Richard Zryd

After receiving my degree in 3d animation in 2005, I began my career as a commercial artist, mainly working on automotive related projects. For the next several years I worked on animations and digital illustrations for companies such as General Motors, TRW, and American Axle. Then in 2009 I decided to continue my artistic schooling at Oakland University, this time immersing myself in fine art. There I specialized in drawing and my focus turned from digitally created artwork to the traditional practices of paint, graphite, and art theory. It was my hope that by taking the skills that I had already acquired in digital/commercial art and combining those with the ideas of the fine artist I could enhance my artistic abilities and embed more meaning into my work. I think that traditional skills are the bedrock of a good artist, they translate directly over into the digital realm. The better I become at drawing or sculpting the more my skills on the computer are enhanced. Currently, I split my time up between being an adjunct instructor in Macomb Community College's Media Arts and Communications Program while also doing freelance art in the Detroit, MI area. I'm also excited to say that my latest drawing series, entitled Robot Soldiers, is currently on display at the Anderson House in the Michigan state capitol.