graves: In the classroom

You can check out my Seneca profile here:

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In the virtual classroom

Things are different. But not in a bad way...

Covid-19 has tested everyone, including educators, and most definitely changed the way we do things, but has also really shown what we CAN do, when we simply MUST. Personally, I think a lot of good has come from so much bad. During the last nine months I have found new efficiencies and methods of subject delivery I never would've explored without the current pandemic-push, to do so.

We've been working smarter, not harder these last several months. Online classes and critiques, supported by real-time draw-overs along with the addition of more asynchronous learning content, makes learning more manageable and less stressful for the students.The addition of breakout peer-discussion groups, reduced /refined workload (quality over quantity) and drop-in feedback sessions are just a few ways we're meeting this opportunity - head on.

Ya, I just said opportunity. You probably thought I'd say "challenge", but I really do see this moment, the same way Seneca College has, as an opportunity to grow and evolve beyond what was and become better. Do better. To make this experience a positive, robust and fun time to look back on and feel good about, despite the current pandemic!

Below, is a sample of a draw-over for a student to help clarify anatomy, emphasize structure, build and push the silhouette. All while working within their stylistic approach.

The students are happy and feeling challenged, but not overwhelmed. This is good! I am feeling like things are going well, overall.

Don't get me wrong - I'd much prefer being back in the studio with all my amazing students. We all would prefer that. You simply cannot replicate that dynamic, but we are still very much a tight, inclusive and welcoming community and I still get butterflies before every class. Yes, it's different. Yes, I wish we could be together, but it's not all bad. It's actually pretty good.

For current students, this semester, and the next look and feel differently from those of our past, but rest assured I have been working hard collaborating feverishly with fellow faculty in both ILS and ANI programs since March 2019 (when shit went sideways) to ensure we continue to deliver a top-notch, dynamic and fulfilling online learning experience.

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Ahh, the good old days!.. We'll see each other again - NOT on a screen ;P

A proud FCAD faculty member at Seneca College, in The School of Creative Arts & Animation , I deliver the following...

ANIMATION PROGRAM: CHARACTER DESIGN LEAD

Semester 01, Character design: CHR131 - Basic Principals
Semester 02, Character design: CHR231 - Character construction (first half of summer)
Semester 03, Character design: CHR331 - Character development
Semester 04, Character design: CHR431 - Advanced

ILLUSTRATION PROGRAM: VISUAL DEVELOPMENT LEAD

Semester 02, Visual development 01- CHR: ILS218 (7 weeks)
Semester 03, Visual development 02 - LOC: ILS318 (7 weeks)
Semester 04, Visual development Specialization STR: ILS404

ART FUNDAMENTALS:

Semester 02, Drawing 02 - AFD282: (first half of summer)

It's a great privilege to teach. I consider myself most fortunate to be just one of the incredible artist/educators that teach and mentor these talented and creative young artists each day. I love doing what I do and being on the ground floor of this artistic journey with these fine folks is a great honor.

Collaborating with these artists on a daily basis, helping them get where they want to go is a labour of love and the reason why I am here. With 25 years industry experience under my belt, and 18 years teaching, I am uniquely qualified to help guide each of my students on their specific chosen career path.

I take great joy in teaching my current students every day, but also take great pride in celebrating our alumni successes and bragging about our graduates to pretty much whoever will listen.

There's just no feeling on this earth like the one you get as you watch your former students names scrolling in the credits of a feature film or on TV. Or when you get to put your hard earned money down on the counter, buying a comic or children's book that they worked on.

It gives me a great swell of pride like no other. They made it! They're living their dream.
I had a small hand in helping them achieve that success.

Enough about my perspective. To get a sense of what my students, past and present think of me in the classroom feel free to check out some Alumni testimonials here or some reviews from RMP here.

Thanks,
- graves

In the classroom

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