Image Credit: Atlantic University
Atlantic University (AU) in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico is one of the only institutions of higher learning in the Caribbean dedicated to digital arts education. Not only does AU provide a variety of educational opportunities to the people of Guaynabo and surrounding areas, but it also fills the much-needed demand for digital artists entering the workforce who are educated and trained with the right skills and knowledge to make valuable contributions at their place of work, to themselves, their families and society as a whole.
Today's digital art students
are tomorrow's industry leaders.
Mighty Pen
Whether teaching a course in animation, illustration, or game development, digital pen usage is a requirement in today's world. Pens are a natural tool for classical artists and something everybody understands. In the digital world the pen is truly mighty as it offers, through software, precision, style options, multiple colors, and other multi-tasking elements that cannot be duplicated with a traditional pen. To say today's digital pen is user-friendly would be an understatement. “Tablets and pen displays become more than a canvas to paint on.At Atlantic we illustrate, model, edit, build 3D worlds, and collaborate with these technologies, adds Montilla. “We have been gradually phasing in the use of pen displays and tablets to more labs each year, and our students and faculty love them. Colors can be calibrated, strokes are manipulated, and functionalities programmed to the user's need and style. Plus, they are beautiful, adding sophistication and esthetics to our lab design.”
Xencelabs Makes the Grade
AU's focus on emerging technologies and finding digital pen input devices that aligned with their demanding criteria led them to the purchase of a significant volume of Xencelabs Pen Display 24s and Pen Tablets. Mr. Montilla and other members of the staff were immediately drawn to the quality of the materials used and ergonomics in building the devices. “First impressions are everything and unboxing the tablets and pen displays was an experience that generated a <
Offering the very best to students is a testament to a caring and dedicated administration, faculty,and alumni. Atlantic University ticks all these boxes and more. Technology is a passport to discovering new ways to create and get things done, but ultimately it is the artist who brings out the best in technology. Atlantic University totally understands this and, through its actions and outlook, is preparing its digital art students to follow their passions and share their creativity with the world.
Drawing on Technology for Digital Arts
AU offers nine bachelor's degree programs in graphic design, animation, video game art and programming, and emerging technologies, as well three master's degree programs. Additionally, AU is very hands-on with technology and keeps in close contact with industry experts to constantly expand, redesign and strengthen their academic offerings. “Having the right hardware, software and expertise are crucial to our success,” says Fernando J. Montilla, Chief Innovation Officer of Atlantic University. “There is also a convergence such as what we are seeing with Virtual Production, which combines Video Game Development, 3D Animation and Digital Cinematography. By concentrating on these three pillars, we claim a stake in this important ecosystem and our students can take all they learned and apply it professionally.”
Embracing Technology
The staff and students at AU are not intimidated by technology. They embrace it. When AU built its motion capture lab in 2005, their peers thought the move might be a bit premature. Fast forward almost 20 years and AU finds itself in the enviable position of being way ahead of the competition. “We like to expose our students to technology that becomes standard in the industry,” continues Montilla. “We introduce new technologies strategically, then we evaluate equipment performance by listening to our students and faculty, the end users, to see what works and what doesn't before deciding to expand or vet.” It is clear that AU is doing all the right things to prepare students for the future by making sure the technology is helping them leap forward, not backward.
“We have been gradually phasing in the use of pen displays and tablets to more labs each year, and our students and faculty love them. Colors can be calibrated, strokes are manipulated, and functionalities programmed to the user's need and style. Plus, they are beautiful, adding sophistication and esthetics to our lab design.”
Fernando J. Montilla Chief Innovation Officer Atlantic University
Xencelabs Products
Our priority is to offer quality products at an affordable price, giving teachers and students access to the tools they need for success in subjects including math, science, and the creative arts.
*All our products include the: Kensington® Security Slots
Xencelabs Pen Display 24
(1) Pen Display 24
Quick Keys
Tilt Stand
3 Button Pen
Thin Pen
Pen Case
Quick Key Clip
Pen Clips
Rubber Feet
Nibs (6 Standrd/ 4 Felt)
Drawing Glove
Cables & Adapters
Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle
(1) Pen Tablet Medium
Quick Keys
3 Button Pen
Thin Pen
Pen Case
Nibs (6 Standrd/ 4 Felt)
Drawing Glove
Cables & Adapters
Tablet Sleeve
Xencelabs EDU Pack
(10) Pen Tablets Medium
(15) 3 Button Pens
(5) Nib Ring Extractors
(100) Nibs (Standard)
(10) Cables
Storage Case
To learn more about Atlantic University's academics, please visit: www.atlanticu.edu
For more information on Xencelabs and our family of products for education visit us at - xencelabs.com
