CalArts pays tribute to alumnus John Lasseter with an honorary doctorate for his outstanding achievements in animated feature filmmaking.
On Friday, May 16, the CalArts community gathered in the Graduation Courtyard to celebrate the Class of 2014. This year, 446 artists received degrees, and CalArts paid tribute to alumnus John Lasseter (Film/Video BFA 79) with an honorary doctorate for his outstanding achievements in animated feature filmmaking.
Lasseter, who is chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering, spoke to the graduating class in an 18-minute speech, sharing two simple pieces of advice: stay true to your artistic voice, and seek the help of others.
“Your voice is worthwhile. Have faith in it. It’s so important to create in your own voice… to hold on to what makes you unique and have faith in your vision,” said Lasseter.
Lasseter spoke about the value of cooperating with others, relating how he and his fellow students bounced ideas back and forth even while each was working on their own student films: “You need others. Too often people think that being unique means being isolated, and being a great artist means coming up with genius ideas out of nowhere. Nothing could be farther from the truth.”
In CalArts President Steven Lavine’s introduction to Lasseter, he said, “John’s remarkable career exemplifies CalArts’ experimental ethos and creative spirit. Since graduating from the Character Animation Program in 1979.” From the degree citation: “John has brought joy to millions of people throughout the world. As an artist and executive, John is responsible for creating many of the world’s best-loved and most successful films.”
(via 24700)
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
