School of Animation & VFX

MFA - Visual Development

Sydney Stewart

I’m Sydney Stewart, originally from Chicago and now based in Los Angeles. I moved here in 2012 to study Fine Art at UCLA, later completing a Post-Baccalaureate in Drawing and Painting at Laguna College of Art and Design. In 2019, I began my MFA in Game Development with a focus on Concept Art at Academy of Art University, graduating early in December 2021. While applying for jobs, I continued honing my skills through classes at Concept Design Academy and joined the WIA Mentorship Program as an Illustration Mentee in 2022. In March 2023, I began working as a Post-Production Assistant on Taylor Sheridan’s Lioness. What started as a 3.5-week role turned into a longer opportunity, thanks to the team recognizing my contributions and work ethic. I’m now back at AAU to turn my MA into a MFA for more job opportunities.