In February, the United States celebrates Black History Month, focusing on the achievements and contributions of African Americans from all periods of U.S. history. To honor the Black creators who fill our computer graphics community with excellence and passion, we are rounding up some of our favorite articles from the past couple of years that highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion, career success stories, and projects.
SIGGRAPH Spotlight: Episode 32 – Celebrating Black History Month
In Episode 32 of SIGGRAPH Spotlight, ACM SIGGRAPH Diversity and Inclusion Chair Tony Baylis sat down with Everett Downing Jr., Sidney Clifton, and Roger Ross Williams to discuss the African American perspective in computer graphics and interactive techniques, the importance of celebrating Black History Month, and their Academy Award winning animated short “Hair Love,” BET and Marvel’s “Black Panther,” and VR immersive documentary “Traveling While Black.” Listen now.
‘Work for what you believe in’: Brie Henderson on Modernizing Costume Design in Animation
Even animated characters need to be fashionable! Brie Henderson, costume designer with Netflix and Marvel Studios, takes us through her career journey and how she ended up in the niche world of costume design for animation. After the pandemic burnout hit, she knew she had to focus her efforts toward her two loves — fashion and animation. Read more.
The Life and Career of Ere Santos (So Far)
Not only is passion important when choosing a career, but when it comes to a career in animation, passion is everything. Swing into the world of Ere Santos, Sony Pictures Imageworks Senior Animator, to follow along on his career journey, including how he developed his passion for computer graphics. Maybe you’ll feel a spark of inspiration? Read more.
What Twentysomethings, Adulting, and Pixar’s Newest SparkShort Have in Common
Let’s “fake it ’til we make it” and rediscover the SIGGRAPH 2021 Computer Animation Festival Electronic Theater selection, “Twenty Something.” This Pixar Animation Studios’ SparkShort is a story about the insecurities of “adulting” and how none of us knows what we are doing. Hear how Director Aphton Corbin created this project and why she mixes hand-drawn animation and computer software. Read more.
Panel Preview: 4 DEI Resources Worth Reading to Help You Understand Inequality
The SIGGRAPH 2021 Panel, “Creating a Diverse Workplace With Authentic Multicultural Voices: How Can We Create Real Long-Term Equality?”, offered an honest conversation about the non-white studio experience from persons of color. Explore the panelists’ four resources to help further your DEI education including fast facts about arts education, the future of work in Black America, inclusion and compassion, and more. Read more.
Allyship in Action: Rise Up Animation Elevates Diverse Voices in the Industry
Rise Up Animation, a group of studio professionals who take allyship to the next level, was founded in response to the social unrest of June 2020. They strive to help diverse talent “rise up” in the animation field through mentorship, encouraging students to share their authentic stories, and more. Read more.
There’s more where that came from! Browse the ACM SIGGRAPH Blog for even more stories from Black creators. If your innovative project spotlights how diversity makes our communities, industries, and teams stronger, then take the next step in your journey and submit it to SIGGRAPH 2023.
