Meet Candice Colbert

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candice Colbert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Candice , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
For much of my career, I worked in computer animation and video games. I currently work in new media including work in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. These tech heavy fields have historically been dominated by the fellas, and I found I was often the only or one of the few women computer artists in the studios where I worked. This wasn’t always easy and I know I did not always have the support of some because of my gender, but I never let that stop me. Determined to improve my art and technical skills, I was always learning new things and practicing my art at every opportunity. I have always adapted to new styles and techniques which made me a very valuable generalist. I can do a lot of things and I can do them well. I don’t shy away from who I am, finding my differing point of view to be an asset. This versatility combined with my work ethic has made me an important part of the studio teams. Quality and delivery is hard to deny.

When I became a Mom, there was not a historical institutional structure behind me to support and advance my position, but with the help of ethical work allies and a community of family and friends outside of work, we forged a path to move forward in my career. My parenthood has served to expand my creative vision and improve my organizational, operational, and social skills. As a seasoned member of my industry, I try to encourage and support women and other people who are not properly recognized in the system. Diversity is an asset.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I love being an artist, no matter what the medium. My current professional focus is as the Chief Product Officer for Breakthru. I get to make digital art and impact the creative vision for this brilliant break taking system. There is a lot of variety in what I get to do in my day to day, including creating CG environments, Animation, VFX, Video Editing, setting up VR scenes and even creating Snap Lenses. Our app is helping people all over the world get up from their desks and move for two minutes at a time. Giving people a virtual vacation filled with beauty and nature, helping them to move their bodies and give themselves a chance to reset their mood, is incredibly fulfilling, especially when I read feedback from hard working people who have been helped by our app. Our primary product is the Breakthru App, found on Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Chrome, and we have VR, AR, and Projection offerings. You can learn more about us at breakthru.me.

This high tech digital world keeps me on my toes, but I don’t leave my traditional art side behind, I also have a business cutting silhouettes by hand for events. Cutting paper silhouette portraits was a skill I learned as a teenager when I worked at my first job as an artist at an amusement park. This traditional and endangered art form is practiced by very few artists in the modern day and I am happy to do my part to keep this art form alive.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Tenacity, hard work, and traditional art skills have served me well on my artistic and professional journey. There are so many places to keep learning these days. Art schools, apprenticeships, online resources, libraries, and museums can all help you improve your skills. No one starts out knowing how to do everything at a high level. It takes practice and patience. Don’t stand in your own way by not feeling good enough to practice your art. The important thing is to keep growing and learning.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents and family guided me on my path to being a successful artist. When I was very young they took me to museums and shared beautiful books and periodicals about art. When I grew older, they encouraged me to take that first art job and then celebrated my decision to go to Art School at The Rhode Island School of Design. They never stood in the way of my creative dreams and for that I am ever grateful.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Breakthru, Candice Colbert, James Colbert

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