Animator returns to draw success

Not everyone thinks they'll become a teacher and others never get the chance to live their dream. Luckily for Professor Philip Dimitriads, he had the opportunity to do both.

Dimitriads started his dream of becoming a professor while he was a student at FC. Just over a year ago, his life took a turn down a path which lead him back to FC.

This time, instead of being a student, he was given the opportunity to teach. Before he took on this career as a teacher, he learned about his passion in the professional world.

When Dimitriads was a young boy he loved to draw. It was his passion and he was determined to make it his career.

After high school, he enrolled at FC, where he met professor Marshall Vander. "He was a huge impact in building my confidence as an artist and steering me in the right direction," said Dimitriads.

After meeting the academic requirements, he transferred to Cal State Fullerton, where he graduated with his bachelors degree in entertainment art/animation.

For the next 13 years, he went on to work for companies such as Sony, Disney and most recently, Warner Brothers.

While at Warner Brothers, he began work on the series "Batman: The Brave and The Bold." During the production, he received a call from Vander that would change his career path. 

"There was opening in the Computer Graphic Department at FC and he wanted me to apply," Dimitriads said.

He admits teaching was something he wanted to do in the past. He debated leaving Warner Brothers and, in the end, realized that taking the job as a professor would given him more time to spend with his family.

"It's neat to be back at Fullerton. It's a small community with a lot of possibilities," Dimitriads expressed. He recently finished his first year of teaching and has already embarked on big plans for the department.     

Along with mentor Jim Dowdalls, he wants to create a strong program in which students can build an impressive portfolio.

Dimitriads is currently working on expanding the lab where the students work, by adding computers that are up to date with the industries standards in both software and technology.

His goal is to get ahead of the competition so FC has the best department of any other community college in California.

"It's been a long road so far and every minute of my time is dedicated to expanding this program," Dimitriads said.

The best part about teaching for him is watching the students blossom into professional artists.

 Although he admits to having a strict course, he is simply trying help shape the students for their future careers.

"I try to teach them to never be late to class. Because if you are late to your job, it reflects poorly on your work."

He uses his 13 years of experience to train the students what it's like out in the real world.

"You get what you put in it. And I want the students to succeed."

He hopes the changes in the art program will bring more success for the students and the school as a whole identity.