Inspiration: Angie’s teaching philosophy emphasizes adaptive pedagogy to meet diverse learning needs. She integrates auditory, visual, and kinesthetic methods into her courses to ensure students engage with the material effectively. Inspired by the proverb, “Tell me, and I forget. Show me, and I remember. Involve me, and I understand,” she creates active learning environments. Angie fosters an immersive experience that deepens comprehension and retention through lectures, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice.

Her tenure at Professor at USC’s John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts spanned seven years, during which time she guided students through animation production and thesis development. She is committed to inspiring curiosity and nurturing a lifelong passion for learning, ensuring her students leave with skills rooted in strong pedagogical foundations. Angie mentored students in animation production and thesis development. Her goal has always been to inspire curiosity and nurture a lifelong passion for learning through effective pedagogy.

Angie’s teaching practice reflects over 30 years of animation production experience and pedagogical expertise. Her journey began with an MFA in painting and pedagogy at Laguna College of Art + Design, followed by adjunct and full-time Assistant Professor roles at USC. Additionally, she has taught at institutions like Brassarts, Gnomon School of Visual Effects, and iAnimate, delivering courses ranging from animation fundamentals to advanced MFA seminars.

Her well-rounded pedagogy combines practical animation skills, theoretical insights, and a commitment to fostering creative growth. With a strong foundation in animation and education, Angie continues to inspire the next generation of artists.

Angie’s extensive experience has enabled her to design curricula that are aligned with university and departmental goals. She has developed courses tailored to diverse student needs, including specialized CG Character Performance programs, foundational animation classes, and advanced MFA topics like CTAN 305: Professionalism in Animation and CTAN 563: Advanced Computer Animation: Creating Appeal and Entertainment in Performances.

Her innovative pedagogy bridges technical mastery with conceptual understanding, challenging students to grow as storytellers while refining their unique artistic voices. This holistic approach ensures students are prepared for both technical and creative demands.

Angie actively integrates cutting-edge technology into her teaching. For instance, at USC, she collaborated with Creative Tech to improve rendering resources by introducing RedShift. This enhancement streamlined workflows and addressed student feedback, leading to parallel course tracks and expanded character performance studies. Furthermore, Angie emphasizes the critical relationship between the “how,” “what,” and “why” of animation. She fosters creativity and innovation in their projects by guiding students through industry-standard workflows.

As a futurist in animation education, I recognize that the intersection of technology and creativity is pivotal to shaping the industry. Emerging tools such as AI, VR, AR, and real-time rendering are streamlining production and inspiring new creative approaches. Educators must stay agile, embracing these advancements and encouraging students to experiment with how technology drives creativity and vice versa. By integrating these innovations into coursework, I prepare students to lead in a field where artistic vision and technological innovation are intrinsically connected.

Angie believes the classroom is a community where learning is co-created. Students engage beyond traditional passive learning environments through group activities, peer mentorship, and guest lectures. Structured critiques encourage students to articulate ideas, provide constructive feedback, and develop critical thinking skills.
In addition, she connects theory to practice by helping students situate their work within contemporary and historical contexts. This approach fosters a sense of artistic contribution to a broader cultural narrative.

Angie’s pedagogy centers on creative problem-solving, guiding students through progressively complex projects. These projects range from simple animations to intricate cinematography and character-driven narratives.

As a result, students hone their storytelling skills, explore unique perspectives, and overcome technical challenges. This prepares them for professional demands while encouraging the development of their artistic voices.

Angie incorporates diverse activities to deepen students’ understanding of art and animation’s cultural role. For example, written responses, research projects, and class discussions help students explore historical and contemporary art contexts. Visiting artist lectures and workshops and student presentations expands their perspectives, allowing them to engage critically with modern creative issues.

By combining these elements, Angie ensures her students develop a robust artistic vocabulary and a deeper understanding of art’s role in society.

Angie’s teaching experience across diverse institutions has solidified her commitment to fostering balanced curricula and supportive communities. She continuously challenges herself as an educator and artist, inspiring students to achieve excellence.

Her dynamic approach to pedagogy equips students with the technical, creative, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving field of animation. As a result, her students leave the classroom well-prepared for successful and fulfilling careers.

The future of animation lies at the dynamic intersection of technology and creativity, requiring educators to remain nimble and adapt to evolving landscapes. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and real-time rendering reshape storytelling and learning experiences. As these tools advance, they streamline production and challenge and inspire creativity, driving the art form forward.

Educators must embrace innovations to prepare students for these shifts while fostering adaptability and critical thinking. By integrating cutting-edge tools into the classroom and encouraging exploration, we can empower students to push boundaries and develop future-ready skills.

Technology and creativity exist in a feedback loop: one drives the other. For instance, the demand for immersive, expressive storytelling has fueled advancements in motion capture, AI-driven animation, and interactive media. As educators, we are integral to this cycle, equipping students to use these tools and imagine and influence future developments.

In my teaching, I prioritize a curriculum that reflects the ever-changing industry. By introducing technologies like real-time rendering engines or immersive VR storytelling, I prepare students for current workflows and position them to shape the future of animation. I encourage experimentation, critical thinking, and understanding of technology’s impact on creative decisions.

As we move into an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world, the role of animation educators must evolve. By balancing technical training with creative exploration and staying agile in response to industry trends, educators can prepare students to thrive in a future where the innovative and technological continuously inspire one another.