Roger Feron currently works as a 3D Animation Teacher at Media Design School in Auckland.

He holds a Graduate Diploma in Design (3D Modelling & Animation).

1. When you were 7 years old you wanted to be... an Architect 

2. Name of the educational institution(s) you graduated from
Christchurch Polytechnic

3. Why did you choose your major(s) or specialisation?
3D Modelling & Animation - I chose this because I wanted to learn how to create the amazing animations I saw in the first ever feature length 3D animated movie - Toy Story.

4. How did you find your first job?
I sent my showreel to a number of different companies in New Zealand who specialised in producing television commercials using 3D software. Fortunately for me, one of those companies was looking for an animator for a big project they just secured. My showreel demonstrated the skills they were looking for and hired me straight away, without an interview!

5. Describe the interview process you went through to obtain your first position after graduating
As mentioned above, I didn't have an interview, but I was hired through the skills shown on my showreel.

6. What training was made available to you by your employer in your first role?
None. Back in 2002, there wasn't much 3D animation on TV and I actually brought skills into the company that they didn't have... so I was able to upskill their workers with the knowledge I gained while studying at Christchurch Polytechnic.

7. Describe some of the roles you have held since your graduate level position
I have been Lead Animator working on TV commercials for 4 years. I have also done some freelance jobs including a role as Animation Supervisor for an Australian TV commercial. Currently though, I teach animation at Media Design School.

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?
To learn as much as I can in a few specialised areas of 3D, such as animation and modelling and work towards having my own production company.

10. What advice would you give an upcoming graduate looking to kick off a successful career?
Always keep working on your reel (the examples of the work you've done) and update it constantly.  Find out what it takes to get a foot in the door at an entry level position.  Once you get into a company, you can work your way up as you gain experience.  You will learn more over a shorter period working for a small to medium sized company because you'll be given more responsibilities; this can be a great opportunity to learn and then move onto larger companies that deal with larger projects, like feature length movies.  Also, making and keeping 'contacts' is very important.  The more people you know and the more often you stay in touch with those people, the more likely your name will come up when a company is looking to hire someone.