Kat Padua

Kat Padua has a diverse work experience in the field of animation and visual arts. Kat started their career in 2008 as a production artist and animator at PCM STUDIOS, Inc., where they gained experience in creating show packages and designs for live broadcast television. In 2013, they worked as a Test Associate at Microsoft before joining the School of Visual Arts as a Graduate Admissions Assistant and later as an MFA Computer Art Assistant.

In 2014, they founded their own children's media company, Ellyfont LLC, and also worked as a Production Artist & Animator at Cricket Moon Media, collaborating on game applications and animating licensed characters for various projects. In the same year, they also began working at The Governor's School for the Arts as an Instructor of Film & Visual Arts, where they developed curriculum and taught animation fundamentals.

Kat later joined WHRO Public Media, starting as a Lead Animator in 2016 and creating animations for initiatives aimed at urban youth. Kat then worked as an Assistant Animator in 2017 before returning as an Animation Director in 2020. In their role at WHRO, they directed a public service announcement initiative promoting traffic safety for the city of Norfolk, which received several awards and nominations.

In 2021, Kat became a Cohort at 757 Startup Studios, a non-profit incubator for early-stage entrepreneurs, where they received mentorship and resources to accelerate the growth of their children's media company.

Kat Padua has a strong background in animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects. In 2003, they started their education at Virginia Commonwealth University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Kinetic Imaging. This program provided them with a solid foundation in their field of study. They completed their undergraduate degree in 2007.

After gaining their BFA, Kat furthered their education by attending the School of Visual Arts from 2011 to 2013. During this time, they pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Computer Art, specializing in animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects. This program allowed them to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of their chosen field.

In 2017, Kat continued their education with a study in Character Animation at GOBELINS Paris. Although the duration of this program was only one year, it provided them with additional expertise and knowledge in animation, interactive technology, video graphics, and special effects.

Overall, Kat Padua has an impressive education history, including a BFA in Kinetic Imaging from Virginia Commonwealth University, an MFA in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts, and a study in Character Animation from GOBELINS Paris. Their academic journey has equipped them with the necessary skills and expertise to excel in their chosen field.