Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Illusion Arts closes its doors

This morning I heard the following news from Andrew Orloff on twitter (his twitter profile is @vfxhack)

Bummed that Illusion Arts is closing after 24+ year in VFX biz. but thrilled that Syd Dutton is coming to Zoic

And while I'm happy for Zoic, I'm deeply saddened that Illusion Arts is closing.

What do Dylan Cole , Kelvin McClwain, and Robert Scifo have in common? Illusion Arts. 

I was really hoping to add my name to the list of amazingly talented people that have worked for Illusion Arts.

Unlike some of peers, who only want to work at a company only because of it's noteriety, I wanted to work at Illusion Arts because of the people there. I've talked to a few matte painters that worked at Illusion Arts and they all said the same thing. "Syd Dutton and Bill Taylor were awesome to work for and they both really took me under their wing and helped me advance my career."

Illusion Arts, even at its height, had only 30 employees. Looking at Illusion Arts from the outside, it really seemed like a tight-knit family. In fact I called Illusion Arts before Siggraph 2008 to ask if they would be attending. Bill Taylor answered the phone. I kid you not. Bill Taylor.

There are a lot of great VFX companies in California that have outstanding matte painting departments, but Illusion Arts's primary focus was matte painting and digital environments. 

I never got my reel into Illusion Arts, I wish I would have. I am working on a new reel now, but I wish I would have sent in something. Even my 2008 reel. 

I wish Syd Dutton and Bill Taylor the very best in their new endevours. I hope someday I get to work with them.