Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dallas Reynolds ’25, Visual Studies, was pulled more toward math and science than art. Despite an interest in animation—their comfort watch was Kiki’s Delivery Service—Reynolds figured they would wind up with a career in computer science and technology.
“I had always assumed that the people who worked in animation were lifetime artists who had been drawing since they could hold a pencil,” Reynolds said from their new home just outside of Portland, Oregon. “I knew this wasn’t me and never truly considered [a career in] the film and animation industry.”
But a high school art class changed their perspective by introducing Reynolds to computer-generated animation. As their interest in this blend of art and technology grew, they felt drawn to the Ringling College Computer Animation program.
“I could work on computers, with an artist’s mindset, and get to be a part of the film industry, which I was becoming increasingly more fascinated with,” they said.
At Ringling College, despite being accepted into the Computer Animation program, Reynolds found their interests expanding to even more topics and techniques. By year three, they began looking for new paths to pursue.
“One thing I felt was missing from my experience in CA was the time and ability to research and explore academic topics that were interesting to me,” they said. “Visual Studies seemed like a path where I could continue exploring CG work while also scratching the academic research itch in my brain.”
For their thesis, Reynolds focused on the horror archetype of “the monster” as a medium for exploring queer storylines. They created 3D living spaces based on an early short story about lesbian vampires, exploring ways to give the audience insight into the characters’ personalities and story.
Unsurprisingly, Reynolds’ interests have only grown since graduation—both at work and everywhere else.
“I’ve discovered other mediums of art that interest me, like photography and screenwriting,” they said. “My interests are always changing, and I find so much joy in trying new things.”
Now working as a CG Lighter at LAIKA Studios, Reynolds has immersed themself in the job as well as the community. They serve as co-captain of the company’s Black ERG (Employee Resource Group) and have also helped to create mentorship opportunities for interns.
“I’m pretty much incapable of entering a new space without trying to get heavily involved in the community,” they said.
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