Austin Randall
Degree: Bachelor's Degree
What were you doing before Westwood?
I always used art as a hobby, but never looked at it as a career path. I received my GED in 2003 and then just worked random jobs in my hometown for three years.
What was your favorite thing about Westwood?
Westwood will always be a memorable experience for me because of my instructors and my peers. I still regularly chat with the faculty and owe my start in the industry to their teachings. My peers during my time at Westwood were some of the most talented people I’ve met. They were the reason why I constantly pushed myself to learn things outside of class.
How did you overcome any challenges you faced as a student?
In my world, challenges only strengthen a person’s character and moral fiber. During my life, I’ve met challenges with wide-open arms. That way if you fail, it isn’t from a lack of trying, and if you succeed, it is that much sweeter.
What's one piece of advice you would give to new students?
Go out of your way to practice and learn new things outside of school. The skills you learn in school can get you an interview, but the ambition to push yourself will get you the job.
What are you doing today?
I’m now a 3D artist at a game development company. The best thing about my job is that I’m doing what I went to school for. I succeeded at turning something I enjoy doing into what I do for a living. I don’t know if I could ask for much more, really.
