Graduation Spotlight: Andersen Wood, Visualization
Once Andersen Wood arrived at Texas A&M, he said he had one mission: get involved and try as many things as possible.
The Grapevine native did just that, and participated in an abundance of events and projects in the Visualization program in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts.
Wood’s initial interest in the program was sparked by his love of movies and animated television shows. He gravitated toward technical projects, and said the college encouraged him to explore his creative side.
“Working with all the talented people in the college is by far the highlight of my time here,” he said. “Whether that be on events like GigaJam and Chillennium or making shorts in Vertical Studio classes — getting to collaborate with and learn from the people around me has been a treat.”
He is set to graduate Dec. 12 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Visualization. Wood will also be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 11.
“This award is a badge of honor showing that I did end up getting involved, and got to meet all the talented artists in the college,” he said. “I’ve met some of my best friends and made some of my happiest memories in the Viz Lab.”
Wood said he is most proud of his contributions to Viz-a-GoGo 30 and Viz-a-GoGo 31. He said coordinating projects and working with facilitators for each event was a “labor of love,” and he was grateful to help showcase his peers’ work. Wood was honored with the inaugural Bill Jenks Viz Lab Spirit Award, named in honor of a founding father of the Visualization program, at Viz-a-GoGo 31.
Two professors were pivotal, Wood said: Caleb Kicklighter, instructional assistant professor; and Glen Vigus, longtime faculty adviser for Viz-a-GoGo, who also served as director of operations for the college.
Kicklighter’s feedback in animation studio courses helped Wood develop his artistic eye and look more critically at his work, he said. Wood worked with Vigus as lead technician in the HIVE, a student group in the Visualization program that manages program events. Vigus was also his photography professor.
“I’ve never had an instructor like Professor Kicklighter give such thoughtful notes or be as devoted to making sure his students produce their best work,” Wood said. “And I hope I can be even half as passionate as Professor Vigus is about my craft as I continue forward. I wish them both the best.”
After graduation, Wood said he plans to polish his portfolio to pursue a job in production management for animation. He said his ultimate goal is to be a producer on an animated feature or series.
“Through all of the events I have been a part of and helped bring to life, I’ve been able to meet the most wonderful people and work in nearly every corner of the Viz program,” he said. “I’ve loved every second of my time here.”
Photo by Megan Hecklinger.
