Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Necowitz.
Hi Kelsey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Back in high school, I was taking a lot of anatomy and science classes because I had thought I wanted to pick a career in the medical field. During my senior year, I did an observation of a physical therapist, and that is when I learned that I should not go down the medical path. It was a couple of months before I had to send out college applications, and I didn’t know what to do, but earlier in the year I had to take an art class. I thought for sure that I would do badly in the class because I never drawn before, but it ended up being the opposite. I had never considered art school but, my Mom told me to consider going, so I did some research and I learned about SCAD. My portfolio wasn’t strong, however, I felt like I could succeed. At the time, SCAD was starting a program called GradPath, and I applied to it as well. Basically, I was able to complete my undergraduate and Master’s degree in 4 years. I did not meet many students in the program, but I stayed in school every break and took extra classes. Even though I started out drawing, I thought I could convert my skills into the 3D world and received my Bachelor’s degree in Animation and my Master’s degree in Visual Effects. I recently graduated this past November, and I am starting my first job in February.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road. I was in the middle of my degree when COVID came during my sophomore year. Before COVID, I had 24/7 access to the computer lab at my school, but everything had to close down during the pandemic. It was difficult being a technology-based major without a computer, so for about a year I struggled to participate and complete some of my more complex homework. For that year, I saved up to buy a computer that can meet all of my needs. I also have a horse with me, so I could not leave the city; I was completely isolated from friends and family. I did not have any previous experience in 3D art and I was not trained in art prior to school, so sometimes I would question myself and my skills. Since I was on such a fast pace schedule with no breaks, I had to remind myself why I decided to earn two degrees in four years. I believe everything worked out in the end and I have no regrets, I just wish I could tell my 20-year-old self that it was the right decision to keep going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am recently hired, so I have not started yet, however my title is 3D Generalist. I will be working to clean up assets and make them production ready for advertisements. In school, I was known as someone who would join random projects because I liked learning from others and experiencing each part of the pipeline, so it is probably fitting that my title is 3D Generalist. I am proud of my ability to get along with others and find solutions for a project.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something surprising about me is probably that I love to be outside and to go out. My chosen career is all on the computer and requires long hours, but if I am not working, then I’m usually not on the computer. I don’t really play video games or have seen the new TV shows. It is my personal opinion that you have to experience and see the world to make art. It is also very important to meet people and make connections. However, I don’t live under a rock and I keep up with the developments in my field.
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