Ari Felsen
BFA in Animation/Digital Media 
Spring 2020
Expected Graduation – Spring 2020

My name is Ari Felsen and I am studying Animation and Digital Media at the University of Tampa. I always knew I had a niche for technology, stemming way back to the days when I could barely walk as a toddler, but still I was the only one in my family that knew how to get our computer working. As I entered high school, I became very intrigued and excited for all the film and media arts elective courses my school had to offer, and as I excelled in those classes I knew this field was the perfect career path for myself to pursue. Despite lacking the raw talent of artistry, my love and passion for digital arts motivates me to work harder, and adapt according to my skills and limitations, so that I can succeed despite my weakness, continue to widen my skill-set and grow as an artist.

My passion and skill became even more prominent in University as I enrolled in every single film class my school had to offer. I graduated high school with an accomplished background in Film, having won several awards in my school’s annual Film Festivals throughout 2012-2016. I took on the next chapter of my life at the University of Tampa as I entered as a Film and Media Arts major. However, despite loving everything about Film and Media Arts, I decided to switch my focus to Animation and Digital Media during my sophomore year as I believed that Animation and computer arts are a more captivating and creative facet of media arts, and ultimately the better fitting path for me and my career.

The person who changed my perspective on my work was Santiago Echeverry, my academic advisor and professor of several former classes throughout my college career. Santi’s classes were not easy; he was tough to please, and made me work very hard and for hours upon hours every week. Once I began to realize and understand his teaching style, I have pushed myself to go farther than my comfort zone on my work, and not finish until I am happy with what I’ve created. I learned that every detail matters and that creating a project without considerable creative thought is a waste of time, and I appreciate the impact that he has made on myself as an artist and a professional. Another professor that has had a significant role on my education is Dana Corrigan. I have been lucky enough to have Dana as a professor for numerous classes so far, and she has been nothing but helpful and supportive since the first day I walked into her class. She taught me how to operate a variety of different animation softwares, as well as a plethora of animation techniques and strategies. Not to mention her frequent support in helping students with job searching and internship opportunities, and her perpetual passion and positivity reflect onto myself when I’m in her class and motivates me to work harder and strive to do the best I possibly can.

I also credit several successful animators and visual effects producers on social media who inspire me and motivate myself to work hard and be like them. I admire their work and originality, and aspire to become popular enough to make a living out of what I love doing, as well as to attract and inspire others just like me to work harder.