Alumni Inspiring the Next Generation of Creatives
This spring, seven alumni speakers were a part of our Creative Career Programming. With 500 alumni, students and their families in attendance overall at our annual spring Creative Career Programming, it continues to improve career awareness for our young artists with artist talks, workshops, behind-the-scenes visits to studios and creative businesses, career panels in a variety of creative industries, and so much more!
Students shared with us how impactful these talks were, connecting with alumni who were once young artists just like them! Reflecting on her participation, student Astro C. commented, “it was refreshing to see the alumni sharing their personal experiences and aspirations! I enjoyed hearing their stories and seeing how far they have come!”
Making and Selling Your Own Designs at Conventions with Christine Marcelle
Christine Marcelle (Ryman ’11) discussed their experience starting off as a hobbyist and how they transitioned into selling their artwork and traveling across the country for events and shows.
“The session about selling art at a convention was the most useful for me,” remarked student Elise F., “since not only did it provided me inspiration as an artist, but it provided useful business skills. These are things that I have wanted to try for a long time, so this was a good way to get information from someone who had experience in this area, which would be hard to find on my own.”
Alumnus Shane Prigmore (center) speaking at classes at Cal State Fullerton
Students interested in animation heard from Director & Senior Creative Advisor at Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Shane Prigmore (Ryman ’93), who has worked on popular animated features such as Coraline, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods.
“Shane Prigmore had an incredible impact on me. I’m interested in a variety of art mediums, but I’m particularly interested in illustration. I was so inspired looking at his portfolio that crossed so many different mediums and styles. It reinforced an idea I was already familiar with, that illustration (and art as a whole) has no bounds,” shared student LaMar G.
Kline Swonger, Edgar Ramirez, (top) Francisco Palomares, and Will Knight (bottom)
Our Working Artist Panel brought together professional artists at different stages in their careers: Kline Swonger (Ryman ’02), Edgar Ramirez (Ryman ’07), Francisco Palomares (Ryman ’07), and Will Knight (Ryman ‘12).
Left: Artwork by Kline Swonger, Right: Artworks by Edgar Ramirez
Left: Artwork by Francisco Palomares, Right: Artwork by Will Knight
Student Henry V. shared that he “was able to listen to a firsthand account of what it is like to make it as an artist in today’s career landscape and collect some helpful advice as a young artist about what I can do now if I want to pursue such a career.”
DiAndra Reyes and Diane Brigham sharing archival materials and artworks from the Herbert D. Ryman Art Collection and Archive
Students learned about careers in managing art collections through exploring the Herbert D. Ryman Art Collection and Archive. “Learning about managing art collections was very useful because before that I knew very little about potential careers in art handling. It was really cool to see the process that goes into taking care of artwork and the people that contribute to making sure that they stay safe while aiding in the education of the public about art,” reflected student Danica C.
Led by DiAndra Reyes (Ryman ’09) and Diane Brigham, Director of the Herbert D. Ryman Legacy Project, this hands-on workshop at the Ryman Arts office highlighted the work of managing and caring for our collection of art by artist Herbert D. Ryman. Students saw rare drawings, sketchbooks, photographs, and other amazing materials from our archives!
Thank you to our alumni career speakers!
Will Knight (Ryman ‘12)
Christine Marcelle (Ryman ’11)
Francisco Palomares (Ryman ’07)
Shane Prigmore (Ryman ’93)
Edgar Ramirez (Ryman ’07)
DiAndra Reyes (Ryman ’09)
Kline Swonger (Ryman ’02)
