PROGRESS JUNKIE T h a i ra B o u h i d i lya v i ryac h e v is a graduate of the Art Institute of Vancouver (2011). Currently working as a concept artist and an animator at Roadhouse Interactive. This past March, Viryachev buckled down with WOO staff Daniela Buitriago and Thaira Bouhid to discuss hybrid practices and where things go after graduation. Viryachev’s latest work–a mural–can be seen from 3rd/4th Avenue Columbia Street. Here is an edited excerpt of their conversation:
during the breaks was great. How was the transition between school and work? Any suggestions for recent graduates? I started working in the industry three weeks before I graduated because one of my teachers worked in the industry and I made a good impression on him. Luckily my school allowed me to finish my demo reel in the evenings so for those three weeks I would work full time and go to school at nights. But it was great because all of
What skills and experiences would you say where
the worries about getting that first job were gone.
the best ones during your time at school?
Getting the first opportunity in the industry is the
Working with a team of like-minded and dedi-
hardest step to make, so I would suggest to grads
cated friends was a great experience. For the later
to do everything it takes to get there. Once you are
half of the school program I was at the institute
in, you can meet other artists and make connec-
every day of the week, for about 9-10 hours five
tions that will last you a long time and propel you
days of the week so I spent more time with my
further as long as you are nice to work with.
friends than my family. They became my family and helped me push myself harder than I knew I could. The best skills I have acquired were probably persistence and will power towards hard work, because before I went into animation I have never put so much time into a single piece of art… Also, playing foosball with those friends
Even though you are pursuing it less, do you feel like studying animation turned into an advantage in your career as concept artist, and personally as a painter? Studying animation has definitely made me a better concept artist and painter. Animators have a certain aesthetic that focuses a lot on motion, emotion, and technique. All of those are now very important to me, and those are the elements that
woo
12