Animating Success: Alex Payton’s Journey from the Academies to the Real World
“I’m very proud of how I got here. The pathway from the Academies to college to career is all about building experiences. That all started with the Academies. If graphic design wasn’t an option at my school, I wouldn’t have known it was an option. But I’m doing the job now. I’m an intern, and I enjoy it,” reports Alex Payton. As a 2023 graduate of Ballard High School, Alex just finished his first year at the University of Louisville and is now a summer intern with KentuckianaWorks. His start in the Academies at Ballard has launched this Bruins alumnus into a blossoming career in motion design.
After graduating with Ballard High School’s Class of 2023, Alex is a current University of Louisville student who is interning at KentuckianaWorks for the summer.
The Academies of Louisville, much like the dynamic field of motion graphics, blend various elements to create a transformative student experience through innovative approaches. The Academies of Louisville not only seek to prepare students for the ever-evolving job market, but they also combine classroom instruction with industry experts to expose students to potential pathways for their future careers.
Alex’s journey exemplifies the program’s effectiveness; starting in Ballard’s graphic design pathway within the Media Arts Academy, Alex developed a strong foundation in industry-standard software and design principles. His dedicated Media Arts teachers not only provided real-world instruction, but they also coordinated project-based learning experiences for their students.
Most memorably, the graphic design teams for LouCity FC & Racing Louisville FC sent a team of graphic designers to host a poster design competition, where the students designed posters that would be analyzed by LouCity & Racing Louisville representatives, with winning designs produced and distributed to attendees at games. Of this experience, Alex records, “The Academies set me up for success because I didn’t think you could have a career in graphic design. I thought it was more complicated than it really is. The LouCity people were really helpful. They came over and wanted to give everybody a good experience.”
Within the Media Arts Academy and its opportunities, Alex realized his passion for graphic design, so he entered college with a clear career goal. "I transitioned after high school into motion design. That's where I really found my interest," he says. During his first year of college, he began searching for relevant work opportunities within the industry through the Summerworks program, and he secured an internship with KentuckianaWorks. He explains the application process: "I applied, sent a cover letter, sent my resume, and they saw my portfolio. Then they accepted me."
His role as a motion design and video production specialist allows him to apply his skills in a professional setting. "I'm creating graphics that move along the screen, editing videos, and going around interviewing people," Alex describes. "I'm editing the clips, putting them into videos, and trying to make them more engaging by adding motion graphics." For Alex, this internship is more than just a summer job; it's an opportunity to build his resume and gain valuable industry experience.
Alex's journey from Ballard High School to his current internship at KentuckianaWorks exemplifies the success of the Academies of Louisville. By providing real-world experiences and industry connections, the Academies have transformed this Ballard Bruin into a budding motion designer poised to make waves in the industry. Alex's story vividly illustrates how the Academies of Louisville are fulfilling their mission, turning students' static dreams into motion-filled realities.
Check out Alex’s portfolio: ALEX’S PORTFOLIO.
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