Thesis
BEYOND THE WILLOW
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In the wake of her mother’s death, eight-year-old Gracie retreats into the fantasy realm they once created together. Trying her best to keep what little she has of her mother intact, Gracie must defend the kingdom from the hands of savage forces.
As the family prepares to move into a new home, a dark presence once again looms over the fantasy realm into which Gracie has withdrawn. Fearing the loss of the only remaining connection she has left to her mother, Gracie battles to hold onto what she can of the kingdom, unaware of the family she might be leaving behind in the process.
Ryan Ansel
Ryan has followed his passion for story telling, through several career paths. Beginning as an animator, Ryan later focused on broadcast design and motion graphics, earning a regional Emmy award for Best Commercial Campaign. He then moved into a creative direction role, where he designed the global identity for Disney Movie Rewards. He has provided illustration as well as conceptual and production expertise on promotions for clients including Coca Cola, Disney, HBO, AT&T, Quicken Loans, and Jack Link’s Beef Jerky. Ryan has also served as a Creative Director on gaming titles for XBox Live Arcade, iPhone and Windows Phone. Ryan is currently an Assistant Professor in the Advertising department at College for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI. He maintains a consistent freelance client base that focuses on user experience consulting and animation.