Alumni & Superstars

The School of Visual Development hosts Nelson Luty, one of the best background designers in the industry. Nelson shares his process, portfolio of work, and answers student questions both onsite and online.

Rick Meyerowitz, illustrator of National Lampoon magazine fame visits the School of Illustration and Academy of Art University students to discuss his life long career in illustration as well as tips of the trade and valuable career advice.

Hilary Halstead Scott shares what it takes to create and sustain a career as a studio jeweler. Halstead Bead Inc. is a family business based in Arizona, California. Hilary's experience working for Halstead has provided tried and true knowledge about building successful relationships in her field. She takes us through years of knowledge and anecdotes from working with jewelers and sustaining her own business.

Celebrated concours judge, Ed Gilbertson visits the School of Industrial Design and Academy of Art University to discuss the history of the concourse in relation to Academy of Art University's classic car collection.

SOAR is one of the largest film collaborations ever to take place at Academy of Art University based in San Francisco. From pre-production through post-production, more than 100 students and professionals contributed their work to this award-winning animated short. In September of 2015, SOAR won the Gold Medal in Animation at the Student Academy Awards. Full video: https://youtu.be/0X-PYqmAGSk

Academy graduates share how they successfully moved from student to professional. Their work includes designing outerwear for North Face, launching a video company with two other Academy graduates, and copywriting for Apple.

Academy of Art University superstars of illustration return for a special career day panel to give advice, tips and suggestions on how to turn a Academy of Art University School of Illustration into a lucrative and fulfilling career.

A panel discussion featuring industry influencers and COM alums focused on informing students on strategies and resources to find jobs. The event is moderated by Jan Yanehiro, Director of the School of Multimedia Communications and features professionals from CBS Radio, Facebook, and more.

Ira Sherman presents the inspirations, techniques, and concepts from his early work as a jewelry designer leading to his current collection of prosthetic sculpture and chastity couture.

Contemporary jeweler Rebecca Hannon gives an artist talk revealing her fascination with travel, materials and evolving digital technologies. Pieces of European photos give way to hand molded Tapa cloth in Polynesia and finally laser-cut Laminate in Canada. This presentation is an exploration of an evolving artistic practice in response to place, emergent avenues for making, and the search for paradise.

Interior Architecture & Design Alumni share experiences with current students. The panel represents AvroKO, Hirsch Bedner Associates, Parisa O'Connell Interior Design, and NBBJ. Moderated by full time faculty, Archana Meyer, the panel talks about transitioning to the workforce, internships, and relationships in their careers.

The School of Architecture presents a panel of leaders advocating for public space in San Francisco. Aaron Hyland of CannonDesign and Josh Bacigalupi of the Exploratorium describe the role that architects, designers, and planners take in creating urban spaces.

The School of Photography presents Joyce Tenneson and a look at her 40 year career in photography. Tenneson shares images from her retrospective book titled A Life in Photography and gives insight to her multi-faceted career as one of the top portrait photographers working today. She reveals behind the scenes assignment work and never-before-seen 20x24 inch Polaroids. Guests online and onsite ask Tenneson

The School of Photography presents Joyce Tenneson and a look at her 40 year career in photography. Tenneson shares images from her retrospective book titled A Life in Photography and gives insight to her multi-faceted career as one of the top portrait photographers working today. She reveals behind the scenes assignment work and never-before-seen 20x24 inch Polaroids. Guests online and onsite ask Tenneson about her working process and how she has been able to engage her subjects to create her signature “intimate portrait” style.

The Academy of Art University's Concept Art panel presents the best freelance artists working today, including Ross Tran

The Academy of Art University's Concept Art panel presents the best freelance artists working today, including Luis Carrasco of Industrial Light & Magic.

The Academy of Art University's Concept Art panel presents the best freelance artists working today, including Dan Luvisi.

The Academy of Art University's Concept Art panel presents the best freelance artists working today, including Anthony Jones.

The School of Acting presents Gypsy Theater, a Pop-Up play produced by Acting alumnus Grafton Doyle and featuring alumnus Sean Gunnell. Gypsy Theater is a supernatural story that gives the audience an immersive theater experience. Molly and her boyfriend Graham arrive in a creepy apartment filled with strangely realistic mannequins, a year after her sister's disappearance. The apartment is inhabited by the mysterious Patrick, whose intuition borders on the supernatural. As the night wears on, Molly is forced to face some terrifying realities... and begins to question who she can really trust.