Mini-Portfolio

        Ah, I almost forgot! My name is the fabulous, the daring, super prefect Alyssa Raven! Actually I'm just Alyssa Raven, an ordinary Animation/Illustration Student at San Jose State University studying to become a concept artist (mainly character). I think I'm about 3 years into the program (could be 4; I lost count).

       Why character concept? I love observing people and there personalities, the shapes of their bodies and the interesting angles of their faces! I love exploring, testing and discovering shapes within certain animals and people as well as objects and environments. I honestly did not think I would go for character design, but it seems to be the one area I enjoy the most and revisit constantly in my sketchbooks.

(Photoshop Practice with an Animal Concept Sketch)

       What classes have I taken? too many to count, but I've taken all the fundamental classes starting in the fall of 2010 (took art 12,14,24) and then continued on until I passed the Portfolio Review at the end of Fall 2012. Last semester I took ani 114, finished up on my lower division Maya's (ani 51b) and am now taking ani 115, 117a, and 123.

       What are your Goals? My long term goal is to eventually work at Dreamworks PDI (though that might take several years). I like the work that is produced at the company, how everyone treats each other fairly when on a team, the way the employees are treated, and the constant new and unique designs for projects that comes out with each unique artist. I know it may not be right out of college, but one day if I keep working hard enough, I hope to make it!

       So overall, this is where I'm at in my life. I'm a student with a dream, like many of the other talented students working to make it in the Industry. I have a passion, something I really enjoy learning about and exploring with other animation students. I hope to continue making friends and learn more as I continue through my life Journey!

     


        Below is an example of my recent Portfolio. I'm currently looking to improve on it by adding more digital works and storytelling into the characters, but any criticism is greatly appreciated! I hope to one day be a character concept and visual development artist!

(They are all in Spreads)

Alyssa Raven Portfolio © Alyssaraven.blogspot.com

        While I'm at it, here's a Leaf Test I did for Ani 114 last semester!

       

The First Post

        I'm honestly very excited and scared for this next semester, but I'm sure that's everyone else as well. The start of the new semester always brings around those feelings with new classes, teachers, and sleepless nights.
 
        But as I now look at this new semester, heading into Physics of Animation, Ani 115, and 117a, I can't help but look back on that scared Freshman wondering if Animation was really the right decision for her. I remember being scared (had my father breathing down my neck for engineering) and lonely as well as doubtful of my capabilities.

        After 3 (or 4, I lost count) years in the Animation/Illustration major however, that girl has evolved into a somewhat confident, decent student who continues to grow doing what she loves. Obviously its been hard with all the work involved, but theres a common saying "No Pain, No gain" that goes well with that work.

        I also constantly use "What doesn't Kill You makes you Stronger". Im sure everyone can relate to that phrase.

        So in conclusion, am I scared? YES! like everyone else, its a new experience and you don't know what to expect, resulting in an unnecessary state of nervousness and doubt. But I now feel confident, with my friends and dedicated  and (somewhat crazy) teachers by my side, I can conquer the semester successfully and with a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what surprising things I'll learn this Spring 2014!