By Augusta Statz
Name: Nathaniel (Nath) Milburn
Major: Motion Media Design
Graduated: Spring 2011
Hometown: Danville, Ky.
Just months after graduating with a degree in motion media design, Nathaniel Milburn won first place at Animation Magazine’s 10th annual Pitch Party 2011 contest.
The panel of judges comprised of executives from major studios such as Disney, PBS, Cartoon Network and Comedy Central noted Milburn’s graphic style and catchy premise as reasons why the 21-year-old nabbed the top prize.
The contest offers artists an opportunity to submit their own idea for an animated show to the judge of their choice. Because of his win, Milburn will now get the chance to personally present his winning idea for an animated show called “Sheriff Banks’ Ghost Town” to Cartoon Network.
“The western theme and ghost town kind of came along as I was developing it,” Milburn said. “I wanted to make something revolving around plants, and cactuses have always been a favorite type of plant for me.”
Including the chance to pitch to Cartoon Network, Milburn appreciates the networking opportunities that the contest allows.
“I made connections to people in the industry and people have seen my work now,” he said.
Prior to winning the contest, Milburn secured a job working at Radical Axis, based in Atlanta, Ga., doing Flash animation and compositing.
“I’ve gained a lot from SCAD. I didn’t know anything about After Effects before SCAD, and now it’s one of my favorite programs. I couldn’t have gotten this job without knowing it,” Milburn said.
Although SCAD wasn’t his first college choice, he is glad that he made a switch from Kendall College of Art and Design to SCAD.
“I can say I’ve definitely enjoyed the experience [at SCAD] and wouldn’t change it any other way,” he said.
Check out Milburn’s demo reel and his latest animation.
