The essence of Sean’s career has been a broad-ranging interest in all aspects of design for film, television and other screen media. His career prior to teaching spans a wealth of experience, beginning as co-founder of his own production company, Meaningful Eye Contact (MEC), with Alex Proyas and Peter Miller. Sean quickly garnered a reputation for eye-catching visuals and inventive concepts. While producing music video clips for high profile acts such as INXS, Crowded House, and Fleetwood Mac, Sean developed a passion for the disciplines of production design, art direction, graphics and animation that would become instrumental in his future career.

During this period Sean received an AFI nomination for “Best Art Direction” for his work on Alex Proyas’ post-apocalyptic gothic fantasy feature Spirits of the Air, Gremlins of the Clouds. MEC were also the recipients of a number of music video awards through the eighties.

Having turned freelance, Sean continued to work on numerous television commercials, music videos, television productions and several more feature films. Animation and motion graphics had always been an important part of his practice, but in 2001 Sean made the decision to leave Production Design and focus on these areas whilst undertaking a Masters in Design at UTS.

Since then he has undertaken a range of work including infographic animation, screen graphics, museum interactives, collaborations on broadband and mobile platform content, and personal projects. Prior to accepting the role as Head of Animation and Game Development at JMC Academy, Sean taught animation, video design and screen-based media at UTS for over twenty years.

Az Valastro is a Game Developer and Artist, who previously studied Game Design at JMC Academy. They have a passion for all areas within both digital and tabletop game development. Outside of lecturing at JMC Academy, they develop and release card and digital games independently with their brother, through the business they run together. 

Shaye Hayes is a creative lecturer in Game Design, Animation and Design. Outside of lecturing, Shaye is involved in games entertainment.

Shaye has also published a paper on the principles of immersion for virtual reality and is currently working on her master's degree.

Mathew is a 3D artist and Lecturer specialising in Modelling and digital Clothing with a passion for all things VFX and their processes. Mathew has spent years developing a solid understanding of various 3D applications, including modelling in Maya/Arnold, texture painting in Substance painter and clothing creation in CLO/Marvellous Designer. 

Carlos has worked as a creative in the entertainment industry for over a decade, during this time he has worn many hats and lent his skills to various projects. These projects range from product launches to coincide with Blockbuster movie release to bespoke artwork for use at Australia’s leading Entertainment parks. One of his biggest passions is character illustration and visual storytelling, and now looks to pass on all he has learned to the next generation of creative. Currently he holds a position as the Senior Product Developer at Village Roadshow Themeparks.

P.S Although he can’t confirm or deny, it has been rumoured that he moonlights as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Body double.

Tamara is a 2D animator and Motion Designer with a strong background based in traditional arts such as painting and life drawing.

Outside of teaching Tamara freelances as both an animator and motion designer which has provided many opportunities for her to work on a variety of exciting projects in collaboration with fellow artists in the creative industries. Specifically, projects utilising her skills in 2D character rigging, illustration, branding design, 2D FX animation, infographic animation, and various motion design projects for mobile and web applications.  

In addition to she has also gained experience in production coordination both internally on projects within JMC Academy’s Animation and Games department and externally within studios such as Rising Sun Pictures. 

Outside of the creative industries Tamara has previously had the privilege of working within the health and education sector working with young people at risk and guiding them in positive life choices and fostering secure supportive relationships. She and applies this commitment and experience to her education delivery within JMC Academy and enjoys developing the skills and creativity of young up and coming artists. 

Tim McEwen draws on his broad experience in feature film storyboards and concept art (Happy Feet Two, Blinky Bill, Wolf Creek 2), as well as comic books, illustration, and cartooning. He's been published professionally since he was 17, has featured in 22 exhibitions domestically and internationally, and has been nominated and shortlisted many times for numerous awards, including three times for Best Comic Book Artist in the Australian Cartoonists’ Association's prestigious Stanley Awards. In 2018 he received the Platinum Ledger Award for contributions to the Australian comics scene.

He's been the director of the Comics Art Awards of Australia, a committee member for the Australian Cartoonists' Association, founding art director of Supanova Pop Culture Expo, as well as being a featured guest at numerous conventions, and an expert speaker at numerous events. He's also an art director and graphic designer with 30+ years of experience.

Tim has lectured at JMC in Sydney for nine years, and has previously lectured at the University of Western Sydney. He continues to work in his chosen professions, illustrating books, providing storyboards, and working on his internationally distributed, award-winning comic series ‘Greener Pastures’.

Brendan is a multi-platform developer and the Founder of Sydney-based game studio Blue Volcano, a game and multimedia company to challenge the way we play. Brendan has presented personal and commercial projects globally within the augmented reality, virtual reality, and live performance gaming spaces including at The National Maritime Museum in Sydney, National Museum of Singapore, SXSW Festival, Tokyo Game Show, and PAX AUS.

He is always seeking creative projects that give participants new experiences using emerging technologies. In addition to his creative game and music endeavours he also enjoys teaching programming, prototyping, 3D animation, and game design at JMC Academy in Sydney.

Brendan completed his studies at the University of Technology, Sydney, and Kyushu University, Japan including a Masters of Animation, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.