Check out this interview with Centre grad, Chey Kidd who found animation career success after landing their dream role at WildBrain. Read on to find out why Chey chose CAT, how they bring diversity and inclusion to work and what the future holds for this talented Animator.
“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you.” — John C. Maxwell
Q: How did you hear about the Centre for Arts and Technology and what made you choose us?
A: My mom was thrilled to tell me about CAT when she discovered it online! The class sizes were small, the campus was beautiful, the teachers were kind, and the resources available – like student services, financial services, and career counselling – meant that I would have enough support out on my own. I was always able to simply walk into an office and ask questions without having to wait or rush.
Michael, the Program Advisor, told me that they didn’t want my money if I wasn’t going to genuinely enjoy the program. That’s what sold me. They’re not in it for profit or numbers – they genuinely want to make sure that this experience is going to benefit you.
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” — Sydney J. Harris
Q: What was the most valuable thing you learned during your program at CAT?
A: CAT prepared me for the real world, not the strict academic success I was used to. I overcame my perfectionism and learned to value work-life balance. I stopped focusing on grades and learned to think about my own growth. I learned how to work towards a client’s vision and communicate clearly. I graduated feeling confident in my skills, my future, my connections, and who I am.
I cannot emphasize how personal and beautiful these courses are: you get to work closely with industry professionals. You are a person here, not a number.
Many students are neurodivergent – like me – and CAT’s student services, financial services, and a widespread array of professionals helped me through everything. They are fast, kind, thorough, and patient. You’ll be surrounded by people who quickly become your best friends.
“Quantity Leads to Quality” – Chey Kidd
Q: Any advice to share with someone considering a career in animation or enrolling in one of CAT’s animation programs?
A: CAT is one of the best ways you can invest in yourself. Utilize every opportunity here – technology, equipment, knowledge, connections, socializing, teaming-up, events, contests, etc.
Don’t be afraid to talk to professors: ask them questions beyond the class material.
Quantity leads to quality, so practice every chance you get: muscle memory for keystrokes, buttons, tools, etc., will make everything a thousand times easier.
“Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” — Verna Myers
Q: Where are you working now and what is your role?
A: I’m a mid-level Character Animator at WildBrain Studios working on LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising. I’m basically a digital puppeteer that makes everything move, including characters, clothing, vehicles, animals, items, and all kinds of elemental powers.
I’m also a member of the Diversity and Inclusion committee, which focuses on celebrations and solutions to make WildBrain a beautifully inclusive and diverse workplace.
Q: We’ve heard you’ve worked on cool projects/titles! We’d love to hear about some of your career highlights so far.
A: Alas, most things are under an NDA currently. However, I will say it’s been surreal to animate well-known characters like Po from Kung Fu Panda!
Future Ventures: From LEGO Adventures to Community Impact
Q: What’s on the horizon for you? (Please include career and personal projects)
A: I am and will always be an overachiever. That means I’m usually quite busy with all kinds of things, from grants and projects to community and hobbies.
I certainly hope to continue working on LEGO shows, as the little characters are absolutely adorable, and their world is full of adventure, creativity, and surprises.
I’m also building a small business that creates sensory friendly hoodies for adults, mentoring youth who have brilliant solutions to aid the Canadian mental-health crisis (CoLab), and constantly creating new artwork in my community. (I’ve attached a pic from the Vernon “Art Battle” last year, where I competed against other teams to complete a massive piece of artwork in under 4 hours at Polson Park. I won!)
Thanks for sharing with us Chey, your words were inspirational and we’re so honoured to have been a part of your journey.
To see more of Chey’s work, make sure to check out their Instagram and LinkedIn!
For complete details on our animation programs, please visit our 2D Animation & Digital Art page or our 3D Animation page.
The post Animation, Inclusion, and Success: A CAT Grad’s Inspiring Journey appeared first on Centre for Arts and Technology.