Belle currently works as a 3D Graphic Artist at Virtual Spectator in Newmarket, Auckland.

She holds a BA/BSc (Arts and Science) conjoint in Chinese and Computer Science, and a Diploma of 3D Animation.

1. When you were 7 years old you wanted to be... a Magician! 

2. Name of the educational institution(s) you graduated from
Auckland University and Media Design School

3. Why did you choose your major(s) or specialisation?
At university I majored in Chinese on the Arts side and Computer Science on the Science side. I've always been interested in a wide range of disciplines, so studying a language while also learning something technical like programming really suited me. I consciously chose majors that would be useful internationally, as well as in New Zealand. I found one thing missing though - I'm also artistically inclined and I didn't really have an outlet for that at university. So after graduating and spending my year-long O.E. in Taiwan, I returned to study 3D animation at Media Design School.

4. How did you find your first job?
My friend was working at Virtual Spectator at the time, and told me of a job opening for a 3D Graphic Artist. I dropped my CV and demo reel off, and got a call to come back for an interview with the Art Director and Project Manager.

5. Describe the interview process you went through to obtain your first position after graduating
The interview went really well. It was actually quite informal and I found that they just wanted to see if my personality would suit the company and to talk about the skills I'd listed on my CV. They said they were interested in me because I had a rare mix of skills - it's usually difficult finding artists who have a background in programming. They were also interested that I could speak Chinese, and mentioned that that would be useful if they ever had to send someone to China on business.

6. What training was made available to you by your employer in your first role?
Invaluable one on one training with my art director. They also offered to pay for any training materials I would like to buy, and said I could suggest any courses I wanted to take and they would consider paying for them.

7. Describe some of the roles you have held since your graduate level position
In my position as 3D Graphic Artist I tend to wear a few different hats. It ranges from Graphic Designer, to 3D modeller/animator, to programmer. I've been working for just over a year and have enjoyed having quite a wide scope of work to do.

8. Have you found your degree useful in your working career? Why (or why not)?
Definitely. I was told I got the job over other applicants because of my background in programming, and it is definitely useful being able to program in the 3D industry. Being able to speak Chinese was like an added bonus for my company too.

9. What are your plans for the next 5 years?
There is a lot left to learn... I'll spend the next couple of years upskilling in the software we use (3dsmax for the 3D part, as well as Zbrush for texturing and after effects for compositing). After that, who knows? Hopefully I'll have enough expertise to have my own company.

10. What advice would you give an upcoming graduate looking to kick off a successful career?
Ask around and check resources before starting your training - find out exactly what qualifications and skills employers are looking for in the field you want to enter. I was lucky in this regard considering that I didn't actually ask around, but on the other hand I did make sure I chose majors that I knew would be useful in a wide range of countries and jobs. I guess what I'm trying to say is: Don't just go blindly studying things without research first.. you could end up wasting a lot of time and money!