Academy of Art University: WHO’S WHO

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Who’s Who

DR. ELISA STEPHENS, PRESIDENT

Elisa Stephens received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Vassar College and a J.D. from the University of San Francisco in 1985. She is also a member of the California Bar Association and completed the Foundations curriculum at the Academy of Art University.

She served as a Law Clerk at the San Francisco Superior Court, 1985-1986, as In-house Counsel at Cellular Holdings, Inc., 1987-1988, and as Contributing Editor to Barclays Law Publishers, 1986-1988. She also worked as counsel for the Academy of Art College until 1992. In 1992, Elisa Stephens became President of the Academy of Art College. As the third generation Stephens to lead the university, she continues the mission and commitment of her predecessors.

Elisa Stephens is a member of the Young President's Organization, San Francisco City Club, Metropolitan Club, University Club, San Francisco Rotary Club, San Francisco Junior League, Nob Hill Association, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS Foundation) and the Royal Society of Arts. She sits on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter and the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Lyric Opera. She also recently completed a two-year term as President of the Nob Hill Association in January 2005.

Elisa Stephens has led the Academy into the digital world and pioneered the Academy online education programs. Under her leadership, the Academy of Art University has become the largest private university of art and design in the United States, and the premier university to be educated by the art and design industry’s top professionals.

MELINDA METTLER, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF ADVERTISING

Melinda Mettler started her career in advertising as an Art Director at Young & Rubicam in New York. Among her accomplishments was the much acclaimed "Movie Campaign" for Jell-O Pudding featuring Bill Cosby as Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind, as well as a Don Corleone-type Godfather, and as the sheriff in High Noon. Y&R promoted her to Vice-President, Senior Art Director and created a position for her in their San Francisco office.

During her tenure at Y&R/SF, the office doubled in size and billings. Melinda has worked on Adidas, AT&T International, Brita Water Filtration Pitchers, Con Agra Turkey Selects, Diamond Walnuts, Eastern Airlines, Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing, Japan Airlines, Jell-O Pudding, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Liquid Plumr, Pozzi Wood Windows, The Rock and Roll Museum, Shanti Project, SONY, and Sunmaid Raisins. Melinda holds awards from the Cannes Film Festival, The One Show, The ANDY Awards, the Clio Awards, the London International Show, the Effie’s, Se Habla Español, and the SF Show. She also has three campaigns in the permanent collection at the Museum of Broadcast in New York.

Originally from Warren, Ohio, Ms. Mettler earned her BFA in Advertising Design at The Academy of Art University and, in 1992 was named Alumni of the Year. She is currently Director of the School of Advertising. Melinda teaches B.F.A Portfolio Preparation and MFA Final Portfolio.

Careers in Advertising

Potential Careers: Art Director, Copywriter, Account Planner, Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and Strategic Planner

Company Partners: Ogilvy & Mather; Crispin, Porter & Bogusky; Attik; Goodby Silverstein & Partners; DDB Worldwide; TBWA/Chiat/LA; RPA; Young & Rubicam; Grey Worldwide; BBDO; TBWA/Hakuhodo/Toyko; Butler, Shine & Stern; McCann Erickson Worldwide; Lowe Worldwide; DraftFCB; TBWA/Creative Juice/Bangkok; JWT Worldwide; AKQA; Publicis + Hal Riney; Venables, Bell & Partners; Carol H Williams Advertising; CBS 5; Colby & Partners; The Hive Advertising; BuderEngel and Friends; Macy’s; Leo Burnett and Rapp Collins

CHRIS ARMSTRONG, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS: 3D

Before joining the VFX and Animation Department, Chris Armstrong worked at Industrial Light & Magic as a Senior and Lead Animator on over a dozen feature films including The Mask, Lost World, Mars Attacks, Flubber and Men in Black II, as well as Animation Supervisor on Galaxy Quest and Star Wars Episode II.

Beginning his career as an inbetweener on Saturday morning cartoons, he has worked on both 3D and traditional feature films and commercials, and he has been involved in most aspects of production from storyboarding to final edit.

In his own time, Chris works on personal short films.

Careers in Animation + Visual Effects

Potential Careers: Video and Computer Game Designer, 2D and 3D Animator, Storyboard Artist, Character Designer, Layout Artist, 3D Modeler, Visual Effects Artist, Computer Game Visuals, Concept Artist, Virtual Reality Games, Texture Artist, Animation for Movies and Feature Film Animator

Company Partners: Industrial Light & Magic; Electronic Arts; Blizzard Entertainment; Riot Pictures; The Orphanage; Namco; Blue Sky; WETA; The Collective; Matte World Digital; Mondo Media; Tippett Studios; Altavista Films; Rockstar Games; Wild Brain; Massive Black; Giant Killer Robots; Sony Imageworks; PDI/DreamWorks; Comedy Central; Studio Gigante; Play Station/Sony Computer Entertainment; CNET Networks; Factor 5, LLC; Lucasfilm; National Geographic Television & Film; Pixar; Rhythm and Hues Studios; Stormfront Studios; Walt Disney Animation Studio; Activision; Digital Domain; Fluid Entertainment; High Moon Studios; Insomniac Games; Koei Entertainment Singapore; Magellan Interactive; NBC; Nissan Global; Polygon Magic; Radium and Technicolor

SHERRIE H. SINCLAIR, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS: 2D

Sherrie H. Sinclair joined the Academy after almost nine years as a clean-up animator with Walt Disney Feature Animation in Orlando, FL. Ms. Sinclair began her education and career with a BA in the History and Criticism of Art from Florida State University, which led her to assume the Assistant Directorship of the Meridian Museum of Art in Meridian, MS. Sherrie continued her educational pursuits with a second degree in Illustration from the Academy of Art University in 1991. She then worked briefly at Storyboard Express in San Francisco before being accepted for an internship and subsequent position with Disney Feature Animation in Florida.

Ms. Sinclair's film credits include The Lion King, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tarzan, and Lilo and Stitch. She was also involved with a Goofy short for Disney TV entitled How to Haunt a House and contributed to the Aladdin and Pocahontas CD Rom games. Ms. Sinclair sees her position at the Academy as a wonderful opportunity to share her knowledge and love of art and traditional animation with today's aspiring animators.

Careers in Animation + Visual Effects

Company Partners: Industrial Light & Magic; Electronic Arts; Blizzard Entertainment; Riot Pictures; The Orphanage; Namco; Blue Sky; WETA; The Collective; Matte World Digital; Mondo Media; Tippett Studios; Altavista Films; Rockstar Games; Wild Brain; Massive Black; Giant Killer Robots; Sony Imageworks; PDI/DreamWorks; Comedy Central; Studio Gigante; CNET Networks; Factor 5, LLC; Lucasfilm; National Geographic Television & Film; Pixar; Rhythm and Hues Studios; Stormfront Studios; Walt Disney Animation Studio; Activision; Digital Domain; Fluid Entertainment; High Moon Studios; Insomniac Games; Koei Entertainment Singapore; Magellan Interactive; NBC; Nissan Global; Polygon Magic; Radium and Technicolor

TOM BERTINO, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS

Tom Bertino is a well-recognized animator with more than twenty-five years of experience. Most recently he was at Industrial Light & Magic where he worked for nearly twenty years. He is credited with Animation Direction on Son of the Mask, Men in Black II, The Time Machine, Star Wars: Episode I, The Mask, Casper and many more. He also served as Co-Director on Frankenstein. He has given numerous presentations, lectures, and panels at Siggraph, LEAF, the Mill Valley Film Festival, AMPAS, VES, and many more.

Careers in Animation + Visual Effects

ALBERTO BERTOLI, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Alberto Bertoli has vast experience in different areas of the architectural profession. At the professional level, his work ranges from the planning of shuttle facilities for the space program , to the designing of a performing arts center. His creativity and commitment to quality is influenced by his awareness of the significant role that architecture has in shaping our cities. His work has been recognized by AIA Chapters in San Diego, Central Valley and Seattle, as well as the Architectural Association of France and has earned awards at international competitions.

Mr. Bertoli started his formal education at the University of Buenos Aires (Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism), and continued at California Polytechnic University (School of Architecture and Environmental Design). He has his professional license through the State of California. Before joining the Academy he was a lecturer at Cal Poly SLO, UCLA Graduate School of Architecture, and taught for more than 20 years at SCI-ARC.

Careers in Architecture

Potential Careers: Architect, Designer, Project Manager, Developer, Materials Representative, Design-Builder, Policy Maker, Inventor

Company Partners: Korth Sunseri Hagey Architects; KMD Architects; Elizabeth Moule & Stefanos Polyzoides – Architects and Urbanists; A-I; SOM Architects; Saida + Sullivan Design Partners; The City of San Francisco Architecture Department; Solomon – a WRT Company; Asian Neighborhood Design; The Smith Group; The American University in Dubai; Architecture International and Jerde Partnership International

BOB RIGEL, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF COMPUTER ARTS: NEW MEDIA

After graduating from University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Education and Fine Art, Bob began his career as a teacher. Bob taught both Art and English in Colorado’s secondary public schools and was a participant in two innovative, federally funded grants to develop teaching curriculums for colleges in 1975.

Wishing to pursue his passion for art, Bob began working exclusively as a fine artist making surrealist pencil drawings, lithographs, airbrush paintings and serigraphs for galleries in Colorado. Bob’s fine art received regional and national recognition. After many years making fine art, Bob discovered interest in graphic design when digital tools for working with type first came on the scene in 1985.

An early adopter of the Macintosh computer, he worked as a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, digital imaging artist and color-correction specialist for twenty-four years. Bob is an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) for Adobe InDesign CS2 and his graphic design also received regional and national awards. Since 1998, he has been faculty and Associate Director of Computer Arts New Media. Bob has taught and written curriculum for numerous on-campus and online classes. Additionally, Bob helped create the close relationship between the Academy and Adobe’s Partners by Design Program.

Careers in Computer Arts: New Media

Potential Careers: Multi-Media Producer, Multimedia Designer, Creative Director, Technical Art Director, Interface Designer, Web Designer, Digital Illustrator, Production Artist and Instructional Designer

Company Partners: Adobe Systems, Inc., CNET, Macromedia, Hewlett-Packard, ATTIK, IBM, Netopia, Apple Computers, Oracle Corporation, Stanford University, SF MOMA, Wells Fargo, Sony, Beacon Hill Press, Metalliq, Danoo, Rodale Online, Wallace Church, Disney Online, Tomato Vine, Design Reactor, Zoomedia, Linden Lab, Creative B’stro, Chiel Communications (Samsung), Propane, TBWA/Chiat Day, MTV Networks, Red Brick Media, American Greetings, Auctiva Corporation, Ayebiz, Inc., Basement Media, bebe, Bill Graham Presents, Crescent Jewelers, Email Labs, HandHeld Entertainment Inc., Healthy Pets, IOTA Design, Kaiser Permanente, Media Zone, Nippon Design Center, NIRO JAPAN, OC Weekly, SINA.com, Single Bound Creative, Threshold Corporation, Toyota, Williams-Sonoma Inc. and www.iwin.com

LOURDES LIVINGSTON

GRADUATE DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF COMPUTER ARTS: NEW MEDIA

DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF DIGITAL ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

Lourdes Livingston received her B.F.A from the Academy of Art in Illustration. Upon graduation, she was hired as a full-time staff Editorial Illustrator for The San Francisco Chronicle. After leaving The Chronicle, Livingston accepted a position as Creative Director at Women.com, where she helped build a small Internet startup into a thriving network. She managed design teams in both Silicon Valley and New York City, and developed and oversaw the online presence for Hearst publications such as Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful and Town & Country.

Livingston has been teaching at her Alma Mater since 1993. Her work is recognized in publications such as Creating Killer Websites, The Print Design Annual, Diagrammatic Graphics, Yahoo Internet Life Magazine, New Media Magazine, MacWorld, and The Best of Newspaper Design. She served on the Educators Program for SIGGRAPH in 2004 and 2005, as well as moderated panels for SIGGRAPH and Typecon. She is a member of ACM SIGGRAPH, Baychi, Siggchi, AIGA, and the Graphics Arts Council.

Under Livingston’s directorship during 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 a graduate’s thesis from the School of Computer Arts New Media Master’s Program has been awarded FIRST PLACE honors by SIGGRAPH International Student Interactive Competition. In Spring 2007, Livingston launched the AAU’s thirteenth school, Digital Arts and Communication (DIG), a new undergraduate program that specializes in usability issues for interactive products to meet a growing need in the industry.

Careers in Computer Arts: New Media

Potential Careers: Multi-Media Producer, Multimedia Designer, Creative Director, Technical Art Director, Interface Designer, Web Designer, Digital Illustrator, Production Artist and Instructional Designer

Careers in Digital Arts & Communication:

Potential Careers: User Interface Designer, Information Architect, Prototyper, User Interaction Designer for Mobile Devices, Technical Producer, Motion Graphics Designer, Movie Titles Artist, and Production Coordinator

GLADYS PERINT PALMER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF FASHION

Gladys Perint Palmer is the Executive Director of the School of Fashion & Merchandising. She is listed in The Fashion Book (Phaidon Press) as one of 500 people of influence in fashion since 1860. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London invited Gladys Perint Palmer to be one of 150 creative forces to participate in its 150th Anniversary, June 2007. Her editorial work has appeared in the UK Sunday Times, The New Yorker and Vogue. Advertising clients include Christian Dior, Versace, and Missoni. Her book, Fashion People (Assouline), was published in April 2003 and has sold out. Her drawings are included in 100 Years of Fashion Illustration, published in April 2007. She is working on her next book.

Careers in Fashion

Potential Careers: Fashion Design – Fashion Designer, Product Manager and Pattern Maker; Textile Design – Textile Designer and Forecaster; Knitwear Design – Knitwear Designer, Knitwear Merchandising and Knitwear Accessory Designer; Fashion Merchandising – Buyer, Store Manager, Store Planner, and Product Developer

Company Partners: The University works with international brands and recruitment agencies for the development of job placement. Graduates have gone on to work with companies such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Azzedine Alaïa, Banana Republic, Blanc de Chine, Burberry, Chloe, Oscar de la Renta, Pamela Dennis, GAP Inc., Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, KITON, Calvin Klein, L.A.M.B., Liz Claiborne, Ralph Lauren, Martin Margiela, Missoni, Alexander McQueen, Nice Collective, Nike, Nordstrom, Northface, Old Navy, Reebok, Zandra Rhodes, Jeremy Scott, Martine Sitbon, Carla Sozzani's 10 Corso Como, Tocca, Williams Sonoma, Viktor & Rolf, Diane Von Fürstenberg and Louis Vuitton to name a few.

SHARON MURPHY, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF FASHION: MERCHANDISING

Sharon Murphy’s career includes fashion retailing, manufacturing, and product development. She has worked for Esprit de Corp and Jessica McClintock, Inc. with a focus on textile and product development for contemporary, junior, and children’s markets.

Ms. Murphy joined the Academy as an instructor in 2001. She currently teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses, specifically focused in Manufacturing, Fabrics, Textiles & Raw Materials, as well as Product Sourcing. Sharon has been integral in overseeing the management of the Academy Retail store, as well as working one on one with students to develop their portfolios and future career paths. Sharon also continues to consult with Venice Collaborative on the development of residential projects.

Careers in Fashion

Company Partners: Kenneth Cole; Levi Strauss & Co.; Banana Republic; American Eagle Outfitters; General Motors; Saks Fifth Avenue; Karen Neuburger Sleepwear; Natori NY; Williams-Sonoma; American Pacific Ent.; Eileen West; Sebastian Pons Studio; Pony; Pottery Barn; Galigula Studios; NATAYA; IISLI; Liz Claiborne; Restoration Hardware; Sanrio; Arden B.; Bloomingdale’s; Macy’s; Armani Exchange; Neiman Marcus; Louis Vuitton; BCBG Max Azria; Danskin; de Young Museum Store; gr.dano; MAC; Mervyns; Nordstrom; Phat Fashions LLC; Puma NA; Quicksilver/Roxy; Sephora USA; Jessica McClintock Inc.; Old Navy; Target; Jeremy Scott; Nice Collective; St. John and Three Dots

SIMON UNGLESS, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF FASHION

Simon Ungless graduated from Central St. Martins School of Art, London in 1992 with M.A. Distinction and has since worked exclusively with Alexander McQueen on many projects. Other clients include Paul Smith, Christian Lacroix, Banana Republic, and Guess.

In 1998, he took over the M.F.A studies, establishing excellent communications within the industry. He also produces the Annual Graduation Spring Fashion Show, now recognized globally as the best showcase for students.

Careers in Fashion

CRAIG NELSON, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF FINE ART PAINTING & PRINTMAKING

Mr. Nelson depicts figures, landscapes and various environments in rich, vibrant oils. His subjects relate directly to his personal life. Mr. Nelson's devotion to his art is evident in the lush orchestration of brushwork, weaving mood and emotion in each of his pictures. He has shared his knowledge with the students at the Academy of Art University since 1990. Mr. Nelson also continues to keep a very active painting exhibition schedule, with several shows throughout the year in various parts of the country.

Careers in Fine Art

Potential Careers: Gallery Painter/Printmaker/Sculptor, Art Consultant, Commission Painter/Portrait Artist/Sculptor, Muralist, Gallery Employee, Assistant Museum Curator, Instructor; Film Industry – Art Director, Visual Effects Artist, and Background Painter

Company Partners: Marywood University, Pacific Art League, Jeremy Scott Studio, Hookin Style Design, MemoryX CA, Chido, Artworks Foundry, Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts, National Press Comics, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony, PDI/DreamWorks, 2Wire, Mind Control Software, Franchise Design, Grimm Press, Lynn Hanson Publishing, Aquent Partners, Inc., Erik Powell Arts, Pixar, Spark Unlimited Inc, Thomas Marsh Sculptor, Angie Star Jewelry, Christopher Hill Gallery, Haam Space Gallery, John Berggruen Gallery, Kaewon School for Art and Design, La Sierra University, Meyer Gallery, Novo Arts, Sanchez Gallery, The School of the Arts, Wendt Gallery and Winfield Gallery

PETER SCHIFRIN, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF FINE ART SCULPTURE

Peter Schifrin has been a faculty member at the Academy of Art University since 1993. He received his M.F.A. from Boston University and his B.A. from San Jose State University. Peter has created several large-scale public commissions: two 24-foot high bronze monuments, ‘ Confluence’ & ‘Skyward,’ one block from Union Square in downtown San Francisco for the Academy’s Morgan Auditorium; two bronze ‘Coyote Monuments’ for the city of San Jose’s Park Street Bridge; the bronze ‘Firefighter’ in San Ramon; and the nine-foot bronze ‘Wounded Man’ for the city of San Mateo’s Performing Arts Center.

Peter exhibits at Sculpturesite Gallery in San Francisco, the only indoor-outdoor venue in San Francisco exclusively for sculpture. He also exhibits at A New Leaf Gallery in Sonoma and The Claudia Chapline Gallery in Stinson Beach. Peter recently published the book, ‘love and fear: the sculpture of peter schifrin’ with an accompanying film, directed by San Francisco filmmaker Mark Decena.

Peter has instructed sculpture and drawing at the University of California, Santa Barbara, the Montserrat College of Art, and at Boston University’s College for the Arts.

Careers in Fine Art

MARK TENNANT, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF FINE ART PAINTING

Mark Tennant received a B.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Art and earned his M.F.A. from the New York Academy of Art. He has also studied at Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles and at the Art Students League of New York.

He has been an instructor at the Academy of Art University since 1998. He has also taught in Paris at the Atelier du Caroussel and Academie Julian / Penninghen. For the year 2007 he taught in New York at the Grand Central Academy (Metropolitan Museum Copying), the New York Academy and the National Academy School.

His work is exhibited in Paris at GalerieDDG, Carlisle Gallery in Auburn, Alabama and Park Gallery, Carmel.

Careers in Fine Art

Company Partners: Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts, National Press Comics, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony, PDI/DreamWorks, 2Wire, Mind Control Software, Franchise Design, Grimm Press, Lynn Hanson Publishing, Aquent Partners, Inc., Erik Powell Arts, Pixar, Spark Unlimited Inc, Thomas Marsh Sculptor, Sanchez Gallery, Novo Arts, The School of Arts, Wendt Gallery, Winfield Gallery, La Sierra University, Christopher Hill Gallery, Haam Space Gallery, Meyer Gallery, Kaewon School for Art and Design and John Berggruen Gallery

CHARLENE MODENA, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF FINE ART SCULPTURE & PRINTMAKING

Charlene has participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions, including the American Institute of Architects, University of Guanajuato (Mexico), Butler Museum, Elements Gallery, Anna Gardner Gallery, and the Biennale Internationale-Limoges, France. Her work is included in the collection of the Xerox Corporation, American Crafts Museum, Anne Rockefeller-Roberts, and Donald Trump. Charlene is listed in the World’s Who’s Who of Women, and is a prizewinner of a Marin Arts Council Grant. She has been published in Design Magazine, American Crafts, Metalsmith Journal and Coevolution Quarterly.

Charlene specializes in a wide variety of sculpture and teaches metal arts/jewelry and papermaking/mixed media at the Academy of Art University, where she has been an instructor for 13 years. In addition, Charlene continues to lecture and give workshops internationally, while maintaining membership and affiliation with numerous professional organizations.

When Charlene is not in the classroom, she works on her large mixed-media sculptures and one of a kind jewelry pieces in her studio at Muir Beach, CA, a small northern California coastal community where she also resides.

Careers in Fine Art

MARY SCOTT, CHAIR

SCHOOL OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

For over 25 years, Mary Scott was Vice-President and Director of Creative Operations for Maddocks & Company, a multi-disciplinary firm involved in all phases of communication design. Mary taught at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, where she was honored twice as recipient of the “Great Teacher Award,” and also taught at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles. After five years at the Academy of Art, Mary was nominated for the 2004, 2005 and 2006, “Who’s Who in America’s Teachers.”

In September 1999, Mary was named Chair of Graphic Design at the Academy where she continues to teach. Her mission is to continue developing curriculum that serves the needs of the design student in a rapidly evolving, dynamic profession.

Mary has served on the National Board of AIGA and was chapter President in Los Angeles. She has chaired the AIGA SF Enrichment Scholarship. She has served as Development Chair on the AIGA SF board when she became the Education Chair. In June 2007, Mary was awarded the Fellow’s Award from the San Francisco Chapter of AIGA.

Mary studied Fine Arts and Foreign Languages at Mt. St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles and Environmental Design at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Careers in Graphic Design

Potential Careers: Graphic Designer, Type Design, Package Design, Environmental Design, Design Planning, Print and Publication Design, Educational Design, Identity Design, System Design and Motion Graphics, Exhibition Design, Corporate Communications Design, Information Design

Company Partners: VSA Partners, MetaDesign, Stone Yamashita & Partners, Adams Morioka, James Victore, Cahan & Associates, Chen Design Associates, Price Waterhouse Coopers Lybrand, Templin Brink Design, Michael Vanderbyl Design, Blank Mosseri, Blue Cross, Goodby Silverstein, Specialized Bicycles, Philippe Becker Associates, IDEO, Brand Engine, Stapely Hildebrand, Anthem Worldwide, Apple, Deutsch Inc., Harper Collins/Regan Media, Interbrand, Marketing, Safeway Corporate, Seiko Institute and The Arnell Group NYC

PHIL HAMLETT, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF GRAPHIC DESIGN

Prior to directing the M.F.A program at The Academy of Art University, Phil Hamlett was Communications Director at Turner & Associates, where he identified fundamental client objectives and facilitated the development of the core messages, conceptual frameworks and communications vehicles best suited to address those needs. His extensive experience with a wide variety of corporate communications, investor relations and print collateral materials (for companies both large and small) provides him with the perspective necessary to prepare students for the challenges of the real world. His work for clients such as Yahoo!, Adaptec, Macromedia, Ariba, PeopleSoft, IBM, AT&T, The Coca-Cola Company, Clorox, Seagate Technology, Turner Broadcasting, Nabisco, Dickson's Specialty Printing and Anderson Lithograph can be seen in numerous design publications and award show catalogs.

Prior to joining Turner in 1999, Hamlett was a principal and Director of Creative Services for EAI/Atlanta, where he played a key role in the firm's development. In addition, Hamlett is a regionally and nationally recognized design commentator and competition judge. His Library Journal design book reviews are seen everywhere on the web and his recent Compostmodern design conference has been well received. A native of Atlanta, Hamlett graduated from the University of Georgia, Athens in 1986.

Careers in Graphic Design

Potential Careers: Graphic Designer and Project Director in Digital Design, Type Design, Motion Graphics, Package Design, Environmental Design, Design Planning, Print and Publication Design, Educational Design, Identity Design, System Design and Corporate Communications Design

Company Partners: Shelby Designs, Michael Osborne Design, Estee Lauder, Landor, Mervyns, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Phillips Design Group, Addis, Pixar, American Greetings, Williams-Sonoma, Tumis Design, Gensler & Associates, Pentagram, Chronicle Books, Wired Magazine, Young & Rubicon, Ashton Abeck, Osh Kosh b’Gosh, Nike, GAP, Harrison Design Group, Lucasfilm, Method Inc., Apple, CF Napa, Clif Bar, Frog Design and Hallmark

CHUCK PYLE, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF ILLUSTRATION

Charles S. Pyle is an Academy of Art University alumnus and comes from an impressive career as a freelance illustrator. He is an internationally sought-after artist, working with clients from New York to Tokyo. His past clients have included Microsoft, Pacific Bell, Safeway, Avis, Ask Jeeves, Sun Microsystems, Reader’s Digest, New York Times, Boston Globe, Atlantic Monthly, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, McCall’s, Penguin, Bantam, Book of the Month Club, Houghton Mifflin, Seattle Opera, Nisshin Foods and the Chicago Museum of Science and Technology. His work has been widely exhibited and is part of many permanent collections.

Careers in Illustration

Potential Careers: Freelance Illustrator in Advertising, Publishing and Editorial, Concept Artist, Production Artist, Gallery Artist, Storyboard Artist, 2D Artist, Comic Book, Greeting Card, Children’s Book Illustrator, Environmental Artist, Layout Artist

Company Partners: Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts, National Press Comics, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony, PDI/DreamWorks, 2Wire, Mind Control Software, Franchise Design, Grimm Press, Lynn Hanson Publishing, Aquent Partners Inc., White Walls Gallery, Activision, Black Point Studios, Blue Sky Studios, Cricket Magazine Group, Digital Pond, LucasArts, Massive Black, Nob Hill Gazette, Pendulum Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Wild Bill’s Tattoo and Wordworld

BILL MAUGHAN, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ILLUSTRATION

A professional illustrator and fine artist, Mr. Maughan received a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration from the Art Center College of Design. He has provided numerous illustrations for such companies as DreamWorks, Woman's Day, TV Guide, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, CBS, Universal Studios, Wells Fargo Bank, Chevrolet, GMC, Franklin Library, New American Library, Avon Books, Pinnacle Books, Signet Books, Tor Books, Doubleday, Harcourt Brace, Knopf, Oxford University Press, Danbury Mint, Fenwick and others.

Since the early 1980’s, major galleries and publishers have represented Mr. Maughan’s work, both originals and prints domestically and internationally. His works of art are included in private, commercial and museum collections. Mr. Maughan's book, The Artist's Complete Guide to Drawing the Head, was published in 2004 by Watson/Guptill.

When he's not teaching Academy students the fundamentals — realism-based drawing, design concepts, value, form, color and composition — he paints in his studio in the mountains of Utah.

Careers in Illustration

Potential Careers: Freelance Illustrator in Advertising, Publishing and Editorial, Concept Artist, Production Artist, Gallery Artist, Storyboard Artist, Comic Book, Greeting Card, Children’s Book Illustrator.

Company Partners: Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts, National Press Comics, Industrial Light & Magic, Sony, PDI/DreamWorks, 2Wire, Mind Control Software, Franchise Design, Grimm Press, Lynn Hanson Publishing, Aquent Partners Inc., White Walls Gallery, Activision, Black Point Studios, Blue Sky Studios, Cricket Magazine Group, Digital Pond, LucasArts, Massive Black, Nob Hill Gazette, Pendulum Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Wild Bill’s Tattoo and Wordworld

TOM MATANO, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Tom Matano has almost 30 years of experience in the automotive design industry. Prior to joining the faculty at the Academy of Art University, he held design positions at General Motors in Detroit, Michigan and Melbourne, Australia and BMW in Munich, Germany. In 1983, he joined Mazda’s North American studio as a Chief Designer. He continued to become Vice President of Design and Executive Designer & Director of Mazda North American Operations.

From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Matano moved to Mazda headquarters in Japan, as an Executive Designer in the Global Advance Studio, overseeing Japan, Europe and North American Advance studios, and was the General Manager of Mazda Design in charge of the chief designers. His accomplishments at Mazda include the Miata, RX 7, and many other projects by the design teams he managed and created.

Mr. Matano is committed to being an educator and using his diverse knowledge and experience to enhance the Industrial Design program at the Academy of Art University.

Careers in Industrial Design

Potential Careers: Toy Designer, Transportation Designer, Product Designer, Automotive Designer, and Furniture Designer

Company Partners: Bender Brothers, DaimlerChrysler, Disney, Fuse Project, General Motors, Kawasaki, Mitsubishi, Nissan, The North Face, Sens Furniture, Smart Design NYC, Transfx L.A., Williams-Sonoma, Gingko Design Inc., Volkswagen of America Inc., New Deal Design, Shock Design, Fox Racing Inc., Gatco Inc., Hyundai, Mazda, Nova Design Co., LTD., Steelcase Inc., Vistapark and WHAM-O, Inc.

MARK BOLICK, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

Mark Bolick attended various California schools before settling at the California College of Arts and Crafts in his hometown of San Francisco. Mark worked various jobs in Silicon Valley where he collaborated on projects with Nike, Motorola, IDEO, NASA, Stanford, MIT and The Exploratorium. In pursuit of his passions, Mark abandoned his career as an industrial designer to pursue his love for furniture. As Design Manager for William Sonoma Inc., Mark designed hundreds of production furniture pieces in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mexico, Vietnam, Italy and the United States. As Director of Furniture for Restoration Hardware, Mark assisted in the growth of the furniture division, including the launch of the company’s Bed and Bath catalog.

In 2006, Mark officially joined the family business named after his first daughter, India Rose. India Rose LLC is a vertically integrated home furnishings design firm that designs, develops, sources and manufactures home products all over the world for retailers such as Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie, Harry and David, and Jackson Perkins. Mark and his wife recently launched a wholesale line of textiles under the India Rose label. Their products can be found in boutiques and retailers throughout North America, as well as on their recently launched online store. Mark is currently developing a new brand named after his second daughter, Zarah Rae, which will specialize in furniture and accessories.

Careers in Industrial Design

Potential Careers: Product Designer, Toy Designer, Transportation Designer, and Furniture Designer

MARLENE FARRELL, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Ms. Farrell comes to us with 30 years of experience working in both commercial and residential designs. Her commitment to the field of Interior Design and higher education is exemplified through her achievements in leadership and professional expertise. Ms. Farrell has been a part of the Academy’s professional faculty for the past twelve years and she has also dedicated her time to serving as President for the International Design Association, including an additional three years on their National Board of Directors.

Currently, Ms. Farrell is the principal at Farrell Design Associates working with a range of clientele from AT&T, Brown & Caldwell International, Kaiser Permanente, as well as residential projects throughout California, Arizona, and Hawaii. She has also worked with Clocktower Design Group, Meredith Design Group, and is the founder of Art Odyssey.

It is clear that Ms. Farrell’s range of experience and depth of knowledge in the field will be a marvelous addition to the leadership of the School of Interior Architecture and Design.

Careers in Interior Architecture and Design

Potential Careers: Junior Designer, Design Assistant, Designer, Project Management and Lighting Designer for residential and commercial design, Furniture Design

Company Partners: Pottery Barn, David Terpening Architecture, Jean Coblenz & Associates, GHT, Design Perspectives, D-scheme Studio, Kitchen Studio 150, Iyer & Associates, Interior Design Concepts, Ani Albers Design, Kate Keating Associates, Hunt Hale Jones Architecture, Backen Gillam Architects, Clement Mac, Design Atelier, Ellerbe Becket, Gensler, Anna Kondolf Lighting Design, Christine S. Suzuki & Associates, LT Collaborative Inc., Anshen + Allen, Babey Moulton Jue + Booth, FME Architecture + Design, Hirsch Bedner Associates, Paul Jones Architects Ltd., Walter E. Smithe Custom Furniture and Your Space Interiors

DIANE BAKER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE
SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION

"We are thrilled to have Diane Baker as a member of our School of Motion Pictures & Television ," says Dr. Elisa Stephens, President. “She brings so much to the table with her background in acting and producing, as well as her experience working with great actors, directors, and screenwriters throughout her storied career.”

Diane Baker studied acting in New York and Los Angeles with Charles Conrad and ballet with Nina Fonaroff, Estelle Harman, and years later with Stella Adler. While under contract with Twentieth Century Fox, she was introduced to director George Stevens Sr., who cast her in The Diary Of Anne Frank. Diane performed in films such as Journey To The Center of the Earth, The Best of Everything, 300 Spartans, The Wizard of Baghdad, Nine Hours to Rama directed by Mark Robson, and on loan-out starred with Susan Hayward in Stolen Hours in England. At Universal, she starred in Mirage with Gregory Peck and Marnie under Director Alfred Hitchcock.

Diane has worked with Anthony Hopkins and director Jonathan Demme in Silence of the Lambs, and her television credits include The Blue and the Gray, Inherit the Wind, and most recently About Sarah, ER and CBS' Jackie O playing the role of Rose Kennedy. She is developing several feature films for production.

Diane’s first effort as a producer came in the self-financed documentary, Ashiana, which dealt with the end of feudalism in India. Several other award-winning documentaries followed. With no office other than her briefcase, she produced the film Never Never Land in London, starring Petula Clark. This success opened the door for a future project; a mini-series based on Barbara Taylor Bradford’s "A Woman Of Substance," which received an Emmy nomination for Best Mini-Series.

In addition to serving as Executive Director of the School of Motion Pictures and Television, Ms. Baker personally instructs several acting courses. She introduces students to a variety of professionally recognized techniques of acting, such as Stanislavski, Sanford Meisner, Michael Chekhov, and Stella Adler.

EDUARDO RUFEISEN, DIRECTOR

UNDERGRADUATE
SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION

Eduardo Rufeisen has more than 17 years of international experience producing, directing, and managing creative teams and crews. He worked as the Senior Advisor of Advertising for Bosch-Blaupunkt group in Brazil, directing ad campaigns for print, TV and Radio. He became Marketing Manager of MTV-Brazil, where he created television ad campaigns and managed the sales team. He also worked for a Brazilian Television Network producing more than 100 different shows.

During the last 12 years he has been producing and directing multi-camera TV shows for local San Francisco Bay Area cable channels and multi-national companies including Hewlett Packard. He has also produced, directed and edited short films, documentaries and commercials seen nationally on ABC, MTV, Lifetime, WB and Fox. His short films and documentaries have won multiple awards around the world.

Since completing his M.F.A in Motion Pictures and Television Studies at the Academy of Art University, Eduardo has also been working as a film and television instructor at various colleges in Northern California. During the last 8 years, he has taught classes in a wide variety of Motion Picture disciplines.

Prior to becoming Director of the School of Motion Pictures and Television at the Academy, Eduardo served as the Coordinator of the MFA program and the Associate Director of Graduate Studies in Motion Pictures and Television.

Careers in Motion Pictures & Television

Potential Careers: Producer, Director, Editor, Gaffer, Actor, Camera Operator, Art Director, Set Designer, Screenwriter and Location Manager

Company Partners: CBS, Mark Burnett Productions, NBC, Warner Brothers, HBO, Leonidas Films, Intel, Sony Pictures, Cisco, Zamacona Productions, Universal Studios, Monaco Labs, Pixar, Columbia Pictures, Jim Henson Company, New York Times Television, Momentum Cinema, Stu Segall Productions, CNET Networks, Current TV, KQED, KTSF, Monaco Digital Film Labs, Pacific Fusion TV, Radium, Revelations Entertainment, Ridley Scott Associates, San Francisco Cinematheque, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Twentieth-Century Fox Film Corp., ABS CBN International TV, American Idol, The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, Artist International, Boxcar Theatre Company, Canon Inc., Electronic Arts, Geffen Records, J. Walter Thompson Specialized Communications, PBS/Discovery Channel, Spreckels Performing Arts Center, United Airlines, Vivian Weisman Productions, Wieden+Kennedy and Zephyr Films

MICHAEL HELMY, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE
SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION

Michael Helmy is trained as an architect and began his movie career at Warner Brothers in the changing studio system in Hollywood. Learning from great directors like John Cassavetes and Francis Ford Coppola, and stellar production designers like Richard “Dick” Sylbert and Richard MacDonald, he worked his way up to become a successful production designer.

Michael is well known for his work on landmark television shows such as Miami Vice, Nash Bridges, Birds of Prey and the most successful show in television history, ER. His film credits include Prizzi's Honor, Back to the Beach, The Webbers, Sugar Hill and Traveller. Michael is a passionate educator and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with his students, much like he once received guidance as a young apprentice. Currently, he is writing and developing family comedy movies.

BRAD HUGHES, SOUND/AUDIO DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF MOTION PICTURES & TELEVISION

Originally from Sacramento, California, Brad Hughes comes to the Academy of Art with over 12 years of experience in sound and audio for a wide variety of production environments. In that time, he has maintained a career as both an audio engineer and a professional saxophonist.

Prior to joining the Academy of Art University, Brad worked as a Sound Designer and Engineer for Creativity Studios, where he was responsible for daily music production, voice recording, editing and mixing of music for children’s toys and games. He also served as Audio Engineer for Ed Bogas Productions, engineering music, sound effects, and voice recording for radio and television broadcast. In addition, Brad provided engineering services to a variety of clients, including The Hollywood Edge, Soundeluxe Audio Publishing, and Macromedia. He has extensive expertise in computer software applications for audio, including industry standard Pro Tools.

He holds a B.F.A in World Arts & Cultures from U.C.L.A., and an M.F.A in Music from The California Institute of the Arts.

Careers in Motion Pictures & Television

Potential Careers: Editor, Post Production Supervisor, Assistant Editor, and Assistant Sound Editor

Company Partners: CBS, Mark Burnett Productions, NBC, Warner Brothers, HBO, Leonidas Films, Intel, Sony Pictures, Cisco, Zamacona Productions, Universal Studios, Monaco Labs, Pixar, Columbia Pictures, Jim Henson Company, New York Times Television, Momentum Cinema, Stu Segall Productions, CNET Networks, Current TV, KQED, KTSF, Monaco Digital Film Labs, Pacific Fusion TV, Radium, Revelations Entertainment, Ridley Scott Associates, San Francisco Cinematheque, Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Weinstein Company, Twentieth-Century Fox Film Corp., ABS CBN International TV, American Idol, The American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival, Artist International, Boxcar Theatre Company, Canon Inc., Electronic Arts, Geffen Records, J. Walter Thompson Specialized Communications, PBS/Discovery Channel, Spreckels Performing Arts Center, United Airlines, Vivian Weisman Productiosn, Wieden+Kennedy and Zephyr Films

JAN YANEHIRO, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

For 15 years, Emmy Award winner Jan Yanehiro said she had “ the best job in the world.” From 1975-1990, Jan hosted Evening Magazine, a pioneering nightly program on KPIX TV in San Francisco. With this program the magazine format for television was born. Jan is known industry-wide as one of the first journalists in the world to bring video into the field and report on the scene. As founding co-host of Evening Magazine, she traveled the world in search of extraordinary people and places.

Jan is currently Executive Producer and Correspondent for “Pacific Fusion,” a nationally aired television magazine featuring Asia Pacific people, trends, food, and fashion. She is also co-hosting a 26-week series with Jennifer Siebel-Newsom called “Giving 5 at 5” which will air on KPIX. Jan hosted the “Resettlement to Redress,” a documentary on the Japanese American experience after World War II.

In addition to her successful broadcasting and producing career, Jan is a published author. She has co-authored three books, one of which was a Bay Area bestseller. She is a Board Member of Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, the Center for the Pacific Rim at the University of San Francisco, the National Board of Visitors at Fresno State University, Board Member of Bank of Marin, and is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Jan holds many other honors including: the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award from the United Nations of San Francisco; Induction into the Academy of Television and Radio Hall of Fame; Silver Circle Inductee of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; and Woman of Distinction, Girl Scouts.

Careers in Multimedia Communications

Potential Careers: News Journalist, Video Journalist, Fashion Journalist, Sports Writer, Professional Blogger, Website Writer, Multimedia Production (Shorts, Commercials, Webisodes, Mobisodes, Podcasts), Media Distribution, Radio Production, Radio Hosting and Multimedia Broadcasting.

RYAN BALDWIN, DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY

SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Ryan Baldwin is a freelance photographer based in San Francisco, California. He specializes in digital fine printing and commercial photography. He holds a B.A. in color technology from Brooks Institute of Photography. His work has been published in magazines, calendars, national advertising campaigns and much more. He runs his own stock photo library, in addition to image representation with leading stock agencies. Ryan's fine prints are sold to private collectors and represented in galleries across the United States.

With over 14 years experience in the industry, Ryan has succeeded in merging his traditional photographic background with the newest advancements in digital imaging. Ryan has been teaching at the Academy of Art University since fall 2001.

Careers in Photography

Potential Careers: Architectural Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Fine Art Photographer, Digital Photographer, Lab Technician, Professional Commercial Photographer, Photojournalism/Documentary Photographer and Portrait Photographer

Company Partners: Vogue Magazine, National Geographic, Sven Wiederholt Photography, FotoSoft Photography Institute, Jim Dines Gallery, PGP Design, Looking Glass Photographic Arts, Mark Estes Photography, Afinity Models, Norman Maslov: Agent International, Robert Koch Gallery, Sephora USA, Ambrosi, Daniel Proctor Photography, David Maisel Studio, Erik Almas Photography, Hunter Freeman, Jason Madara, RJ Muna Pictures, SF Camerawork, Adbusters Magazine, Alison Wright Photography, Apple, Carter Dow Photography, Museum of Children’s Art, Oakland Tribune, Ruby Bird Productions and Sharpe & Associates

JAMES WOOD, DIRECTOR

SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Mr. Wood has been teaching for more than 25 years, while simultaneously running one of the largest West Coast commercial studios. He earned a B.F.A in Photography with distinction from the Art Center College of Design. His client list tops 1000 such as, Life magazine, American Motors, Honda, IBM, Apple, Yamaha, Gallo, Levi's, Marlboro, Wells Fargo, Polaroid, Kodak, Nikon, Kraft and Toyota. Mr. Wood has the honor of being named one of the 65 best photographers in the world by Canon U.S.A.

Careers in Photography

WILL MOSGROVE, DIRECTOR

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Will Mosgrove has been involved in the photographic community for over thirty years. He is an alumnus of the Academy of Art University, as well as a long-time instructor in the School of Photography, and throughout his career he has maintained a strong tie to the school. Mr. Mosgrove has run and maintained his own successful photography business for the past twenty-six years and has won numerous national awards, including recognition from Communication Arts, Print and AIGA. He has also volunteered his time with the Advertising Photographers of America (APA) where he held the office of National President for three terms. He most recently served as Senior Vice-President for APA where he oversaw Operations and Brand for the organization.

Careers in Photography