Santa Ana College (SAC) student, Christian Gonzales, who is enrolled in the Digital Media Arts Program as a fine arts major, was offered a job as a 3D modeler for company by the name of Softmirage, located in Costa Mesa, Calif.

His job offer arose due to his exposure at the 2006 Media Arts Awards competition, where he received a merit award for his piece entitled, “bedroom,” which was recognized out of all entries in California. The piece is exquisite with detail from the shadows beaming on the bed to the view out the window of an ocean scene to the multi-toned wood flooring. It’s no wonder he caught Softmirage’s eye, as a potential employee.

Softmirage is a visual communications company that focuses on the architectural, construction, real estate and urban planning community with services ranging from 3D animation, to corporate identity to web design. The company is a great beginning for Christian, who hopes his passion for 3D design will lead him to his ultimate career in the film industry, creating character animation.

“My dream would be to work in a major studio producing great quality work,” exclaimed Christian.

His dream developed at SAC when he realized out that his love for art and computers could potentially turn into a future career. Continuing to hone his skills, Christian feels grateful having had professors such as Patricia Waterman and Sharon Brown.

The Fine and Performing Arts Department at SAC offers a range of artistic areas to study including the Digital Media Arts Program. Students who enroll will become oriented on how to build objects in a three dimensional software program; gain proficiency in modeling organic and man-made objects; learn the basics of animation, texture mapping, setting up lights, and cameras; and much more.

“The digital arts courses at SAC are the best, they’ve helped me out tremendously,” expressed Christian who creates models for future sites of homes, both exteriors and interiors. “I have been able to gain skills, which ultimately prepared me for employment and my future.”

Proud to have SAC as his learning grounds, Christian would like to transfer to California State University, Fullerton, in a few semesters, where he will continue perfecting his 3D skills to achieve his much anticipated position at a major film studio.

For more information on the Digital Media Arts Program, please contact the Fine and Performing Arts Department at (714) 564-5629 or visit http://ext.sac.edu/academic_progs/art/