Joshua Meister completed his degree in Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) from the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology in Indianapolis with a concentration in Animation and Spatial Graphics in May 2023. Today, he’s actively working on a new Disney film through the Walt Disney Animation Studios Apprentice Program, which helps recent graduates hone their skills while working on real projects in the studio. Participants spend between nine and 18 months in the program where they aim to be promoted from trainee to apprentice.
We asked Meister to give us an inside look into his undergraduate CGT program in Indianapolis, his internships, and his journey to becoming a Disney Animation apprentice.
Q: What were your career goals as a college student?
A: During college, I knew that I wanted to go into visual effects or animation. For several years, though, I didn’t know where I wanted to specialize within the industry. When I eventually discovered that FX—essentially simulation and technical animation—was my biggest strong suit, my professors gave me the freedom to continue specializing and honing my skills in that area as I progressed through the CGT program.
Q: What made you choose the Purdue's degree program in Computer Graphics Technology in Indianapolis?
A: After looking around the state for schools with good animation programs, I found IUPUI to be among the friendliest and most encouraging campuses in the state. Purdue's CGT department is full of passionate professors who focus not only on technology and software, but truly work to help each student hone their craft and develop their artistic eye.
Q: What kinds of internships and real-world work experience did you have during your undergraduate program?
A: In the fall of 2021, I learned that there was an internship program for the Psyche mission, a partnership between NASA and Arizona State University to send an orbiter to the Psyche asteroid to learn about the early solar system. The internship program, called Psyche Inspired, would remotely bring on students from around the country to create artwork that can inspire the public about the mission and what they hope to accomplish through it.
I sent in my resume and demo reel and ended up being chosen to be part of the team. Over two semesters, I created four pieces for the program. I also got the chance to interact with and learn from professionals who were working on the Psyche mission itself, which was an eye-opening experience and one I won't soon forget.
The following summer, I got the chance to be a part of Pixar's Undergraduate Program. This is a summer internship in which students learn about technical direction at the studio through specialized training in each of Pixar's technical departments. Learning from each of those departments not only helped round my skills as an artist, but it also gave me a greater understanding of how an animation studio pipeline works as a whole. This gave me a newfound appreciation for proper communication and collaboration in a studio environment, especially as I was making new friends and collaborating with new people throughout the internship.
Q: How did these internships help prepare you for the apprentice program?
A: I got to learn about industry workflows, making connections, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Even more important than the knowledge I gained, though, are the long term friendships I made with other artists. My friends have inspired me to learn, held me accountable to continue improving my skills, and kept me going even when times were rough. I truly believe that without having a community of passionate artists around me, I would never have found myself where I am today.
Q: What can you share about the apprentice program you’re in now?
A: Disney Animation's trainee program gives young artists an opportunity to learn from creative professionals at the studio. In my case, being an effects trainee, I have had the opportunity to create several short projects under the guidance of experienced effects animators at the studio. Throughout the trainee program I have learned a lot from my mentors and colleagues, both about life in the industry and about Disney's specific tools and workflows.
Q: What kinds of projects are you working on?
A: I was recently promoted from the trainee program to the role of Effects Apprentice and am now working on Moana 2. I can't wait to let the world see what we have been creating!
Q: What advice would you share for future Purdue graduates of the Computer Graphics Technology program or students hoping to work in the animated film industry?
A: Something that I really want to emphasize for any current students or recent graduates is the importance of a healthy work-life balance. This is something that I have learned about through my own experiences, as well as the experiences of others throughout this industry. It is important to love what you do, especially in a field as turbulent as animation or VFX. That passion is what allows us to push ourselves and become better artists.
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