Jacob Romeo Lecuyer Teaching philosophy

In my mid 20’s while living in San Francisco I began training with a master painter named Vranas. In a thick Greek accent Vranas used to tell me emphatically “Art is not technical Jacob. IT IS PHYSICAL!” His statement was Hyperbole of course, because making art is both a physical and technical exercise. The meaning of his statement however, that art while being partly technical is primarily physical, has been foundational in my teaching philosophy. I’ve come to realize that the person who is most likely to develop into a professional within the field of illustration and the entertainment arts is the person who doesn’t just observe art, read about art, and engage in conversation about art, but is the one who persistently creates it. Though I spend a great deal of time in the classroom lecturing about art theory and technique, I believe my most impacting role is that of a Coach. All the art theory I can cram into a students head doesn’t mean much if they are not physically producing a tremendous amount of art. I am a coach, and since I care for the players on my team I must motivate them to train hard and effectively. Practically that means motivating them towards daily drawing and painting. I believe that any student whom I don’t coach into developing this practice will be very unlikely to “play in the majors”. But there still remains the question of how to train. My secondary role as a teacher addresses this question.

I am a Coach but I am also an academic instructor who conveys technical information. Because I get to see an individual student for relatively little of their academic life, my teaching career has been a quest to boil down the most relevant information into the most pure concentrated forms. I want every hour that a student and I spend together in the classroom to be as effective as I can make it. To this end I teach four elemental principles to students training to enter the entertainment industry: structure and gesture, contrast and dominance/hierarchy.  A student training under me comes to understand Structure: draftsmanship, anatomy, and surface rendering. To balance the inherent coldness and formality of this structure I place great emphasis on gesture and rhythm. These two fundamental elements sit like weights at the opposite end of a pendulum. In conjunction with structure and gesture my students are trained to understand the design principles of contrast and hierarchy. My student is instructed to observe and take design inspiration primarily from the natural world. “What” I ask “do we observe there over and over again!?” Contrast and hierarchy: contrasts in shape, color, line, value and the way in which these elements are composed together. In the branches on a tree, the stripes on a tiger, segmented forms of an insect there is always Hierarchy: Big, medium, small; high-key, mid-key, low-key; warm, cool, neutral, etcetera, etcetera. I train students to take their structurally stable, and rhythmically sound visual development work and integrate it into the pattern of design matrix we observe in the universe, which surrounds us. This results in timelessly good design. Good design happens when my student learns to incorporate contrasts in value, composition, color, shape, and line and has set those contrasts constrained within a clear design hierarchy. I demonstrate the principles of contrast and dominance and the hierarchy of good design through methodical demos, by teaching them how to observe these patterns in nature and through the artifacts left to us by great narrative painters, animators and visual development artists like Sargent, Rembrandt, Wyeth, Eyvind Earle, and Milt Kahl.
                
 

                         

The student artist training to enter the world of the entertainment industry must achieve technical mastery of color, line, value, shape and composition, but that mastery cannot be solely intellectual. It must be learned through muscle memory, through thousands of hours of drawing and painting. I am an academic instructor who must convey technical information to my students. I am also a coach offering strong, but kind words of encouragement to keep going when their physical discipline of daily drawing and painting fails. A professional in the entertainment arts is a master of technique, but is first and foremost a master of the physical disciplines of daily drawing and painting.













Jacob Romeo Lecuyer- Teaching experience and course qualifications.

Teaching Disciplines:  Foundations Studies, Media arts and Animation, Game art and design.


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Course Name and Description
Undergraduate Coursework Relevant to Class Competencies
Graduate Coursework Relevant to Competencies
Professional experience Relevant to Competencies
MA: Media arts and animation
FS: Foundation studies
GA: Game art

MA1112 Drawing & Anatomy                
Continuing to develop the basic drawings course, students will focus on rendering life forms in space.  Emphasis will be placed on the basic anatomical structures of human and animal forms.

MA1122 Character & Object Design 
This course features the initial development of dramatic/comedic characterizations of animate and inanimate objects for later use in 2-D and 3-D animations.

MA/GA2504 Comparative Anatomy
This course is a concentrated course focusing on comparative anatomy, form and gesture of both humans and animals. Students study anatomical structure learning to apply comparative anatomy systems using geometric shapes to understand action, analysis of form, construction, and expressive drawing. Students learn how to simplify muscle shapes and how to spot boney landmarks by doing extensive study and comparison of the structures to understand bones and muscles in movement for both quadrupeds and bipeds.

MA3304 Advanced Drawing for Animation
Building on knowledge from preceding drawing courses, students develop their drawing skills in the context of professional media arts and animation applications. This course places emphasis on advanced drawing techniques and strengthening


FS101 Fundamentals/ Observational Drawing
This course is a fundamental drawing course where the students will explore various art and media and learn to use a variety of drawing tools. This course involves the observation and translation of three-dimensional form into two-dimensional drawings. Starting with simple shapes and progressing to more complex organic forms, students will build skill levels in composition, line quality, use of tone and human anatomy.

FS122 Image Manipulation
Students are introduced to basic image manipulation skills in a raster-based computer environment. Emphasis is placed on mastering the fundamentals of scanning, color management, photo retouching, imaging, special effects, filters, and masks.

FS102 Fundamentals of Design
The basic elements and principles of graphic design are introduced in this course. The purpose of this course is to develop firm foundation in layout and organize design elements for a variety of visual effects.

FS103 Color Theory
In this course students explore color theory, including additive and subtractive color. Color and its relationship to composition, through harmony and contrast are explored.

FS111 Drawing, Proportion, & Perspective
This course is a fundamental drawing course with an emphasis on perspective. Students draw 3-D objects in one-, two- and three-point perspective.


GA2201 Game Design & Game Play
A well-designed game is an integration of artistic and technological component that must have a clearly defined goal, set of game criteria, and rules for game play. Students learn the fundamentals of what makes a game enjoyable, playable, challenging, and marketable.

363B Digital Illustration
This course explores the complex visual problems and techniques that a digitally based illustrator will face in the current marketplace. Technical exploration includes the blending of traditional and digital illustration techniques.


MAD-193 Introduction to 2D animation.
The course explores the fundamental of 2D animation focusing on such principles as: solid drawing, appeal, squash and stretch, arcs, timing, and exaggeration.  


1996-2001
B.F.A., Studio Art
Humboldt State University

2000-2001
University of Western Sydney, Australia
Studies in Animation and sequential art

Related coursework:
Principles of animation
Principles of sequential art
Design Fundamentals
Figure Drawing
Painting from Life
Digital Illustration
Art History






















 










Related Coursework:
See Above

2003-2010
•Watts Atelier 
•Studio Second Street
•LA Figurative Art
•Concept Design Academy

2008- 2012
M.A. Illustration
California State University, Fullerton

Related Coursework:
Rendering in Pencil
Rendering in Oil
Figure Drawing
Figure Construction
Figure Painting
Portrait Painting
Plein-Air Painting
Design Fundamentals
Perspective Study
Color Theory
Anatomical Sculpture
Animal Anatomy Study
Human Anatomy Study
Traditional Illustration
Inking
Digital Illustration
Character Design
Concept Design
Background Painting
Illustration History
Animation History
Visual Story Telling
Story Telling And Sequential Art



















 Related Coursework:
See Above


























Professional Experience:

• Animation /Illustration/ Design/: Barton Studios - Sydney, Australia

Animation/ Motion Graphics / Illustration: YWAM - Osaka, Japan

• Visual Development (Concept art animation and 3D-Modeling): Beyond Extreme, Sports park - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Illustrator (book illustration): Spectrum 17 , The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art

• Illustrator (book illustration): Steampunk: the Beginning

• Illustrator (book illustration): Iron John and Other Brothers Grimm Faerie Stories

Illustrator (card art): Upperdeck, Sports Cards

Illustration (Apparel illustration): West Surf Apparel – San Diego

Illustration (Wake board, apparel, advertising illustration): Blind Side/ Doubleup , Wakeboards

Illustration: (advertising and apparel illustration): Prophetik Apparel- San Francisco

Instructor: California State University Fullerton

Instructor: The Art Institute - San Diego/Orange County



Shows and Exhibitions
• March 2012: Steampunk: the Beginning
 Begovich Gallery: Fullerton, CA

•March 2012: Evolving Narratives
 West Gallery: Fullerton, CA

•June 2011: Dwell
 Grand Central Art Center: Santa Ana, CA

•June 2011: ekpneo: I let go
 Grand Central Art Center: Santa Ana, CA

•March 2011: Iron John 
 East Gallery CSUF: Fullerton, CA

•Feb 2011: Digital World  
 Irvine Valley College Gallery: Irvine, CA

•November 2010: Happy Hour: works  
 Memphis Gallery: Santa Ana, CA

•October 2010: Roost  
 Grand Central Art Center: Santa Ana, CA

•September 2010: Current Crop  
 Metro Pomona: Pomona, CA

•August 2009: Drawn Together
 Grand Central Art Center: Santa Ana, CA

•August 2005: Salon 2nd Street 2005
  Studio 2nd Street: Encinitas, CA

•January 2001: Metamorphosis
 Downtown Osaka: Osaka, Japan

•July 2000: Healing Arts
 Blacktown Hospital: Blacktown, Australia














Student reviews











MFA transcripts


UNOFFICIAL STUDENT ACADEMIC RECORD
--------------------MFA GPA=3.97

California State University, Fullerton

Student Name:    Lecuyer, Jacob R

Unofficial Postbaccalaureate Acad Record

Degree Awarded:
  Master of Arts
  Major:  Art (Design)
  Degree Conferred:  01/03/2012
Degree Awarded:
  Master of Fine Arts
  Major:  Art (Design)
  Degree Conferred:  05/31/2013



Fall Semester  2008                      (Graduate)
Admitted To:
  Master of Arts
  Major: Art

Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  480T Topics in Art History        3.0   A-   11.1*
Topic: Animation Aesthetics
ART  483C Sp St, Illustration          3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Aug 23, 2008 to Dec 12, 2008

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   23.10    3.85   3.85
CSUF       6.00    6.00       6.00   23.10    3.85   3.85
Total      6.00    6.00       6.00   23.10    3.85   3.85

Grad GPA   6.00    6.00       6.00   23.10           3.85


Spring Semester  2009                    (Graduate)
Changed To:
  Major: Art (Design)

Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  503C Illustration                 3.0   A    12.0*
ART  599  Independent Grad Research    3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Jan 24, 2009 to May 15, 2009

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      12.00   12.00      12.00   47.10    3.93   3.93
Total     12.00   12.00      12.00   47.10    3.93   3.93

Grad GPA  12.00   12.00      12.00   47.10           3.93


Fall Semester  2009                      (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  500B Grad Seminar Major Field     3.0   A    12.0*
ART  503C Illustration                 3.0   A-   11.1*
   Enrollment Dates: Aug 22, 2009 to Dec 11, 2009

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   23.10    3.85   3.85
CSUF      18.00   18.00      18.00   70.20    3.90   3.90
Total     18.00   18.00      18.00   70.20    3.90   3.90

Grad GPA  18.00   18.00      18.00   70.20           3.90


Spring Semester  2010                    (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  483B Pictorial Background         3.0   A    12.0*
ART  483C Sp St, Illustration          3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Jan 23, 2010 to May 14, 2010

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      24.00   24.00      24.00   94.20    3.93   3.93
Total     24.00   24.00      24.00   94.20    3.93   3.93

Grad GPA  24.00   24.00      24.00   94.20           3.93


Fall Semester  2010                      (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  483C Sp St, Illustration          3.0   A    12.0*
ART  503C Illustration                 3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Aug 21, 2010 to Dec 10, 2010

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      30.00   30.00      30.00  118.20    3.94   3.94
Total     30.00   30.00      30.00  118.20    3.94   3.94

Grad GPA  30.00   30.00      30.00  118.20           3.94


Spring Semester  2011                    (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  500A Grad Seminar Major Field     3.0   A    12.0*   I,06/21/11
                   Previous Grade            I
ART  597  Project                      3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Jan 22, 2011 to May 13, 2011

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      36.00   36.00      36.00  142.20    3.95   3.95
Total     36.00   36.00      36.00  142.20    3.95   3.95

Grad GPA  36.00   36.00      36.00  142.20           3.95


Fall Semester  2011                      (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  483C Sp St, Illustration          3.0   A    12.0*
ART  503C Illustration                 3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Aug 20, 2011 to Dec 09, 2011

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      42.00   42.00      42.00  166.20    3.96   3.96
Total     42.00   42.00      42.00  166.20    3.96   3.96

Grad GPA  42.00   42.00      42.00  166.20           3.96


Spring Semester  2012                    (Graduate)
Admitted To:
  Master of Fine Arts
  Major: Art (Design)

Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  475  Profsnl Practices in Arts    3.0   A    12.0*
ART  480T Topics in Art History        3.0   A    12.0*
Topic: Hist American Illustrtn
   Enrollment Dates: Jan 21, 2012 to May 11, 2012

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      48.00   48.00      48.00  190.20    3.96   3.96
Total     48.00   48.00      48.00  190.20    3.96   3.96

Grad GPA  48.00   48.00      48.00  190.20           3.96


Fall Semester  2012                      (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  563C Digital Narrative Illustr    3.0   A    12.0*
ART  599  Independent Grad Research    3.0   A    12.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Aug 25, 2012 to Dec 14, 2012

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      54.00   54.00      54.00  214.20    3.97   3.97
Total     54.00   54.00      54.00  214.20    3.97   3.97

Grad GPA  54.00   54.00      54.00  214.20           3.97


Spring Semester  2013                    (Graduate)
Dept/No   Course Title                Unts   GR    GP     Footnotes
ART  597  Project                      6.0   A    24.0*
   Enrollment Dates: Jan 26, 2013 to May 17, 2013

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
Term       6.00    6.00       6.00   24.00    4.00   4.00
CSUF      60.00   60.00      60.00  238.20    3.97   3.97
Total     60.00   60.00      60.00  238.20    3.97   3.97

Grad GPA  60.00   60.00      60.00  238.20           3.97


Postbaccalaureate Statistics

       Enrolled  Earned  GPA-Units  GRD-PT  Acad-GPA  GPA
CSUF      60.00   60.00      60.00  238.20    3.97   3.97
Total     60.00   60.00      60.00  238.20    3.97   3.97