Image Faculty Alumni ’21 Degree BFA Areas of Study Animation Location Thief River Falls, Minnesota VIRGINIA M. BINGER SENIOR ANIMATION MERIT SCHOLARSHIP, $4,000 Describe the work you submitted for merits. A demo reel of 3D character animation. Why did you decide to come to MCAD? MCAD was the closest art school of this caliber to my hometown, and after a tour I was sold. The facilities were great, and the staff and students were even better. What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond? I'm planning to create a 3D animated short film, which I'm very excited about. It'll be fun to put everything I've learned (and have yet to learn) into practice and collaborate with so many other talented peers. Favorite thing about college life (so far)? Being around so many people who push you to be better, and are an amazing support system. I do my best to be there for them, too. What's the best thing you've got from MCAD's free shelf? I picked up a scanner once! What inspires you? So many things and people. Ultimately, seeing animated films on the big screen always reminds me of what I'm striving towards. Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it! My Character Animation 2 Final (first shot on submitted demo reel) was fun planning out the punchline, and involving some physical mechanics that were fun to figure out. Anything you're obsessed with at the moment? Listening to musicals! I'd love to animate some singing characters. Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it! What I'd wish I'd known as a first-year student? Get involved in the school clubs. Don't be afraid to talk to someone who's work you find inspiring. Ask questions, and ask them often. Put your work out there, and let others help you make it better. Be brave. Instagram Junior, Animation Virginia M. Binger Animation Merit Scholarship $2,000 Online Portfolio How are you going to celebrate your win? I'm very thankful to have been chosen for this scholarship, and I suppose I will celebrate in continuing the upward climb! There are definitely moments of discouragement and self-doubt, and things like this are really an encouraging push to keep going. What kind of work are you excited to make next? I'm really excited to continue animating in 3D. I've started a really big learning curve this year with Maya. I'm most looking forward to continuing to study character animation and pushing myself to try new techniques. What made you choose to come to MCAD? I chose MCAD because not only did the graduates have some really impressive work, but during a tour, I fell in love with the friendly people and the environment. It really is a great place that facilitates artists. Favorite thing about college life (so far)? My favorite thing about college life so far is that there are so many amazing people that are always willing to help you. I'm always asking questions, and the faculty are incredibly helpful. The upperclassmen have also been incredibly kind and will answer any questions I might have as well. I've made a lot of friends this way, and it's so nice to be in such a supportive environment. I hope I can pass on this support to others in the future. Work Link to Work Detail