TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
With over 25 years of experience in the animation industry as an Animator, Animation Supervisor, and Animation Director at studios such as DreamWorks Animation, Nickelodeon Animation, and Rhythm & Hues Studios, I’ve learned that the most effective animation education balances technical precision with personal discovery.
My teaching philosophy centers around three guiding ideas:
DRAW FROM THE CORE
Draw from the Core
speaks to the need for a strong foundation. I emphasize the core principles of design and movement, of gesture, timing, composition, and performance as essential tools for animators. These are not just technical exercises, but the grammar of visual storytelling.
ANIMATE WITH INTENTION
Animate with Intention
encourages Animation students to go beyond surface-level motion.
I want them to understand character, emotion, and purpose—to ask not just how something moves, but why. Animation becomes most powerful when it is expressive and thoughtful, rooted in observation and refined through iteration.
CREATE WITH COURAGE
Create with Courage
reflects my commitment to cultivating risk-taking, experimentation, and the development of a personal voice. I create a learning environment where critique is constructive, failure is embraced as part of the process, and originality is celebrated. My goal is to empower Animators to push the boundaries and articulate their ideas with clarity and confidence.
Drawing from my background in both VFX and fully CG animation, I integrate real-world production methods into instruction—from character development and previsualization through final animation. I help students understand not only craft, but also professional workflows, collaboration, and the adaptability required in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.
Ultimately, I view teaching as a creative exchange. I learn as much from my students as they do from me. It’s in that mutual engagement that growth happens— and where future innovators in animation begin to take shape.
~ CJ Sarachene
Teaching Experience
Professional Training
DreamWorks Animation — Head of Character Animation Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie - Directed animation teams across CG and VFX production - Created Show Bibles and Character Presentations for Partner Studios to help keep continuity and expectations of project Nickelodeon Animation — Animation Director Star Trek: Prodigy - Directed episodic animation for broadcast - Supervised overseas teams; established animation style and workflow Tau Films — Head of Animation / Animation Director - Led animation production across films, commercials, and ride films - Managed hiring, scheduling, and project delivery Rhythm & Hues Studios — Animation Supervisor & Lead Animator - Mentored international teams - Established Advanced Animation curriculum - Conducted internal training programs - Supervised animation on major VFX feature films
As a dedicated training professional, I have developed curricula specifically designed to meet the animation needs of studios.
I have trained and mentored animators, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in their roles.
I take pride in the fact that my students have become successful animators and supervisors in the industry.
As an Animation Supervisor and Director, I've guided animators through various projects, providing support and constructive feedback to enhance their creative processes and foster their growth.
My commitment to employee development and team building has significantly contributed to the team's overall performance, success, and collaboration.
R&H On-line Learning Management System (RHULMS)
Animation Mentor
College of the Canyons
Joe Kubert School of Graphic Art
Established and maintained Learning Management System for Animation used to train the internal tools and workflow to new and current staff. Content available on-line and assessments carried out periodically to gauge level of skills.
Critiqued Animation of students of Character and Creature Animation enrolled at Animation Mentor online Animation School .
Professor - Intro to Animation/Maya.
Created curriculum and taught the basics of Maya for college students.
Professor - Intro to 2D Animation Techniques
Professor - 2D Animation Layout