Brian Wells

Brian earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Portland State University, attended the prestigious California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where he studied Character Animation, and he earned an MFA from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television. Brian has taught for 17 years in higher education and is currently a Professor of Graphic Communications at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada. Brian's professional Hollywood animation experience includes Character Layout Artist (key pose animator) on “The Simpsons”, and Assistant Director and Timing Director on award winning national TV ads working at the Ren and Stimpy creator's studio "Spumco". Brian has also contributed to award winning children’s educational interactive media, among many other works for which he received screen credit. Brian served honorably as a veteran for a total of 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps (Water Safety and Survival Instructor), and the U.S. Navy (Helicopter Rescue Aircrewman [SAR] and Anti-submarine Warfare Operator [ASW]). He flew in SH-2F Seasprite Helicopters deployed in WestPAC on a Fast Frigate during the Cold War. More recently, Brian, wife Cheryl, and son Donovan roam the Pacific Northwest and Great Basin’s mountains and watersheds, fly fishing for elusive wild trout. Additionally, Brian owns the mineral rights on three 20-acre placer gold mines in Plumas County, where he spends summer days clearing trails and washing gravel with his two German Shorthaired Pointers, Brownie and Copper and German Wire Haired Pointer "Jumbo Jack". Well, the dogs don't actually wash gravel, but they help sniff out the gold. *woof* (translation: "Eureka!")