In August, we launched our first-ever mentorship program—an initiative created for animation professionals who are currently unemployed and actively seeking new opportunities in the industry.
Our inaugural cohort brought together 26 animation artists, technicians, and production workers. Over the past three months, they have worked closely with dedicated mentors, participated in targeted skills-training courses, and collaborated with specialists to refine how they present and showcase their abilities.
This is an exceptionally talented group of individuals, and we’re proud to highlight their growth and hard work. We invite you to explore their profiles and consider them for future roles.
| MENTEE NAME | SKILL(S) | PORTFOLIO LINK |
|---|---|---|
| Brittany Acardi | Production Manager | brittanyleeaccardi.com/work |
| Matt Acuna | Writer | mattacuna.com/sample-work |
| Frank Contreras | Writer | sample PDF résumé PDF |
| Davey Cummings | Visual Development Artist & Backgrounds | daveycummingsart.com |
| Aprilyn Cunanan | Art Directing, Visual Development, Background Designer & Painter | aprilyncunanan.com |
| Liam Fink | 2D & 3D Animator | laimfunk.com linktr.ee/laimfunk |
| Tania Franco | Background Designer | tania-franco.com |
| Ed Gaskew | Storyboard Artist & Character Designer | edgaskew.com |
| Haemi Hong | 3D Modeler | hellomoodles.com |
| Randal Jackson | Storyboard Artist & Character Design | randaljacksonart.dunked.com/storyboards |
| Derrick Malik Johnson | Storyboard Artist & Concept Designer | derrickmalikjohnson.com |
| Gilbert JT Juarez | Compositor & VFX | juarezartist.com |
| Caroline Kane | Background Designer | carolinemariekane.weebly.com |
| Val Kung | Visual development & Background Painter | résumé doc portfolio PDF |
| Stephen Lee | Storyboard Artist | teeben.com instagram.com/teeben_art |
| Jocelyn Montoya | Operations and Production Management | résumé PDF |
| Roma Murphy | Writer | romajmurphy.wixsite.com/romajmurphy/writing |
| Winona Noronha | Background Designer & Visual Development | winonanoronha.com |
| Jovani Olivares | Character & Concept Designer | johlivares.myportfolio.com |
| Alexis Page | Character Designer | alexispageart.com alexispageart.wixsite.com/alexis-page/projects |
| Zach Ramirez | Storyboard Artist & Character Animator | zachramirez.art |
| Erin Rodriguez | Background Paint & Color Designer | heyoerin.art |
| Dan Schier | Character Designer & Storyboard Artist | artofwaveybrain.com/about |
| Hannah Lee Stockdale | Storyboard Artist & Illustrator | hannahleestockdale.com |
| Alyssa Stratton | Writer | linktr.ee/poodlelagoon |
| Orlando Velasquez | Modeler & Asset Artist | orlandovelasquez.com |
| Kaden Westbrook | Storyboard Artist | drive.google.com |