Our History
CDW Studios School of Visual Effects and Entertainment Design has been running since 2011 and provides artists Australia wide with the most up to date and relevant education available to kickstart their career.
In 2016 we partnered with Flinders University to co-deliver the Bachelor of Visual Effects and Entertainment Design, a degree that combines the benefits of a university education with the practical, hands-on experience of working in industry.
All CDW Studios instructors are industry professionals who have worked for a range of international companies such as Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, Rising Sun Pictures, WETA, Wizards of the Coast and Lego among many others.
Our goal is to provide an intense learning experience combined with a friendly and encouraging atmosphere that caters to all skill levels. Our students learn in a realistic studio setting, with all classes delivered in a state of the art multimedia facility. In each class our instructors provide a live demonstration of the week’s task before offering individual advice and feedback to all students. Students not only receive individual art critique each week, but are also able to view their instructors workflow and techniques.
From 3D modeling to 2D character design, CDW Studios is the right place for anyone wishing to pursue a career in the visual effects and entertainment design industry.
Meet the Team
These are some of the key members of the team at CDW Studios. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the Degree and The Studio are a success.
Simon Scales
Simon is the founder and Director of CDW Studios. He has been working in the industry for over 15 years as an illustrator, environment designer, matte painter & concept artist. Clients include THQ, EA Games, LEGO, Mighty Kingdom, Animal Logic, Warner Bros and TT Games. His focus is now on further developing a world class education facility in Australia.
Zoe Awen
Zoe has worked in the industry for nearly two decades, bringing her wealth of experience in Marketing & Training to CDW Studios.
Phone: 0424 430 439
Email: zoe@cdwstudios.com
Jasmine Rossetto
Jasmine has provided administration, front of house and student support for CDW Studios since early 2016. Highly scrupulous, and has your best interests at heart. She has been working in administration roles for over 15 years and has a lifelong passion for animation, entertainment design, organization and performing arts.
Phone: 0406 635 897
Email: info@cdwstudios.com
Bryan Lee
Bryan has a background in industrial design and has been in industry creating designs for vehicles, mechs and tech. He has spent over 10 years in teaching, sharing his knowledge and expertise.
Now at CDW, he aims to create a fun but pragmatic environment to help facilitate students’ growth towards their goals.
Phone: 0413 963 184
Email: bryan.lee@cdwstudios.com
Minh Huynh
With a creative career spanning automotive colour & trim design, graphic design, and music, Minh brings a unique perspective to fostering artistic growth. She is passionate about championing the arts and the next generation of creatives on their unique paths. Minh will be on our socials sharing all of the CDW happenings!
Email: minh@cdwstudios.com
Jazz Fitzgerald-Hill
Jazz is an alumna of BCA-VEED, where she developed a profound love for all things design. She is an experienced freelance concept artist and illustrator in the video game industry. Now a full-time member of the CDW Studios team, she helps create a welcoming and nurturing environment for students, aiming to provide the life-changing educational experience she once received at CDW.
Phone: 0413 961 429
Email: jazz@cdwstudios.com
Ethan McKenna
A graduate of the BCA-VEED, Ethan has built his career as both a freelance concept artist and illustrator. He is passionate about mentoring students, and sparking their interest in art and design. Having recently relocated to our Sydney studio, Ethan is committed to fostering a dynamic learning environment that supports the next generation of artists.
Phone: 0413 961 429
Email: ethan@cdwstudios.com
Flinders University Staff
CDW Studios co-delivers the Bachelor of Visual Effects and Entertainment Design with Flinders University. These are some of the members of the Flinders that help to make the degree a reality.
Jason Bevan
Associate Professor and Course Coordinator for the Bachelor of Visual Effects & Entertainment Design. Jason’s technical expertise is in editing, compositing, and 3D animation software, although has a working knowledge of all areas of Animation, Visual Effects and Film Production.
Jason co-runs “The Void” at Flinders, ensuring all students in the VFX stream have access to world class expertise and equipment.
Email: jason.bevan@flinders.edu.au
Katie Cavanagh
Katie is instrumental in the partnership between CDW Studios & Flinders University, helping to shape the curriculum and ensuring the degree remains a success.
Shane Bevin
Co-founder of Adelaide animation studio Monkeystack, Shane has experience in animation project management, render wrangling, 3D production, virtual reality production and software management.
Shane has been a lecturer for many years & we are lucky to have his expertise in co-delivering the BCA-VEED.
Email: shane.bevin@flinders.edu.au
Dr Lauren Woolbright
Lauren Woolbright specialises in interactive media design, games, and Environmental Humanities. She seeks to produce meaningful mediated experiences through games, focusing on inclusive game design practices and environmental storytelling.
She teaches topics in VEED including Interaction Design and game design and runs the Games Research Lab at Flinders.