A Career in 3D: Meet RVCC Visual Arts Grad Ethan Clark
For Ethan Clark, art has always been a way to tell stories. What began as an early fascination with animation grew into a creative path guided by curiosity, intention, and a desire to bring ideas to life.
“I had a love for art and a deep passion for the manner of storytelling that only animation was capable of expressing,” Ethan says. “I wanted to pursue a career in the animation industry in some capacity.”
With that goal in mind, he began looking for a program that would help him strengthen essential skills while preparing him to transfer to a four-year art school. He wanted a place where he could expand creatively, stay grounded, and move forward with purpose.
Finding the Right Fit at RVCC
That search led Ethan to Raritan Valley Community College.
“It was the community college closest to where I lived,” he explains. “I also knew they had a good reputation and transfer agreements with some of the four-year schools I was looking into.”
Ethan graduated from RVCC with an Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts in Spring 2019. His experience shows how a strong creative starting point—built close to home—can lead to meaningful opportunities and a career with room to grow.
“What I appreciated most about RVCC was that it was affordable,” he says. “It allowed me to complete my general education classes before transferring to a school of visual arts, where those same courses would have been more expensive.”
Equally important was the learning environment itself. Ethan remembers faculty members who brought energy, enthusiasm, and personality into the classroom—making a lasting impression.
“I really appreciated the amount of attention the professors gave to their students,” he says. One art history course stood out in particular. “The professor made a real effort to inject humor and personality into the lectures, which made everything more memorable. I learned more because of it.”
His Next Creative Step
After graduating from RVCC, Ethan transferred to the Gnomon School of Visual Effects, Games, & Animation in Los Angeles, carrying forward the skills and dedication he developed during his time at RVCC. From there, he continued building experience as a 3D artist before stepping into his current role.
Today, Ethan works as a Real-Time Artist and 3D Generalist in the graphics department at FOX Sports, creating 3D models, environments, animations, and broadcast graphics for live productions. One standout project so far? Helping to create the set for Season 11 of FOX NFL Kickoff.
“It felt truly magical to be there in the control room,” he says. “I’m incredibly proud of everyone who worked so hard to bring this environment to life.”
Across every stage of his journey, one motivation has remained consistent. “My only goal has ever been to create dynamic and inspiring art,” he says.
On a Roll—and Ready for the Future
During his time at RVCC, Ethan earned several academic and artistic honors, including Magna Cum Laude, Dean’s List, President’s List, and induction into the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. His work was featured multiple times in RVCC’s Juried Art Exhibition and Annual Art Exhibition.
Those experiences helped him refine his portfolio and recognize how much he had grown as an artist. Looking ahead, Ethan hopes to give back through teaching and mentorship.
“I would love to teach on the side in the future,” he says. “I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and helping others who are interested in the same kind of work.”
Ethan’s experience reflects what RVCC offers aspiring artists every day: A place where creativity is encouraged, learning feels personal, and students leave ready for what comes next.
Looking for a Visual Arts Program in NJ? Explore RVCC!
Are you searching for terms like “visual arts associate degree near me” or “graphic design associate degree near me?” Or maybe you’re wondering how to become a 3D artist? Head to RVCC’s Arts and Design career pathways page, where you can explore our different graphic and interactive design degree programs and find answers to questions like:
- What is an interactive graphic designer?
- What is the difference between visual arts vs. graphic design?
- What is the difference between visual arts and digital media?
- What graphic and interactive design degree programs does RVCC offer?
One of the best graphic design schools in New Jersey, RVCC prepares students for transfer into four-year institutions and professional art schools in NJ and beyond.
