Jeff Poulin

This month we’re focusing in on FIDM grad, Jeff Poulin. Jeff has a job in one of the most exciting careers around, Graphic Design!

When Jeff graduated in 2000, FIDM’s Career Center snagged him an internship with Universal Studios. Once Universal had the chance to see his potential, they quickly brought him on as a permanent employee – where he’s been ever since. Only 23, Jeff is the youngest person at his level in his entire division. As Creative Coordinator for Universal Studios’ Consumer Products Group, he manages and art directs licensed-character properties like Curious George, The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch.

Jeff is responsible for product approval and brand management. He works with licensees (such as advertising firms, publishing companies and manufacturers), reviewing their work to ensure that it meets all brand standards. He creates style guides for licensed properties and develops new art as it’s needed for key properties. In addition, Jeff’s position includes management and budgeting.

Jeff recently wrapped up the production of two style guides: Curious George's Wish You Were Here and Woody Woodpecker Vintage, a program of redrawn classic Walter Lantz drawings from the 50s and 60s. Jeff served as Art Director on these two projects. He’s currently working as Assistant Art Director on two more style guides, Where the Wild Things Are and Van Helsing, a movie featuring new versions of the classic monsters, Wolfman, Dracula, and Frankenstein. It’s scheduled for release by Universal Pictures in 2004.

And talk about perks! In Jeff’s position as Creative Coordinator, he’s had the chance to meet funny man Mike Myers on the set of Cat in the Hat and he’s looking forward to meeting Maurice Sendak, the author and illustrator of the classic children’s book Where the Wild Things Are. Jeff says, "The raddest part of my job is that I can come here and do my work and have a good time. They’re coming to me for creative ideas and," he adds, "I can wear whatever I want to work."

"What’s interesting about FIDM is that they have the contacts and can hook you up with great job placements and job opportunities. It’s up to you then to make the most of what they have to give."

Jeff decided on FIDM because, "I knew that I had to go to college but I also knew that I wanted to do something artistic. A two-year program meant I could get in, learn my stuff and get out. FIDM's Graphic Design program gave me the skills to get into the business quickly and then springboard to other things." Jeff also noted, "FIDM is hardcore?you work hard and learn more than you ever thought possible."Jeff has this to say about the FIDM curriculum, "FIDM teaches students how to take your fine art sensibility and combine it with practicality – exactly why you're in graphic design." In fact, Jeff hires FIDM interns every semester and says of FIDM, "They just keep getting better and better and sending me more and more qualified people. It's great to see how they keep raising the bar."

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication