Inclusion for Our Animators. More Diversity for Cartoons.
From Cartoon Network comes Cartoon Cartoons, an artist-driven program with a mission of cultivating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the animation industry. As part of our involvement, Cartoon Network Studios is dedicating an entire program slot to Exceptional Mind‘s animators, who will be given the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, talents, and voices through […]
People.com Features Exceptional Minds
Interest continues in our Exceptional Minds graduates and students who were hired as voice over actors in the HBO Max version of On The Spectrum. People.com ran a feature that highlights the work and opportunity this project created. “The original actors, none of them are on the spectrum. So, they had to rely on the research they were doing […]
Ryan Lowry: Letter To His “Future Employer” Breaks Hearts and the Internet
The profound effect one’s authenticity can have on the world should never be underestimated. And authenticity, a word that is often used in an effort to be so, more often than not just happens. It however seldom happens by design and almost always happens unexpectedly and in the most delightful ways. In the case of […]
“WandaVision” Brings our Academy and Studio Together!
WandaVision is the 15th Marvel Cinematic Universe project our EM studio artists have completed work on since we opened our studio in 2014! And while it’s only number six for Thomas Harmonson, a lifelong fan of Marvel and now a professional artist in the studio, if it’s up to him it will be 25 in […]
A Space to Create
“A Space to Create” is exactly what happened when our friends at Toon Boom asked our graduate artists to produce an original story to demonstrate the animation software company’s brand new Storyboard Pro 20 software. Toon Boom not only funded this animatic, or “moving storyboard,” but also provided training for Storyboard Pro 20. After speed […]
What is Creative Diversity?
Exceptional Minds is uniquely positioned in that pivot between contributing to content for major studios and creating original content for those studios and other platforms. As we continue to cultivate a diverse talent pool of notable creators and storytellers, it is critical that this growing group harness every opportunity to explore their voices and skills. […]
Student Spotlight: Rolly Crump and the Art of Amusement
When you hear the word “Imagineer,” who’s the first person that comes to mind? Most people would usually say someone like Tony Baxter, Marc Davis, Joe Rhode, or Bob Gurr. But one of the most unique and talented Imagineers out there has to be Rolly Crump, a man who has learned to think kinetically outside […]
Autism’s impact occurs without consideration of skin color
By Kim Kaiser Director of Programming The Color of Autism Foundation Autism’s impact does not know inequity. It occurs without discretion or consideration of skin color or ethnicity. Within this diagnosis however there are gaps in equitable access to early interventions and services that assist with transition to adulthood. The Black community has lagged behind […]
Meeting the Other Rock Stars of Trolls!
Meeting with the rock star director, production designer, and art director of DreamWorks’ Trolls World Tour was music to our tribe’s ears! On the evening of December 9, Exceptional Minds staff, faculty, students, and graduates huddled around their respective monitors to tune into the live WebEx call with Trolls World Tour Director Walt Dohrn, Production […]