Marlene Garcia | BCM 2D Animation Production | ANVE '23


  1. When did you graduate from CMI? I graduated from CMI in Spring 2023. 
  2. What was your area of emphasis at CMI? I was an Animation and Visual Effects major, with an emphasis in 2D Animation. My minors were Digital Filmmaking and Studio Art.  
  3. Where are you and what are you doing now? I am working remotely as a Compositor for an animation studio based in Iceland. The studio's name is Animation Studio Iceland. 
  4. What do you like most about what you’re doing? I love that I get to make the final look of the scenes for this 2D animation show we are working on. Compositing ties all the elements together, and it feels great to be part of that final look. I think what we are creating is visually beautiful, and I can't wait for the day it is released.
  5. What are some projects/jobs that you’ve worked on since graduating? I am currently working on a visual novel along with some friends. Independently, I am working on my own stories. Currently developing characters and writing the basic structure of those. I will either make a comic or short animations for them.
  6. What classes and learning experiences at CMI were the most valuable in building towards your current job? I believe all classes are important in building everyone's career. From the most basic to the most complex, all teach important lessons that we as professionals will need in every job. Something I would like to highlight for everyone is to listen to constructive criticism. It is a blessing to receive criticism, and it will talk great about ourselves when we listen to it.
  7. What are you doing when you aren’t working? I try to keep myself busy with my own projects. It is so easy to lose motivation, so I try to either design, redesign, or just draw some of my own characters to keep my hand moving.  
  8. What’s some advice you would give a CMI student (or maybe potential CMI student) about their time at CMI? As I previously said, listen to criticism. Professors are trying to help us be better artists. Use their knowledge and criticism to build up your abilities.Think about your homework as if it was your job. Try to be as professional as possible and deliver the best final product you possibly can.Do not procrastinate. If you keep this habit now, it will be hard to get rid of it in your professional career. And last but not least: Have fun! Professors make efforts to give us assignments that we will find interesting and enjoyable. Even if it's not your area of emphasis or your favorite topic to learn, have fun!
  9. What’s next for you? I would like to stay in this company for a while. Learn as much as I can from my Compo Lead and coworkers. Later, I would like to look for a new work environment and learn other skills. 
  10. Is there anything else you would like to say? Enjoy your time at CMI. It truly is an amazing program. Learn as much as you can, practice all the skills possible, listen to criticism, and do what you love.  
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