Creative Movers and Shakers Jet in for Fresh Talent at Spring Show 2008
 Academy of Art University’s Annual Spring Show
celebrated its dazzling grand opening May 22, 2008, to the excitement and anticipation of all those
eagerly waiting. Students and industry professionals alike converged at the Academy’s
state-of-the-art facility at 601 Brannan for one day of all-out art and design, a celebration of
the creative fervor present throughout the university.
The Annual Spring Show is a unique industry event where select graduating students from all
13 art and design departments are invited to showcase their work for industry professionals and
meet for one-on-one interviews in the hopes of landing their dream job. These gifted students get
the priceless opportunity to wow the critical-eyed professionals with their impressive portfolios,
hoping to end the day happily employed.
The success of this year’s event underscores and highlights the Academy’s continued
commitment to creating opportunities for students to gain experience and industry connections that
prepare them for professional success. More than 300 art and design industry leaders and
professionals from over 13 US states and Canada arrived in the early morning hours ready for a hot
cup of coffee and an awe-inspiring afternoon.
From every corner of the sweeping warehouse space there were sensational views of this year’s
award-winning works of art. Seeming more like a fine art gallery than a student art show,
artwork from all 13 departments powerfully exhibited the solid mixture of creativity, talent, and
hard work that is life at the Academy. Brilliantly colored illustrations and intricately
drawn graphic novels competed with
 large-scale sculpture
installations and liquid plasma displays of fantastically animated 3D worlds. The passion and
commitment of Academy students electrified the space.
Throughout the afternoon students waited, portfolios in hand, ready to get expert advice and
a business card from industry pros, maybe even land their first big job. Industry
professionals from Pixar, BMW, Canon USA, Adobe Systems, Cisco Systems, Mercedes Benz, Lucasfilm,
Nickelodeon, Microsoft Games, THQ, ILM, Walt Disney Company, Sony, Electronic Arts and many others
reviewed portfolios while allowing students invaluable opportunities to share their inspirations
and qualifications. As they scouted each hopeful for fresh new talent, they were astounded by
the high caliber of work.
“We were thoroughly impressed with the caliber of talent represented,” remarked Leonardo
Lawson, Managing Director at Janou Pakter Inc, a global creative recruitment firm. “We visit all of
the best schools in Europe and the US. The Academy of Art University has risen to one of the
top schools that we visit.”
 Irene Gallo, Art Director for Tor,
Forge and Starscape Books, comments on her blog post about her experience at the event and how
impressed she was by the substantial effort and steadfast dedication on behalf of both students and
instructors in creating high quality portfolios, emphasizing the unique determination of the
Academy of Art University in preparing their students for the real world.
“Clearly the school is very concerned with preparing these kids for their careers,” said
Gallo. “Creating polished presentations and learning how to talk and network with prospective
clients is not so easy, but the event threw them into the deep end of the pool with confidence.”
At the President’s Reception later that day, Academy President, Dr. Elisa Stephens, honored
Jack Lew, Manager, Global Art Talent Resources at the cutting-edge game design company Electronic
Arts. Dr. Stephens thanked Lew for his contributions to the world of interactive media and
his continuing partnership with the Academy.
In closing, President Stephens highlighted the endless future possibilities for these
brilliant emerging artists and designers thanks to the comprehensive curriculum and wide array of
career-based interaction at Academy of Art University.
Kristin Cotterell, Recruitment Manager at Infinity Ward, an award-winning game
developing company, might have said it best, “I feel that the Academy of Art University is one of
the best entertainment art schools out there. I see a high level of talent coming out of the
university again and again!”
Congratulations to the student winners and a big thanks to all of the industry participants
for making this the best Spring Show yet.
Don’t miss your opportunity to come and check out the amazing student work at Spring Show
2008!
Annual Spring Show – May 23 through July 25, 2008 (Open To Public)
Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM (Closed Sundays and Holidays)
Where: Academy of Art University
601 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA 94107 (Between 5th & 6th St.) –
View
Map
Free Parking (Limited)
Complimentary Shuttles leaving from 79 New Montgomery Street (Ongoing)
Admission is FREE!
Find out what industry movers and shakers are saying about the
event.
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