Tag Archives: student work

Featured student: Niam Jones

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niam_jones

What is your name?

Niam Jones

Where are you from originally? What’s your Origin Story?

I was born in Savannah Georgia. I moved to Jacksonville as a kid and I’ve been here ever since.

Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media?

As a creative, I’ve been expressing myself through music for quite some time. A nasty car accident sidelined me from doing a few things, chief of which is touring. So I decided it would be a perfect time to return to school and not only finish what I started, but also expand my spectrum for creativity.

Who inspires you the most and why?

My 6 yr old son and 4 yr old daughter.
They’ve both given me the motivation to finish school. While I don’t connect a degree with success, I do want them to understand that having one gets them off to a good start.
Particularly, my daughter reminds me what it was like to live completely inside the world of your own imagination and my son is a constant reminder that I will never know everything. Creativity and curiosity are things that become more difficult for some people to tap into as our lives become more complicated. Fortunately for me, I’m a large child.

What do you do off campus?

I make audio and visual oddities from the inside of a Cork. I also do sound design (and more recently technical direction…thanks school!) for NPR show host Al Letson! (I may also be known to 1 or 2 people as rap weirdo, Willie Evans Jr.)

What work are you most proud of?

In 2005 I had my first experience with a national music release with a group called Asamov. We were one of only a few hip hop artists to achieve this out of Jacksonville. There’s no way that I can describe in a paragraph what the experience was like, but I will say this:
Some kids say they want to be a fireman, or a doctor, or a lawyer when they grow up. When I was a kid, what I wanted to do most was make music and travel the world letting people hear it. The day that I walked into Best Buy and bought my own CD [Oct 6th 2005 2:15pm], my bucket list shortened significantly! And yes, this was when CD’s were still sold….anywhere.

Interesting facts about you:

I was T-Boned by a dump truck, pulled out by the Jaws of Life, and Life
Flight’ed to the trauma unit a few years ago. Did I survive? Who knows?
Perhaps I’m typing this from my comboooooooooooterrrrrrr!

Happy (belated) Halloween.

Also, I kissed the Blarney Stone when I was 17.
And yes, I do know what the locals do to it…

Favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?

Movie: The Last Dragon
Book: The DragonLance Chronicles (though its been a while)
Series: That’s tough. TV is pretty good right now…
Video Game: Tekken / Assassin’s Creed
Comic: The (old) New Mutants

What are your future goals and aspirations?

As long as I am a content creator I’m fine.
Oh, and money. Money is… important.
I’d also like to handsome and in shape. Can being taller be a goal?
One thing you wish you could share with others is…
The old adage that tells you to do what you love is an old adage for a reason. There’s a %300 chance that life won’t go the way you plan it to but, when you’re doing what you love to do it doesn’t matter very much.

Click here for Niam’s work:

www.willieevansjr.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

Featured student: Lindsay Dale

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lindsay_dale

What is your name?

Lindsay Lange Dale (Gregory)

 

Where are you from originally? What’s your Origin Story?

I was born and raised in Jacksonville. I have lived here most of my life… with the exception of the few years I’ve lived in North Carolina. It was a great experience exploring a new area, but I love it here… This will always be my home.

 

Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media?

I am pursing a degree in Digital Media because I consider myself a creative person. From a very young age, I aspired to be an Artist when I “grew up”. Having a strong traditional art background, along with a passion for technology and computers lead me to this degree…

I consider it a practical way to be an artist, without being a “starving Artist”.

 

Who inspires you the most and why?

My mother is the person who inspires me the most. Her sense of artistry was passed down to me, and as a child, all she did was teach and push me to pursue my inner creativity.

 

What do you do off campus?

Off campus I wear many hats. I work part time as a waitress at the Jacksonville Millhouse, and I also do part time freelance Graphic and Web Design for them. I have the coolest dog ever, Bradley. And I love spending time with my extremely supportive husband, Justin.

 

What work are you most proud of?

I can’t pinpoint a particular piece, I am proud of all of my work!
I truly put my heart into every piece of art I create, whether it is digital or traditional. I love taking a break from digital design from time to time, in order to paint and draw. But, if I had to pick some of my favorites, I would say that my Photography and Portrait work, Wedding Invitation Design, and anything I have ever painted.

 

Interesting facts about you:

Hmmmmm. Tough one… for those who know me, they know I LOVE to laugh. (And to make people laugh.) I am also a very positive and joyous person.

 

Favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?

Book: The Outliers.  Movie: Wall E.  Series: Six Feet Under.  Video game: Super Mario World (SNES)

 

What are your future goals and aspirations?

I don’t have a particular path or job title in mind. I know that ultimately, I want to walk into work every day doing something I enjoy: CREATING! I want to draw and paint and design. I love it and live for it.

 

One thing you wish you could share with others is…

I want to share my strong beliefs for Education. Going back to school wasn’t just so I could land a job, it was about being educated. An education is something you should value, and it is also something that NO ONE can take away from you. I have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment, for being able to grow to be what I aspired to be as a young child.

 

You can find examples of Lindsay’s work at her school and professional websites:

 

 

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

Digital Media students had a busy summer!

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Whether it was in the classroom or on their own, our talented Digital Media students had a busy summer!

Adam Woods has combined traditional drawing techniques with 2D imaging software:

Adam Woods - "engaged couple"

Adam Woods – “engaged couple”

Adam Woods - "Robin Williams"

Adam Woods – “Robin Williams”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erik Slader created an epic film trailer for SPACE SHARKS! (no, really!)

 

Jean Gustave practiced his layout skills with this ad work and magazine cover.

Jean Gustave - Online Subscription ad

Jean Gustave – Online Subscription ad

Jean Gustave - TopKreyol issue #8 cover

Jean Gustave – TopKreyol issue #8 cover

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matt Winship made this poignant video for his summer class with Professor Govoni:

 

and Tyler Mathes made this time-bending video for the same class:

 

Lindsay Dale designed a phenomenal website for a Brunswick, GA restaurant (and took all the photos as well!):

copper_pig_lighting_5

 

Tony Hansen made this definitely not boring video for Professor Govoni’s class:

 

Rachel Teano created her own music video for the band the XX:

 

Carol Childer’s video gives us some insider tips on the food truck phenomenon that’s very popular here in Jax:

 

Daniel Ciccarello got to practice his graphic design skills in his internship working with a team to market the Florida lottery:

12 pg23

 

and Jamaal Malik introduces us to the music of Uncle Reece:

 

So there you have it, some of the amazing things our students have made this summer!

Some work was produced in a class or internships, some for summer jobs and some work was made just for the love of making. It’s been a great summer and we are all excited to get back into the classroom to continue to work with such talented and motivated students!

 

 

Featured student: Will Jordan

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will_jordan

What is your name:

Will Jordan

What’s your Origin Story?

I am a Jacksonville native and I grew up in two separate families. I spent most of my lifetime with my mother on weekdays and my father on weekends. At an early age, I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and despite my high level of intelligence, I was socially challenged. Until 10th grade, I never really had any true friends, and I’ve never hung out with anyone away from school or church. I was usually confined to my family at home, watching TV or playing video games. My childhood neighborhood was just north of the Riverside/Avondale area, but I also resided in the Northside and Springfield areas too. I graduated from Paxon in 2007 and obtained my AA in 2011 at FSCJ.

Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media?

Advertising and graphic design is a career in high demand, and art is my most influential form of communication.

Who inspires you the most and why?

That’s a difficult question to answer, and it’s a long list of people. It includes my parents, my family, my pastor, my church, my teachers and professors, my counselors, my high school basketball coach, and my best friend of almost 10 years, Emily Dale. But of course, I do inspire others as well. (I would put Jon Taffer on this list because he’s the perfect no-nonsense celebrity model of inspiring success)

What do you do off campus?

I love to hang out with friends, play basketball (recreational or competitive), and go roller skating. Being a die-hard sports fan, I also enjoy attending sporting events.

What work are you most proud of?

My paintings, especially of the mayor and President Obama.

Favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?

Movies: James Bond, Star Wars, Steven Spielberg classics, anything sports-related, childhood-age classics from the 2000s and before (I have a personal video library of all the above mentioned items)

TV Series: Both shows involving Jon Taffer (Bar Rescue and Hungry Investors), House of Payne, Cops, anything involving police videos or crazy moments on home video. I also watch some Discovery/Science Channel and Animal Planet, watching how everyday objects are made and watching some survival shows as well as some facts/documentaries on certain animals of interest.

Music: Whatever interests me. WAPE 95.1 is my favorite station.

Video Games: Classic Sonic and Mario games, Pokemon, Fighting games

What are your future goals and aspirations?

I want to be a blessing to others, working on art and digital media projects and tutoring in mathematics. I also have a desire to design logos and basketball courts, but I may try making ads or commercials too. As an active church member, I want to organize a church basketball team or league.

Interesting facts about you:

I am very kind, understandable, and respectful of others. I am well-known for my talents and my presence at school and church. I never hesitate to ask questions whenever possible. I’m actively involved in my church as a newsletter editor and choir member. I used to work in the church’s media ministry. I’m a lifetime supporter of my alma mater’s (Paxon) athletic program. Whenever I’m presented with a problem that I’m familiar with, I look for the solution rather than the excuse.

One thing you wish you could share with others is…

I would share with others how much I matured during my high school and early college years because with being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, I had to mature myself into a sociable and respectful young man despite having few friends to begin with. I would strongly encourage others to set goals and follow them; stay in school; choose your friends wisely; promote drug and sex education rather than participate in such activities; respect one another; and make a difference in other people’s lives.

You can find samples of Will’s work and learn more about his story through the following links:

Artwork portfolio

Digital Imaging portfolio

Graphic Design portfolio

Jacksonville.com: A special gift

 

Our featured students are nominated by their classmates. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Please contact Professor Liz Murphy Thomas at Liz.Thomas@fscj.edu

Featured student: Stephen Hybarger

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Stephen HybargerWhat is your name:

Stephen Hybarger

Where are you from originally?:

I’m born and raised in Jacksonville. I spent a lot of my life thinking I wanted to be a pro Baseball player and as a pitcher with 11 different pitches. I believed I could do it until I found photography through a friend in California who taught me the basics over Facebook.

A few years later I was tasked with making a video in Professor Boese’s class. I ended up making a dance documentary and after I posted it online I had people from all over come to me telling me I inspired them, since then I’ve continued shooting with the desire to inspire everyone around me as much as I can and that is how I came up with InspiredCinematics.

Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media:

I already do work in the Digital media field through photography and videography, I feel like getting a degree in Digital Media will allow me to further my skills in these fields as well as graphic design.

Who inspires you the most and why?

I’m most Inspired by John Morley who taught me photography when I started, Eric Thomas who is a motivational speaker and I’ve learned a lot about motivation through his words, and lastly Eric Main. He is an actor I know personally that pushes me to improve myself and reminds me just about everyday that no matter how rough things get to never give up.

What do you do off campus?

I do a lot of photography and videography of campus, I have had the opportunity to travel and do gymnastic photography with a company as well as shoot music videos for a company in downtown along with my own personal works.

What work are you most proud of?

The work I’m most proud of is a dance video I did for a friend who created an amazing choreographed dance to pay tribute to his mother that passed away.

What are some interesting facts about you:

I’m a hip-hop dancer, I drive a motorcycle, and I can sing R&B.

What is your favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?

My favorite book is Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, movie is Inception, series is The Walking Dead, video game is a toss up between Call of Duty and the Need for Speed series, and comic is Superman.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

I would like to inspire and positively impact as many people through my work as I can. I would also like to own and run my own production studio shooting films and doing photography.

One thing you wish you could share with others…

No matter what your dream may be follow it and take every opportunity that comes your way because life is too short not to enjoy every second of it. I know when I look back over my life I don’t want any regrets and I hope you won’t have any either!

You can find samples of Stephen’s work on his portfolio:

InspiredCinematics

 

Our featured students are nominated by their classmates. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Please contact Professor Liz Murphy Thomas at Liz.Thomas@fscj.edu

 

Featured student: Justin Ache

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Justin_AcheWhat is your name:

Justin Ache

Where are you from originally?:

I’m from all over. Born in Wisconsin, grew up in South Florida, and I have been in Jacksonville since 1997.

Why are you pursuing a degree in Digital Media:

I’ve been doing graphic design in one shape or form for the past 10 years, either contracted with companies or in jobs. I figured if I wanted to further my career (or mentor others) and manage creative progress on a larger scale, I needed to get a degree. Took me long enough to decide that, but better late than never.

Who inspires you the most and why?

The Internet inspires me. The good and the bad. I came from a traditional art background, but without spending my life in galleries, you can never learn enough about the craft. With digital media, styles and techniques change all the time. The ability to find out what is going on in real time trumps any particular individual.

What do you do off campus?

Ride my motorcycle, take photos, cook and bake, or shopping/drinking/eating local.

What work are you most proud of?

My first real client, the (now defunct) Jacksonville Barracudas. They let me design all of their print media for a season. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I tried real hard and lucked out, and I always remember that fondly. I’ve gotten a lot better over the years, so the struggle to be good isn’t as hard anymore; I miss really trying.

What are some interesting facts about you:

I ride a motorcycle. I like to cook and bake. I am one of the laziest people you will meet.

What is your favorite Book / Movie / Series / Video Game / Comic?

Batman. To all of the above.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

To better my career and become a better artist yada yada insert cliché resume goal here. No, I really want to be awesome at what I do, be it art, photography, daydreaming, etc. Ultimately, I would want to be the art director at a small to medium sized non-profit, and maybe teach digital media and graphic design on the side.

One thing you wish you could share with others…

Do what you want. Stay weird. But don’t shut yourself in, go out and meet people and figure out what makes them tick. The only way to objectively look at you is by comparing yourself to others.

You can find samples of Justin’s work on his portfolio:

www.justinache.com

 

Our featured students are nominated by their classmates. Have someone you’d like to nominate? Please contact Professor Liz Murphy Thomas at Liz.Thomas@fscj.edu