RCC Animation Program Welcomes Guest Artists: A Source of Inspiration for Students
The RCC Animation program hosted two inspiring guest artist events in January that offered students valuable insight into the animation industry and provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. These events showcased both established industry professionals and talented alumni, offering a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.
Alexis Magana and Luke Grenier: Alumni Panel Connection
On January 15, RCC Animation was thrilled to welcome two of its alumni—Alexis Magana (They/Them) and Luke Grenier (He/Him)—for a Zoom panel discussion with current students. Alexis, a student at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), and Luke, attending Laguna College of Art and Design (LCAD), shared their academic journeys and personal experiences after transitioning from RCC to renowned animation schools.
The session centered around the importance of leveraging resources during their time at RCC and navigating the challenges of transferring to top-tier animation schools. Both alumni offered practical advice on preparing for the rigors of animation education and emphasized the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in these prestigious programs. Their stories not only inspired current students but also reinforced the value of alumni connections in creating pathways to success in the animation industry.
Hyungjin Lee: Award-Winning Animation Filmmaker
On January 23, the RCC Animation program had the distinct honor of hosting award-winning animator Hyungjin Lee (She/Her). Known for her thought-provoking and personal work in independent animation filmmaking, Hyungjin’s presentation, “Animation as an Archive,” explored the power of animation to preserve and reinterpret memories—both certain and uncertain. With works that have been featured in internationally renowned film festivals, including the Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival (an Oscar-qualifying event), Hyungjin shared how animation can be used to tell deeply personal stories.
During the session, Hyungjin emphasized the critical role of sound and music in enhancing animated storytelling. Students were encouraged to connect their own memories with their creative expressions in animation, pushing the boundaries of their work. The interactive nature of the session allowed students to share their stories and explore new techniques, gaining inspiration to refine their personal projects.
The guest artist events served as a powerful source of inspiration for RCC’s animation students. Both Alexis and Luke’s stories resonated with students, as they illustrated the journey from community college to prestigious art schools and beyond. Hyungjin Lee’s unique perspective on animation as a means of preserving personal history expanded students’ understanding of the medium’s potential for storytelling.
Students responded enthusiastically to the presentations, expressing gratitude for the practical advice, motivation, and new ideas they received. Many were inspired to reflect more deeply on their creative journeys and approach their own projects with greater sincerity and honesty. Though students are still in the early stages of their winter session, some have already shown notable growth in their ability to dive deeper into the storytelling process.
These guest artist sessions are an integral part of the RCC Animation Program’s mission to provide students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn diverse perspectives. By bringing in professionals like Hyungjin Lee, Alexis Magana, and Luke Grenier, the program fosters a sense of belonging and helps students understand the importance of contributing to society through their work.
Looking ahead, the guest artist series will continue to be a recurring feature of the animation program, offering students fresh inspiration and valuable knowledge every semester. In addition to learning new techniques, students will have opportunities to showcase their work to these professionals, including two of the guest artists who will provide feedback at the upcoming RCC Animation Showcase in June.
Students are encouraged to maintain positive relationships with the guest artists and take full advantage of networking opportunities to advance their careers. By staying connected to the animation community and continuing to refine their skills, students can maximize their experience and pave the way for future success.
The guest artist sessions in January were an enriching experience for RCC Animation students, providing them with the tools, inspiration, and connections needed to thrive in the competitive world of animation filmmaking. As the program continues to evolve, students can look forward to more exciting opportunities to learn from industry professionals and deepen their passion for animation.