Rick Makoul joins Escape Studios to Teach Compositing

Rick is just settling in to his new job at Escape Studios and we thought we’d catch up with him about his new role and his thoughts on the industry. Here’s what Rick had to say:

About Working with Escape:

I am excited to work with Escape Studios because this business is entering into a new era of visual effects and post production and I find the changes inspiring and positively challenging.

The studio is bright, fresh, and inspirationally creative and the people are outstanding leaders in the industry. My beliefs align closely with Escape’s business and teaching models.

I decided to join Escape because I really envisioned being a part of a bigger story. They’ve set a new standard in the industry and their commitment to advanced CG education is second to none.

My Education:

I have a Bachelors of Arts in Visual Communications and Design from Bradley School of Art in York, PA. I studied 3D CG art at the School of Communications Arts and later studied in post-production and compositing with top industry professionals. I’ve worked extensively with NUKE, Shake and Fusion.

My First Job:

I landed my first CG job at the SIGGRRAPH conference in New Orleans in the gaming industry as a CG artist. That job led me to the next level of my career as a compositor.

What I Find Fascinating:

It is inspiring to be among so many knowledgeable and creative people in the industry and all with such diverse backgrounds. What inspires me are the endless methodologies and various techniques that can be applied to projects. It makes for challenging and exciting work.

Favorite Projects:

I really enjoy working on TV episodic and commercial style work. The feeling of always having to be on your toes so to speak and ready for the next challenge makes for an interesting day. I really enjoy the day-to-day challenges, the fast pace and seeing immediate and continuous results in a rapid fire environment.

Right Time to Teach:

I’ve always want to give back to this industry that has provided me with so much technical and creative knowledge. And I have a passion to help others achieve milestones, reach dreams and inspire ideas. It is the perfect time to join Escape. My passion is instructing and helping others with challenges.

The neatest thing is helping others discover the sometimes “invisible” art of visual effects. One day, just one lesson will unlock the creativity and drive that leads to a twenty year long career. My goals are to reach as many new people as I can, help foster new relationships, inspire creativity and help them find ways to engage in challenging endeavors.

A quote I would impart for others to ponder: “The best is yet to be” – Robert Browning