Ex’pression College for Digital Arts graduate, Karina Riesgo, was honored by Ballistic Publishing’s ELEMENTAL 3 for her work titled, The Grand Staircase. Riesgo graduated in Class 55, with a B.A.S. in Animation and Visual Effects with an emphasis in 3D modeling.

“My time at Ex’pression was truly invaluable. They teach not only how to use certain software that the industry requires, but work ethics as well. During my time as a student, I challenged myself to always do the best I could during my classes, even though my skills were not always at the level I wanted them to be because it was the first time I was using certain software. Ex’pression taught me that I have to work hard to improve my skills, and at the same time to really enjoy and love my profession.”

“My time at Ex’pression was truly invaluable. They teach not only how to use certain software that the industry requires, but work ethics as well.”

Riesgo’s The Grand Staircase is featured in the book, ELEMENTAL 3 which highlights the world’s best Autodesk art. The environment was modeled with Maya, and the textures were created in Adobe Photoshop.

The ELEMENTAL 3 book celebrates the highest artistic achievement in a diverse range of categories and styles. Recipients demonstrate an outstanding fusion of artistic and technical excellence. Images that were considered were focused on digitally-created fine art for commercial use, or personal satisfaction, in categories that included action, architectural interior, architectural exterior, architectural reconstruction, character in repose, character in action, creature in repose, environment, conflict, product design, abstract and commercial design, cinematics and visual effects, and transport.

The images selected were judged by a highly talented group of industry leaders and artists including:

• Pascal Blanché - Art Director at Ubisoft
• Francisco Cortina - Founder Cortina Digital
• Vlad Bina - Founder xyBlue Design
• Neil Blevins - Technical Director at Pixar Animation Studios
• Jeff Mottle - President and founder of CGarchitect.com
• Jeff Kleiser - CEO and co-founder Synthespian Studios
• Kim Baumann Larsen - CEO and co-founder Placebo Effects
• Raphael Lacoste - Matte painter/production designer RodeoFX
• Shawn Hendriks - Special Projects and Area manager for Autodesk
• Sebastian Sylwan - Senior Industry Manager Film and Television for Autodesk

Update: Karina recently worked on the 2K Games release, BioShock 2, as a Level modeler.