Linda Sellheim
Director, Media Design School of Digital Arts
NewSchool of Architecture + Design
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I loved art and did not know I could have a career in it. I discovered illustration when I was 14.
Realizing freelance and working alone was not for me.
Understanding I could use my skill set to bring ideas to life, that I was a good problem solver.
Moving from 2D to working with fabrics and costuming then starting a business with a crazy idea.
Technology entered and it was so exciting I wanted to learn everything about creating for the web.
Started teaching and fell in love with helping younger creatives achieve their goals.
Going to graduate school and exploring my passion for experimental interactive media and games.
Working for Autodesk as a creative leader to change the way students explore and use technology.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Art Center College of Design
Art Center College of Design
Career
Director, Media Design School of Digital Arts
Program director, education evangelist and creative wrangler.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Technology
Education
Being Creative
Day to Day
What I enjoy the most is working with faculty designing class content and connecting with games and animation industry people about what skills they want in new employees. I love to research the industry, read all the blogs and magazine articles, and attend conferences and events. I also love to work with students to make sure they are learning what they need and encourage them to become involved in the community, go to user events, post their work, etc. I also attend lots of meetings.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for professionals
Education is a wonderful place for problem solvers, it is in need of ideas. I made a lot of changes in my career, but the same thread runs through everything I do. I use the skills I learned early on, but never stopped learning and exploring. I believe in drive and curiosity, not talent. If you are transitioning careers it's more about reorganizing than reinventing. My friends think I have reinvented myself many times, but really I just reset my compass and brought my skill set along for the ride.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"My high school guidance counselor told me to take typing classes instead of art classes. My mother was very creative but had no education or training and I always sensed the constant worry that I was making a mistake, that this was not a safe path."
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
