Recently, I’ve been able to have the chance to give back as an alumni of The Academy of Art. I had a great experience at AAU (started in 2003 and graduated in 2008), and I honestly can say I wouldn’t have made it where I am without what they taught me.

I remember the one time I put something up for critique and my teacher basically laughed and said, “who’s is this and how have you gotten so far in this program?” I vowed to myself then and there that I would never feel as shitty as I did at that moment. And I haven’t. As much as the truth hurt at the time, I got better and by the next semester I had work in the spring show.

Another time I actually cried in my directors office. And let’s remember, I’m NOT the girl that cries. I had just had my first Flash class and I hated it. I was having a very hard time understanding the basics and said I was going to just stay a print designer. He looked at me and said, “Lindsay, I know you can do this, and so do you. This is going to open the world to you, so just learn it.” The day I told him I was hired at Goodby, Silverstein and Partners as a Flash Developer he just looked at me with a smile of accomplishment and pride.

So now, 3 years after graduation they’ve featured me and my team at GSP in the Academy of Art Alumni Newsletter (or see the local version below). Scott Shue and Curtis Steckel, my team mates, are also AAU Alums, and the best team mates ever. I mean ever. I was so stoked to tell my side of the story, so have a read and enjoy!

About a week after the interview, I got a call from the AAU saying they heard about the story and wanted to use the 3 of us in a new Academy TV ad. So we did. It was quite an experience, and as soon as it comes out (summer-ish), I’ll get it to you and tell you all about it. Till next time….

UPDATE: Here’s the TV ad!

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