1994 alums Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson are cartoonists and animators based in NYC. See below for what they have to say about GIA and how it led to their career….  and why you should start begging time at the copy machine!

In 1994, we spent two weeks at the Governor’s Institute of the Arts. Together we had already spent countless hours nerding out in the independent art room of Montpelier High drawing comic books and cartoons, but this was the first time we were surrounded by other arty geeks who shared our passion for pencil and paper.  We took a video class, and, with the help of our instructor Dana and the generous permission to use a photocopier, figured out how to make a short animated film. 

16 years later, we work as animation directors for Hornet Inc., a production company located in New York City. At Hornet, we have sold two animated television shows -  one currently in production at 4kids Entertainment and one in development at FOX.  This summer we collaborated with comics legend Art Speigleman on a performance he wrote and designed with the dance company Pilobolous.  We have directed countless animated commercials and short films.

The GIA helped us realize that with a lot of hard work, a copier machine and a little bit of luck, anything is possible.

Check out some of Dan & Jason’s work!