quite a few students are into gaming.”
Preparing students for the animation industry is not just a matter of offering classes. Says Lamb, “Studios used to have training programs, but those are gone. Now, they expect students to come out of school ready. So much is required of an individual, because the standards are so high. They have to have the passion, not just the desire.”
Jarod Daetwiler ’97 (B.F.A.), one of the first graduates of the entertainment art/animation program, still has that passion. He has worked at Film Roman for five years on “King of the Hill” as a background layout artist and continues to enjoy what he does. “I love it. It’s been great to do something you love to do. It’s a fun gig.”
From alumni whose works millions of television audiences, movie fans and gamers are enjoying, to feedback from industry professionals, the results of the program are impressive.
“I liked the overall support of the faculty,” says Shikuma. “Dana was always helpful in whatever we wanted to do. And, the faculty were up to date with what was going on in the industry, so you could go the traditional route or computer animation.”
“It was great,” says Justin Ridge ’03 (B.F.A.), an assistant director at Nickelodeon on the anime-influenced series “Avatar,” which premiered earlier this year. “It allowed me to experiment with different mediums, like oils with Don Lagerberg.
“I think all programs have merit, but I think we worked harder at Cal State Fullerton. We’re not one of the art schools — where the students tend to specialize, and their portfolios were just class assignments. We worked harder on our portfolios; I think we felt we had to prove ourselves.
“The biggest thing, for me, was making friends who have the same love. We would collaborate with other students, figure things out, look for new artists.”
Lewis, who has presented in animation classes, says of the program, “Fullerton definitely has a reputable program. They really listen to people in the industry and they’ve done a good job of transitioning — offering traditional classes and computer classes.”
Says Master, “I was having lunch at DreamWorks and saw two Fullerton grads. Fullerton wasn’t even on the map at Warners when I started there. Now, they’re probably in the top 10. I appreciate the commitment of the teachers and the administration, and I hope those kids appreciate what they have done.”
Dastrup, whose next project is “Ice Age 2,” does.
Although he knew he wanted to be in art, it wasn’t until
he learned that the university had an animation program that
it was an area worth exploring. “I took a class and
found that I really enjoyed it, had a knack for it. A big
thank to you, Cal State Fullerton. It worked
out perfectly.” 
