Where are you from originally? What’s your Origin Story?
I was born and raised in Israel however, my family is originally European-American. My mom has been a traveler all her life and fortunately I have had many opportunities to visit a few countries. I’ve had the chance to learn about and experience diverse cultures and lifestyles. When I was young, I would watch my father (a professional artist) draw Disney characters for me every day. Since then on, I’ve known my passion was art. I’m a geek by nature and I love technology, so it was no question when I decided to pursue both art and technology as a career.
Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media?
I’m pursuing a degree in this field because it provides my two most favorite hobbies, art and technology. I love the ability to attain multiple skills under my belt and gain as much knowledge about all the incredible 2D and 3D programs we use today.
Who inspires you the most and why?
I look up the most to the great minds of the past; Leonardo DaVinci and Michelangelo just to name a few. I couldn’t imagine a world without these founding fathers, they created amazing and marvelous relics we still use today. Lastly, my amazing family and friends who support me every day and believe in me.
What do you do off campus?
When I’m not working my other jobs, I dedicate all my energy to side projects and improving my craft by watching professional videos, reading books, and taking notes. The way I see it is this; if I don’t learn something new every day then I’m losing time and time is very precious to me.
What work are you most proud of?
This is hard question to answer because as I’m still experimenting and growing as a digital artist. I still feel like I’m not quite there to accept a medal of honor. However, I am proud of myself for growing each day and learning new things in this program.
Interesting facts about you:
I believe in the power of positivity. I always strive to look at events in life with a positive outlook. I credit this way of thinking to my success in life thus far. Sometimes we can get in our own way in life and I think once we change our mindset we can achieve greatness.
Favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?
Book – The Future of the Mind
Movie – Star Wars
Series – Xena: Princess Warrior
Video Game: Age of Empire
Comic: Assassin’s Creed
What are your future goals and aspirations?
I have many goals and aspirations for what lies ahead. My most important goals are that I would love to work in the video game industry, Pixar, or Disney – whichever comes first. I also want to be able to share my skills and knowledge with other teammates and lead my own team one day!
One thing you wish you could share with others is…
Practice, practice, practice, those words never get old. Practice truly does indeed make perfect. Don’t ever try to be better than others, instead; compete with yourself. You should define your own standards to hold yourself to. You’ll be much happier when you’ve reached your own unique definition of success.
You can learn more about Daniel and see some of his work at his professional website danielpartenie.daportfolio.com
Our featured students are student-selected. Once a student has been featured, they nominate the next student to be profiled. Come back next month to see who’s been picked!
Have any questions? Please contact Professor Liz Murphy Thomas at Liz.Thomas@fscj.edu