You're probably asking yourself why would a professional graphic designer with my experience take this program?
Well, because I wanted to challenge myself and learn something that I never had time for. The beauty of the program is that it's got lots of people with studio experience; people that have worked on some of the greatest animated feature films of the past both working within X in a Box, the creator of Story Xperiential and the guest speakers. It's a program that's designed for experienced artists as well as beginners, its flexible and it teaches you the way story would be done by Pixar or other studios.
I learned so many things but above all, I met great people. One thing about working in this business is networking, it can take you a long way and networking can keep you going for a long time.
I was attracted by the pedigree in the program but a lesson I learned in my college days applied to the experience; you get out of it what you put into it. I did wait for a discounted price but I felt it was worth it as sometimes you have to invest in yourself.
Shortly after completing the course, I was offered a teaching position for storyboards. I’m currently still teaching as well as working on projects that come my way but, without going through this course, I might’ve never learned about storytelling and its construction.
As a studio artist, I relied heavily on others to edit and animate my boards. It wasn’t part of my requirement and I never exercised it. The reason I took the course was to have a reason, along with real time deadlines, for doing what I often passed up. It doesn't matter where you live on this planet. If you have an internet connection, if you're a student and you want to get creative and do storyboarding or animation, this program will give you a glimpse into that world and you could learn new skills like I did.
Oscar Alonso has been a professional graphic designer, illustrator, and artist since 1990. He is, currently, a professor at Salt Lake City Community College teaching storyboarding. Oscar participated in Story Xperiential in 2022. He has since joined the Story Xperiential Alumni team, helping to develop the program and assisting current participants with their creative projects.
Oscar's website: https://oalonsoillustration.wixsite.com/2019 Oscar's Story Xperiential storyreel: Hench Man: https://www.s4.storyxperiential.com/exhibitionvideo/2f791e7c-d851-4e4b-aa88-9891a054da31