From CCS Classroom to Disney+ Animation Studio: CCS Assistant Professor of Illustration Betsy Bauer is Defying Time Zones and Training Creatives

“It sounds cheesy, but my genuine favorite thing about teaching is giving back to the next generation of students. I grew up in the Midwest, and many people thought I was really foolish for pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. When I was in school, I would have loved to have had a professor who was doing the exact work I wanted to be doing. I think serving as an example and helping shine light on the path to make that dream come true for others is the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.”

In 2019, Betsy was booked as a guest speaker at CCS and then applied to an open faculty position. She credits those early experiences as leaving her with a strong connection to the CCS community. That positive impression has carried into her passion for developing coursework that resonates with students.  “My favorite class to teach is Intro to Visual Development.” Betsy explains that she developed this course during her first year teaching at CCS and feels it has streamlined into its most effective version. “The great part of that class is that students not only get an overview into what it means to create design work for an animation studio but they also each leave with a portfolio project they can use for future opportunities.” When you ask her how she manages to juggle working two full-time jobs on opposite sides of the country, she explains that she believes each role feeds the other. “Working with students and seeing their excitement about the work really does remind me of how exciting this truly is, and it keeps me from taking my studio opportunity for granted.”

And while Betsy feels lucky to be teaching at CCS, the College is grateful she is a part of the CCS family. Tim Flattery, Provost, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer applauds Bauer’s skill and inside knowledge of the industry. “Betsy is an incredible and unique professor at CCS. Her experience as a VisDev Artist and Art Director in the animation industry brings students current and valuable expertise in all areas of instruction. Her insight strengthens the curriculum and experiential learning for the College as a whole and within the Illustration department.” 

Outside of work, you will find Betsy spending time outdoors, cooking and being a professional photographer of her two dogs – all fueling her creative ability to bring emotive animated characters to life.  To learn more about CCS’s Illustration department please visit https://www.ccsdetroit.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/illustration/.