Congrats to Our Grads!
Brainstorm Academy Graduation, June 2025
Each of you has diligently studied and applied your skills, thereby proving your success with digital arts, workplace readiness, and the professional development necessary for entry-level employment and/or individual entrepreneurship in the Animation & Visual Arts Industry.
We are very proud of you!
James Atencio • Matthew Ballon • Juan Barajas • Ruby Heathman • Jose Najar • Gabriel Nelson • Emmanuel Patterson • Faith Zill
James Atencio aka JR is Brainstorm Academy’s easy-going guy. He’s understanding, supportive, and always there when you need him. When JR isn’t on his timekeeping duties at the Academy (our 10-minute breaks are very important around here!), you can find him dog walking and house sitting in his neighborhood. On his off time, JR enjoys spending quality time with his family and traveling.
We congratulate JR on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to his advancement in our E.S.S. (Empowerment through Soft Skills) program!
Matthew "Matt" Ballon is Brainstorm Academy’s mad genius. His singular, albeit crazed, creative vision explodes from the screen, usually demanding a re-watch. Expect action-packed, slapstick classics ready to fill any room with laughter. As a storyboard artist, his knack for dynamic camera angles and kinetic, character-based storytelling is truly something to behold. Look out Hollywood, here he comes.
We congratulate Matt on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!
Juan Narajas aka JB is Brainstorm Academy’s resident Cool Guy. When the going gets tough, the tough get going - in JB’s case, with a trademark mustache-hoodie combo. Even with the Academy’s particular brand of cartoony-chaos, JB keeps a level head, cracks jokes, and supports his colleagues with ease. As a storyboard artist, his comedic approach to drawing makes for instantly recognizable work.
We congratulate JB on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!
Ruby Heathman aka Riff is Brainstorm Academy’s student-teacher. They’re rarely caught off guard by class instructions and always happy to help their colleagues. An autodidact, a Brony, and a force to be reckoned with, Riff has earned plenty of ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ after showcasing their creative work. They’re looking to be an independent filmmaker, so keep an eye out for a few Oscars. Don’t forget the little people, Riff!
We congratulate Riff on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!
Jose Najar is Brainstorm Academy’s film buff. He’s seen everything you’ve heard of, and everything you haven’t. As a storyboard artist, his passion for cinema is practically oozing from his story art and writing.
We congratulate Jose on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!
Gabriel Nelson is Brainstorm Academy’s resident Funny Guy. As a character designer and animator, he quietly produces work at an alarming rate, overflowing with originality. If he says, "your shoe’s untied," expect to be booped.
We congratulate Gabriel on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!
Emmanuel Patterson aka Emmy is Brainstorm Academy’s art book librarian. His passion for comic books and Saturday morning cartoons are clearly represented in his original art. As a storyboard artist, he dreams of becoming a director or a show-runner, and can’t wait to have his very own art book published.
We congratulate Emmy on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!
Faith Zill aka Tam is Brainstorm Academy’s most prolific conversationalist. They’re the first to compliment their colleagues on a job well done. As a character designer, they have a passion for all things cute and internet-y!
We congratulate Tam on graduating from Brainstorm Academy and look forward to their work as a Studio Artist at Brainstorm Productions!