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Articles from the Archive Tips for Reels, Portfolios and Resumes About the Site Buy the Book Photo by Ulf Wallin About the Author Isaac is a computer animation pioneer and the author of the third edition of "The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects" published by Wiley. After developing the Spanish computer-animated feature comedy Holy Night!, he is currently developing creative projects in Singapore, where he also has a Professor appointment at the Nanyang Technological University. Between 1997 and 2004 Isaac was Director of Digital Production at The Walt Disney Company, where he lead multiple initiatives related to producing entertainment with new media, including 3D computer animation and 24P High Definition digital cinematography. In this role Isaac participated in creative and production decisions that impacted dozens of live action and animated projects company-wide. Prior to that Isaac led for two years the group of digital artists and animators at Disney Interactive, where he oversaw creative and production aspects of over 20 computer games. Before joining Disney in 1995 Isaac spent a decade at Pratt Institute in New York where he was a tenured professor and the founding chairman of the Department of Computer Graphics and Interactive Media. Isaac has presented workshops at many creative, production and research institutions throughout the world, and has participated in multiple international festivals including the International Electronic Film Festival in Japan, the New York Art Director’s Club, the 3D Festival and FMX in Europe, Res Fest, and the Webby Awards. He is also a longtime active member of SIGGRAPH and the Visual Effects Society, and the technology committee of the American Society of Cinematographers. Top of Page Articles from the Archive Visual Effects Education Today article in VFX World, June 2005 (PDF file, no images, 60 KB). Independent 3D Computer Animation: New Initiatives presented at the Cartoon Master Future, in La Coruña, April 2005 (PDF file, 40 KB). Creative Human Character Animation: The Incredibles vs. The Polar Express article in VFX World, November 2004 (PDF file, 172 KB). Creating HD Content presented at the Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum, in Hong Kong, April 2004 (RTF text file, 12 KB). Applying the 12 Principles to 3D Animation article in CG Networks, July 2003 (link to website). Los 12 principios de la animacion (Spanish version) in 3DA, late 2003 (link to website). Virtual CG Characters in Live-Action Feature Movies article in VFX World, November 2003 (link to website). Mexican Folk Functional Graphics, introduction to "Sensacional de Diseño Mexicano" book, May 2001 (RTF text file, 20 KB). Gráfica funcional popular Mexicana, introduction to "Sensacional de Diseño Mexicano" book (Spanish version), May 2001 (RTF text file, 24 KB). Computers, Pyramids and Hearts, article in American Print Alliance journal about my computer-assisted printmaking techniques, Fall 1994 (PDF file, 656 KB) This book leaves the specifics of navigating through dialog boxes to the software manuals, and focuses on the application-independent and timeless principles of 3D computer animation (ROLL OVER WITH MOUSE) Tips for Demo Reels, Portfolios and Resumes 1 - A new media portfolio should present the artistic point of view and quality of work of the student or professional. More than anything else, what I look for in a reel or portfolio is for the unique sensibility and abilities that might make the individual unique. 2 - Some of the best samples of work should be placed at the beginning or very early in the portfolio or reel in order to capture the attention of the reviewer. 3 - The portfolio or reel should have contact information displayed at the beginning and at the end. 4 - A new media portfolio or reel should be presented in a medium that best suits the type of work. For example: if the work is about interactivity then it may be contained as interactive software in a website or CD-ROM so that the reviewer can experience the interaction. Special care should be taken in cases when new media portfolios require installation of software by the reviewer, installation instructions and procedures should be made as clear and fool-proof as possible. 5 - If the work is about high-end computer animation perhaps videotape is the best media for presenting it. VHS and DV are commonly used formats today. Cue the tape right after color bars, include between 1 and 3 minutes of your best work, and conclude with your name, email address and phone number. 6 - If the work is about image quality perhaps high-resolution printouts might best most appropriate. 7- Written notes can be useful to explain technical aspects of your work that might be unique or especially relevant to the position tou are applying for. 8 - When preparing your Resume, make sure to include a detailed listing of your recent professional experience. List any unique technical skills that you might have, and rate your software expertise. Be as specific as possible in one or two sentences and stay away from long lists. Top of Page About the Site This is the companion website to the Third Edition of The Art of 3D Computer Animation and Effects written and designed by Isaac Kerlow, and published by Wiley. The site provides a few additional resources to the third edition, such as the review and practice sections at the end of each chapter. The site is mantained by volunteers. Send your suggestions to artof3d website   Thanks to... The MFA Computer Art at The School of Visual Arts ....for hosting this website.

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