Katrina Gwen Dalmacio, who goes by Gwen, is a senior in Arts and Entertainment Technologies in the School of Design and Creative Technologies. Read more Q&As with AET seniors.

Why did you choose your major?

Originally, I was a studio art major at UTSA. Transferring to UT was a last minute decision, therefore, I had not applied for any major and was admitted Undecided. I decided to take intro courses to see what I could enjoy, and among those were Radio-Television-Film (RTF), Advertising, and Arts and Entertainment Technologies. A professor of AET informed me that my work was a great fit for the upcoming major and upon hearing the focus on digital media, like music production and digital art, I was sold. I had always wanted to animate, whether it be 2D or 3D, and work on video games, so it was an easy decision to choose AET as my major.

What's been your biggest surprise in your program?

I am surprised at how much the professors want to incorporate collaboration among mediums. I recently took part in a “VJ Battle” where light designers, DJs, and VJs (videojockeys) took turns performing in a competition. Us VJs had to perform to student-produced tracks. In my advanced 2D animation course, my professor wants us to collaborate with music producers for a final project. It is definitely a learning experience to have to work with others as often as we do.

What project are you most proud of during your time at UT, and why?

There is no single project in particular that I am most proud of. It is the visible improvement within my work that I am most proud of, particularly my 3D modeling. As you scroll through my SketchFab page, you can see my progress as a 3D modeler, and it is most assuring to know how far I have come as an artist, to see the development and the establishment of my own style.

What do you hope to do after graduation?

After graduation, I hope to move out of Texas to work in a game or animation studio. I hope to be 3D modeling and/or animating. I intend on making a product of my own, whether it be a show, movie or game.

Any advice for incoming freshmen in AET?

Be ready to learn. Whether from your professors or on your own, I have learned so much. Each assignment I had a certain final product in mind and I took it into my own hands to figure out how. Quite often, I would watch tutorial videos and scroll through forums to learn how to achieve the idea I had in my mind. That initiative, that desire to learn, is what I attribute my success as an artist to.

Check out Gwen's portfolio.