Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Website
Highlights
Certification
Volunteer Work
Exhibits
Research
References
Timeline

Stacey A. Kaelin

Bayonne,NJ

Summary

Multi-talented artist known for a strong work ethic, an inexhaustible commitment to education, and an innate ability to communicate challenging information in accessible, humorous, and thought-provoking ways to students of all skill sets.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Adjunct Professor of Art

Montclair State University NJ
09.2022 - Current

Courses:

Digital Color & Light (starting Fall 2023)

  • Examines the foundations of color theory and techniques in digital media, color harmony, and application
  • Instruction in color theory, color manipulation and interplay utilizing Photoshop, Premiers Pro, and incorporating 3D Modeling & Polypainting in ZBrush

3D Character Building - Maya & ZBrush (Fall 2022 - present)

  • In depth course covering the complete spectrum skills needed to successfully bring 2D illustrated character(s) to life as 3D models

3D Modeling II - Maya, ZBrush (Fall 2022 - present)

  • Developed the course curriculum & syllabus
  • Exploration of advanced techniques in 3D sculpting and topology for animation, dynamics, and 3D printing

Adjunct Professor of Art

The College Of New Jersey
09.2021 - Current

Courses:

Special Topics: Environment Concept Art & 3D Modeling (to be held Fall 2023)

  • The development and creation of visually appealing Environment Concept Art that can serve as a backdrop for a highly successful narrative
  • Modeling in Maya & ZBrush

Special Topics: 3d Modeling Characters, Costumes & Props (Spring 2023)

  • Character & Environment Concept Art
  • Modeling in Maya & ZBrush

Special Topics: Principles of Character Design for Illustration, Animation & Video Games - Mini-Course (Fall 2022)

  • Instructed students in the development of Character Concept Art, Rotation Sketches, & Prop Sheets

3D Animation I (Spring, 2022 - as needed)

  • Traditional and computer animation history, techniques, and terminology.
  • 3D digital imaging, animation, rendering, and principles of motion and continuity.
  • How to produce three-dimensional animation in Maya.

Online Adjunct Faculty

RMCAD
09.2021 - Current

Studio Seminar: Methods of Inquiry (Distance Learning)

  • Connected culture, art and design as key aspects of visual works
  • Focused critical thinking, problem solving, and visual strategies utilized in studio practices
  • Instructed students in how to create hands-on studio projects that applied ideation strategies and methodologies within studio work

2D Design: Elements & Principles (Distance Learning)

  • Assisted students with the creation of compositions and intentional consideration of the elements and principle of art & design
  • Instructed students in the utilization of Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator

Visiting Instructor

Pratt Institute
08.2019 - Current

3D Animation Senior Project Development, Senior Projects I & II - 3 part course series (Spring 2022 - present)

  • Three semesters of consecutive courses starting with 3D Animation Senior Projects Development, and followed by 3D Animation Senior Projects I and 3D Animation Senior Projects II in which the students have the same instructor for continuity
  • The final project, a short animated film up to four minutes long, will serve as the the Capstone and the centerpiece for their portfolio upon graduation.
  • Senior Project Development - advanced 2D/3D animatic as well as a 20-30 second sequence that is fully rendered and has been treated in post
  • Senior Projects I - By semester's end, 50% of a student's 3D Animation is fully realized and ready for post-production
  • Senior Projects II - A highly polished animation of portfolio quality is completed. The quality of motion is expressive, depicts strong poses, timing and sense of weigh; surface treatment, lighting and rendering, and conveys a distinct, original aesthetic

3D Animation Studio III (Fall 2021- Current)

  • Instruction in the entire pipeline from story to post- production including - Character Design, Storyboarding, Animatics in After Effects, as well as Character and Environment 3D Modeling, Texturing, Rigging, and Animation in Maya

Lighting & Rendering (Fall 2021- as needed)

  • A rigorous exploration of the technical and psychological aspects of digital cinematography, lighting and rendering.

3D Modeling I (Fall 2019 - Current)

3D Modeling II (Spring 2020 - Current)

  • Instruction in Maya, ZBrush & Substance Painter using lectures, discussions and direct demonstrations in 3D Modeling, Texturing, UV Mapping, Rendering, Rigging, as well as the development of Character and Environment Concept Art
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and professional mentoring
  • Employed a variety of teaching techniques to encourage student engagement and cater to diverse learning modalities
  • Prepared step by step lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications
  • Created an extensive online database of resources for students

Adjunct Professor of Art

Brookdale Community College
09.2017 - Current

Watercolor Painting (Summer 2022 - as needed)

Maya II (Spring 2021 - Present)

  • Instructed students in how to model, animate, texture map, add visual effects and render multiple animations using the Maya software.

Drawing I (Fall 2021 - as needed)

  • Instructed students in principles and techniques of drawing, value systems, light/shade, perspective drawing, proportion and composition.

Game Character Design (Spring 2020 - Current)

  • Instructed students in creation of playable characters appropriate for game engines using Maya, ZBrush & Substance Painter

Maya I (Spring 2020 - as needed)

  • Synchronous Learning utilizing Canvas (Sp 22)
  • Fully Online/ Distance Learning (Sp 23)
  • Instructed students in fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of digital imaging for animation, game development and 3D Design

Digital Paint I (Spring 2020 - as needed)

  • Created lessons plans and course content to encourage student-centered learning for students new to digital painting

Illustration (Spring 2019 - Current)

  • Conducted live demonstrations of traditional drawing techniques such as portraiture, drawing hands and feet, and as well as various approaches to full body figure drawing
  • Instructed the class in the value of perspective drawing to create believable and accurate illustrations
  • Moderated class critiques and encouraged students to communicate about their work with confidence
  • Created in-depth lectures that explored color theory, the elements and principles of art & design, as well as compositional arrangement

Drawing II (Spring 2019 - as needed)

  • Provided in class demonstrations enabling students to learn step by step techniques through direct observation
  • Fostered a culture of acceptance and provided a positive classroom environment to help students reach their true potential

Special Projects (Spring 2019 - as needed)

  • Measured outcomes and progress of students using benchmark assessments

3D Modeling in ZBrush (Fall 2017 - Current)

  • Demonstrated 3D modeling, texturing and polypainting on both organic and hard surface models
  • Emphasized fundamentals of ZBrush interface; the advantages of Zspheres modeling; successful topology modification; and advanced rendering techniques within ZBrush.
  • Instilled the fundamentals of compelling concept art and strong character design including the value of shape and silhouette

Adjunct Professor of Art

New Jersey City University
01.2017 - Current

Digital Illustration I (Spring 2019 - Current)

  • Demonstrated technical, conceptual and design skills as it applies to illustration.
  • Covered processes of generating and solving problems in art within specific art assignments
  • Addressed how to apply illustration knowledge and skill to self-expression and effective visual communication in development of a unique personal style

Honors in Art I & II (Spring 2017 - Current)

  • Guided students in execution of personal projects combining drawing and 3D Modeling

Special Topics: 3D Modeling & Character Design (Special Topics Course, Spring 2017)

  • Created, proposed, and taught this Special Topics course which combined traditional/ digital illustration and 3d Modeling in Sculptris & ZBrush
  • Emphasized value of figure drawing, facial expression, costume, culture, and the development of character turnaround sketches
  • Students created high quality computer - generated figures that could be utilized in other 3D programs and customized into games, animations, portfolios, or 3D prints

Adjunct Professor of Art

Union County College
09.2018 - 09.2021

Courses:

Art Appreciation (Fall 2020 - as needed)

  • Discussed how to critically interpret, evaluate, and contextualize artwork
  • Examined the elements, principles, and the universal language of art through lectures & class discussions

Introduction to Graphic Design (Spring 2019 - as needed)

  • Fostered in-depth understanding of the techniques, concepts, and processes involved in Graphic Design.
  • Engaged students on such topics as commercial design, typography, image editing, color theory, photography, and aesthetics

Introduction to 2D Design (Fall 2018 - as needed)

  • Emphasized visual literacy and an in-depth understanding of design elements and principles through lectures and step by step demonstrations in Photoshop & Illustrator
  • Initiated project based learning that included real world design assignments and portfolio-worthy subjects

3D Modeler

Revrie Studio
08.2017 - 01.2019
  • 3D Modeling of characters, costumes, and props for a virtual reality interactive game based on character design specifications and turn-around sketches
  • Communicated with supervisor to brainstorm ideas and discuss upcoming projects, successfully completing all projects by deadline.
  • Combined technical and artistic abilities to accomplish challenging animation objectives.

Illustrator

Freelance
12.2016 - Current
  • Transformed ideas into high-quality traditional and digital creations to fulfill client requests

Art Educator, Grades K - 8

Waterfront Montessori
09.2012 - 09.2019
  • Invited to head art program based on experience teaching at Creation Imagination Art Studio
  • Developed a digital art program for grades 6-8 including the use of tablets & 3D printing
  • Created popular multi-media after school art program

Sole Proprietor & Instructor

Creation Imagination Art Studio
08.2004 - 09.2019
  • Taught dynamic multi-media art classes for children and adults
  • Conducted private lessons for ages 7 – adult
    Created Fine Arts Summer Camp featuring lessons in drawing, painting
    & sculpting
  • Emphasized strong fundamentals and solid technique
  • Taught traditional and digital media
  • Enrollment began in 2004 with 30 students and had increased to 100 per week by year 4

Senior Library Assistant

Bayonne Public Library & Cultural Center
06.1999 - 06.2009
  • Supervised Library Assistants & Student Assistants in the execution of their duties within multiple departments
  • Assisted the Head Children's Librarian with the planning and implementation of all Children's Reading & Art Programs
  • Wrote and edited press releases and grants
  • Served as library spokesperson for television interviews for local news
  • Hung artwork for exhibits at library art gallery

Education

Master of Fine Arts - Illustration

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, NY
05.2014
  • Graduated with 3.74 GPA
  • Published a thesis now located in the Marcus Library at FIT
  • Thesis: The Evolution of the Illustrated Female in America (109 pages)

Master of Arts - Education

St. Peter's University, Jersey City, NJ
05.2002
  • Graduated with 3.94 GPA
  • Member of the National Education Honors Society

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

St. Peter's University, Jersey City, NJ
05.1996
  • Awarded a Full Academic Scholarship
  • Member of The National Psychology Honor Society
  • Member of The National Jesuit Honor Society
  • Graduated cum laude, 3.64 GPA
  • Attended the Honors Program
  • Art History Minor

Skills

Skills

  • Illustration: Analog & Digital
  • Drawing: Pen & Ink, Graphite, Charcoal, Pastels, Colored Pencils, Markers
  • 3D Modeling, UV Mapping, Texturing, Rigging, Lighting & Rendering
  • Concept Art: Environments, Characters & Props
  • Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Marvelous Designer, Premiere Pro
  • Storyboarding for Animation
  • Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, & InDesign
  • Animation in Adobe Animate & After Effects
  • Painting: Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylics, & Oil

Website

www.sakaelin.com

Highlights

  • MFA in Illustration, Masters in Education, Bachelors in Psychology
  • Highly skilled in both analog and digital media with more than 20 years teaching experience (6 years at the college level)
  • Visiting Instructor at Pratt Institute
  • Adjunct Professor of Art at Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, New Jersey City University, and Brookdale Community College.
  • Online Adjunct Faculty at RMCAD - Distance Learning Instructor
  • Ability to develop, create, and implement course curriculum that is both engaging and relevant to real world pursuits
  • Extensive portfolio of student artwork available for viewing at https://www.sakaelin.com/copy-of-student-art-samples in both 2D & 3D formats
  • To facilitate remote learning during the pandemic, I started creating video tutorials for my students. I now have nearly 800 instructional videos.
  • Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds with a variety of learning styles, skill levels, as well as intellectual needs
  • Strong background in concept art, character design, prop and environment development
  • Substantial background in Art History with more than 10 years experience working in the Art Department at a large Public Library
  • Industry Professional working as a published Illustrator, character designer, and freelance 3D Modeler
  • Extensive knowledge of 2D and 3D software and the ability to learn new programs quickly
  • Member of the Capstone Critique Committee for the Digital Art & Animation Dept. at Brookdale Community College
  • Member of the Graphic Design Advisory Board for the Graphics Dept. at Brookdale Community College
  • Member of the 3D Animation Assessment Subcommittee at Pratt Institute, Senior Projects (2022)
  • Member of the 3D Animation Assessment Subcommittee at Pratt Institute, Sophomore & Junior Projects (2023)
  • *Winner of an Outstanding Adjunct Award at Brookdale Community College in Fall 2021
  • Completed the Canvas Online Teacher Certification and the Online Pedagogy Certification
  • Completed the BCC, UCC, and RMCAD Distance/ Online Learning Teacher Certification Courses

Certification

CPR/First Aid/ AED Certification, Canvas Online Teacher Certification, Online Pedagogy Certification, International Baccalaureate for Middle Years Program Teaching Certification, Substitute Teacher Certification, State of NJ

Volunteer Work

  • Created an exterior mural entitled"Butterfly Tapestries" on behalf of Hudson Cradle in Jersey City, NJ; an organization that cared for abandoned infants and toddlers.
  • Created a mural entitled “Fantasy Land” for the Pediatric Waiting Room of the Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, NJ
  • Offered full and partial scholarships to students who were not financially able to pay full tuition at Creation Imagination Art Studio for art classes as well as Fine Arts Day Camp

Exhibits

  • Chroma, the MFA Art Show at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY (June 2014)
  • Bayonne Community Art Museum in Bayonne, NJ, group show (2013)
  • Montclair Public Library in Montclair, a solo exhibition (Summer 2012)
  • School of Visual Arts in NY, NY, a group show featuring anatomical drawings (2012)
  • Multiple individual shows at the Bayonne Free Public Library & Cultural Center of Bayonne, NJ (2008-2011)
  • Upstairs Art Gallery in Jersey City, NJ (2010)
  • Multiple Group Shows held by the Hudson Artists (2007-2010)

Research

  • Published a thesis, The Evolution of the Female Figure in Illustration, currently housed at The Fashion Institute of Technology, Gladys Marcus Library (109 pages)
  • My thesis examined how forward-thinking artists such as Charles Dana Gibson influenced society's perception of women and, in turn, how women viewed themselves. The illustrators discussed were American or foreign-born artists who resided primarily in the United States from the late 1800's through the year 2000. More than 60 illustrators, their styles, and influences were addressed. The subject matter ranged from comic strips and advertisement to modern day fashion illustration and comic book heroines. Major events both at home and abroad such as world wars and military conflicts, the sexual revolution and development of birth control, and the increasing fervor of the civil rights movement forever altered the role of women within the United States, subsequently resulting in meaningful and lasting changes in their depiction in published media.

References

1. Dennis Dittrich - Former President of the Society of Illustrators in New York, NY, Professor of Illustration at FIT & NJCU
Contact: ddittrich@mac.com 1(212) 343-0096

2. Claire Smuga - Chair of the Digital Media Arts Department at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ Contact: csmuga@brookdalecc.edu 1(732) 224-1932

3. William Everett Kane - Associate Professor of Digital Arts, 3D Modeling Coordinator at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY

Contact: wkane@pratt.edu 1(718) 636-3411


Timeline

Adjunct Professor of Art - Montclair State University NJ
09.2022 - Current
Adjunct Professor of Art - The College Of New Jersey
09.2021 - Current
Online Adjunct Faculty - RMCAD
09.2021 - Current
Visiting Instructor - Pratt Institute
08.2019 - Current
Adjunct Professor of Art - Union County College
09.2018 - 09.2021
Adjunct Professor of Art - Brookdale Community College
09.2017 - Current
3D Modeler - Revrie Studio
08.2017 - 01.2019
Adjunct Professor of Art - New Jersey City University
01.2017 - Current
Illustrator - Freelance
12.2016 - Current
Art Educator, Grades K - 8 - Waterfront Montessori
09.2012 - 09.2019
Sole Proprietor & Instructor - Creation Imagination Art Studio
08.2004 - 09.2019
Senior Library Assistant - Bayonne Public Library & Cultural Center
06.1999 - 06.2009
Fashion Institute of Technology - Master of Fine Arts, Illustration
St. Peter's University - Master of Arts, Education
St. Peter's University - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Stacey A. Kaelin