Design and Content Copyright Ryan W. Knope 2007

The Early Days to the Present:

I was not always into graphics, but I loved art.  I began drawing at age 4 with my grandmother, Fern Knope, a masterful artist.  She bought me Berol Colored Pencils, Sketch Pads, Painting supplies and more as I reached 9 years old.  We would draw for hours at her in-law apartment (Man - those the days). 

I had always been into drawing, painting, sketching and sculpting, but found a new art that rocked my world in 8th grade. My class took a field trip to the high school to check out the technology department and the classes that they offered.  That’s when I got a quick look at a class called Graphics.  As soon as I walked in the door witnessed the atmosphere and the activities, I fell in love and immediately said to myself "This is what I want to do for the rest of my life." I will never forget that day.

I enrolled in the Graphics class at Hilton Central High School during my Sophomore year and won the highest honor in the International Gutenberg Awards Competition for Computer Graphics and Printing.  I won two Best of Shows, two First Places and a Fifth place all in my first year of computer graphics.  This accomplishment had not been matched before and has not been matched since. I attribute the achievement to my instant enjoyment and love for this art that I will never loose. 

Shortly thereafter I began writing tutorials and articles for Rhinoceros 3D users and both print and online magazines such as: 3D Artist; 3D Luvr; 3D Site; Komodo Studios Mastering 3D Graphics and Creature Workshop; 3D Review; Charles River Publishing's Graphics Resource Club and many more.  I also co-wrote 3D Graphics Tutorial Collection, published by Charles River Publishing.

At that point, I decided to pay tribute to my country and serve in the United States Army. While training for Special Forces I was injured and sent home. Life resumed in computer graphics after my service in the Army...

I began working at 2 local sign shops in Rochester, NY. I also began freelance animation for Generative Learning Systems Inc. I was invited to serve as guest speaker at Rochester Institute of Technology on a few occasions to instruct college students in industry file formats and 3D modeling. I was later contacted by Rockland Studios and Hospitality Services Incorporated to join their team and lead them in a new direction, taking them from 2D Photoshop Elevations to detailed 3D visualization. I have since lead the company in a new era of interior and exterior visualization.

Ryan's Award Wall During 2004


 

 

 


 

I then worked at HSI and Rockland Studios as their Lead 3D Artist managing 3D production. After 2.5 years there my love, Krista and I decided to relocate to Denver after she had an offer from the National Park Service. I then received a job offer at world renowned Architectural design firm "RNL Design."

I also work with multiple companies on a freelance level, such as General Motors, Sara Lee, Petards Inc, Learn It Systems and more. For a client list please email me.

Pushing a career through dedication, know-how and experience through the past 12 years. The song remains the same. I hope you enjoyed the story.

Newspaper Article with Ryan W. Knope