Alumni Profile: Colleen Perusek ’22

Animation alum Colleen Perusek, class of 2022, discusses her career and time at CIA.

Where do you live and what are you doing to stay creative these days?

I currently live in Vancouver BC, Canada. There are beautiful parks where I live, so I often take walks to clear my mind and take inspiration from nature and wildlife. I also love to watch both new and old animated films. I always find it inspiring to watch my favorite master artists.

What’s been your most satisfying professional accomplishment since attending CIA?

My most satisfying professional accomplishment has been working on the upcoming show Sausage Party Foodtopia. It was a surreal experience getting to work along side such talented artists to create this comedic show. I’m looking forward to the release so I can see my name in the credits for the first time in my career.

What are your creative/professional goals for the future?

Now that I’ve worked on a TV show, the next step I’d like to take is animating for film. My main goal for the future is to work on an animated film produced by one of the major film studios like Disney or DreamWorks.

How did CIA help prepare you for your current role?

While attending CIA, I learned how to use industry standard programs like Maya and After Effects, which was essential for me to earn an entry level position in my field. CIA also afforded me the opportunity to explore different aspects of the animation pipeline. This immersion along with the mentorship of professors helped me to concentrate on 3D animation.

Was there a specific piece of instruction or advice you received from a faculty member that's proven especially helpful? If so, please share what it was and who provided it.

Several of my professors had told me not to take critiques personally, but to view them as an opportunity to improve your work. It can be daunting having your art reviewed by others, but your professors and peers want to help you succeed.

What's your fondest memory of being a part of the CIA community?

I cemented a lot of lifelong friendships during my time at CIA. It was always fun getting together at the end of the week and playing games or watching movies in the studio. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to travel with my friends to the convention CTN, where I was able to network and learn from industry professionals.

What advice might you offer to current or prospective CIA students interested in charting a career path similar to yours?

The animation pipeline is a lot bigger than most incoming artists realize. Jobs can range from storyboarding to animation to lighting and rendering. If someone would like to get a job at a major studio, then I would recommend specializing in one of these fields and curating their portfolio to that specialty.