Often, as humans, we find it hard to follow our dreams. Maybe we find ourselves in a rut, or the road looks too challenging, for any variety of reasons. Or maybe we think it’s too late, and we’re comfortable enough where we are in life. As husband to wife, Laura, and father of a 14-year-old son, Callie, Todd Uttley didn’t think it was too late. After having enough of jobs like a restaurant manager or car mechanic, Todd decided it was time to pursue his passion: art. He had been showing paintings in galleries on the side, but in order to make a career in electronic art, he knew he would need to head back to school. And so he did.
However, that’s certainly more easily said than done, especially when considering the responsibilities of a family and the financial and time commitment of higher education.
When asked what it’s like juggling the work of a full-time student and that of a true “grown-up” home life, Todd says, “It’s nuts.”
But with earning a spot on the Dean’s List every quarter last year and this year a recipient of the Dean’s scholarship, he seems to be managing just fine. After earning his Associate’s degree of Electronic Media and a certificate of Animation here at Raymond Walters, Todd is looking to transfer to DAAP and finish his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electronic Art.
On top of that, Todd works hard (and earns high staff appraisal) as the Electronic Media program’s intern, plays in a punk band, and volunteers for organizations like ABOC and the Carcole House. You can find his work in the upcoming DVD releases by the eMedia program, which he helped animate and edit. And you can also check out his band, “Meow Mo Fo?” he said with smiling hesitation when I asked its name, not sure if we could print the actual one. They’ll be playing Saturday, February 9, at The Murmur, “a new, kind of underground gallery on Beakman Street,” he describes.
So check him out and take some notes. He’ll show you how to chase your dreams, and how it’s worth it.