Introducing: Mentors & Thesis Faculty Advisors for the Class of 2025

The Class of 2025 is hard at work on the production of their thesis projects! Please join us in welcoming the industry professionals supporting them on their unique storytelling journeys.

2024-25 Mentors

A staple of the MFAVN program, the thesis mentorship is a highly individualized relationship between the student and a working professional. Each student chooses a mentor to provide specific guidance and feedback on the creation of their thesis project. The mentor is typically an artist working in the same field as the student. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of MFAVN and the diversity of media and skillsets that each student brings to the table, every graduating year brings in a new range of impressive mentors.

Clara Fernández-Vara: Media Scholar, Game Designer, & Writer

Carl Potts: Comics Artist, Writer, & Editor

CiCi Suen: Illustrator & Graphic Novelist

Connor Willumsen: Cartoonist & Visual Artist

Lindsay Rollins: Game Developer & Character Artist

Gif of a velociraptor and a human on a dirt bike

Sean Glaze: Animator, Writer, & Director

Sloane Donna Smith: Writer, Digital Artist, & Musician

Titus McNally: Game Designer & Programmer

2024-25 Faculty Advisors

While mentors advise students on the conceptual and creative aspects of their projects, thesis faculty advisors advise on the production of their thesis work, including project and workflow management. The role of thesis faculty advisors is similar to that of an editor in publishing; an art director in illustration; or a creative producer, head of story, or director in animation, film, or game production. We have custom-tailored a group of industry experts based on each student’s specific professional goals. Welcome to our new and returning faculty members!