Lia Janeiro

BFA in Animation

Fall 2021 – Senior

Graduation date: Spring 2022

Portfolio: https://liajaneiro.myportfolio.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-janeiro-83130b170/

During my time at the University of Tampa, I have been fortunate enough to have some great professors that taught me much of what I know about animation today. One of my favorite classes being FMX 315 3D Printing and Modeling II with a great professor, Christopher Christian. He gave me the artistic freedom to express my individual passions, while making sure I understood the tools and basic functions of the 3D modeling software, Maya, to be able to bring my ideas to fruition. He made sure all his students understood the interface, and the capabilities of various modeling tools so we could use them at our disposal, something of which was not very well taught in my other 3D animation classes. The way Professor Christian structured the class was very supportive for all his students, allowing everyone to work on projects they believed represented themselves, while doing helpful critiques that allowed us to build upon one another. Marcio Goncalves’, FMX 322 Visual Effects class was another one of my favorites. I enjoyed learning how to combine animation with live action footage, and I was even able to apply some of that knowledge into my professional works as well.

My strengths in my major include visual effects and 3D modeling. I have become very experienced with Maya, specifically sculpting characters, an example includes my 3D dragon on a castle. In terms of visual effects, I have gained much experience with Adobe After Effects. Although, I will primarily credit my workplace, Lightning Vision, for teaching me most of what I know today about that software. I have been able to work on projects that allow me to play around with compositions, effects and animations, which then I get feedback and suggestions from other co-workers. The positive environment and dedication in the workplace pushes me to collaborate and build upon ideas with others. 

In terms of weaknesses, I did struggle to learn about Adobe and animation softwares while taking my courses. I decided after my freshman year I wanted to pursue animation, but I had no personal experience before-hand. Even in the more basic 100 and 200 level classes, I felt as though I was expected to have some prior knowledge of the software, and that definitely set me back. Nonetheless, I spent extra time outside of the classroom to work on these setbacks, so I could succeed in those classes and represent what I am truly capable of. For the future, I recommend organizing courses in a manner in which students take them chronologically with the basic courses being first (covering the software), to the more advanced ones.

By the time I graduate, I see myself continuing to work in the animation/motion graphics field. I am most likely going to continue my professional work with Lightning Vision for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Not only do I feel as though I am a great asset to the team, but I am also very welcomed and appreciated as an equal team-player. I will continue to make digital artworks and analog ones as well, and even hope to get into creating NFTs once I graduate and have more time outside of school. Depending on whether I want to slightly change my profession into the 3D animation field within the next few years, I may apply to work for visual effects companies in Europe. I want to bring my cultural and traveling experiences into the field I work in as well. That being said, I am extremely thankful for all the positive and supportive experiences I have had at the University of Tampa, and for all the opportunities this city has brought to me. I will continue to accept any negativity and criticism, and transform it into leverage to push myself to be the best possible artist I can be.

Thank you,

Lia Janeiro