STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES
At Pixel Blue College, success isn’t just about earning a diploma — it’s about launching a creative career you’re passionate about. See some of our incredible graduates who are shaping the future in the creative industries.
// GRAPHIC DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
JOSH POSTY
Founder & Creative Director, CUSP
STORY
Josh Posty, co-founder of CUSP, uses the skills he learned at Pixel Blue — from branding to digital media — to lead creative projects for clients worldwide. His journey shows how the program equips graduates to turn their passion into a thriving career.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"Pixel Blue gave me the foundation I needed to grow as both a designer and a leader. The Graphic Design & Photography program pushed me to master skills in branding, layout, and digital tools, but also taught me how to think creatively and strategically. Those lessons were key in co-founding Cusp, where I now work on projects with clients from all over the world. What I learned here didn’t just prepare me for a job—it gave me the tools to build a career I’m passionate about."
KALEY-LYNN HEWITT
Owner & Wedding Photographer, Briar Rose Photography
STORY
Kaley-Lynn Hewitt turned her passion for photography into a successful career with Briar Rose Photography. The design and business skills she gained at Pixel Blue gave her the tools to build her brand, attract clients, and run her own full-time photography business.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"When I joined the Graphic Design & Photography program at Pixel Blue, I knew I loved photography, but I wasn’t sure how to turn that passion into something real. The program gave me so much more than just technical skills—it taught me design, branding, and marketing, which have been invaluable in starting and growing Briar Rose Photography. Thanks to what I learned, I had the confidence to launch my own business, build a brand, and now work with clients I love every day."
MARTIN VU
Graphic Designer, Vu Media Lab
STORY
Martin Vu turned his love for visual storytelling into a career in design with the help of Pixel Blue’s Graphic Design & Photography program. The program gave him hands-on experience in branding, digital media, layout, and photography, while also teaching him how to approach design strategically. Today, Martin works as a Graphic Designer at Vu Media Lab, where he creates powerful visual campaigns and collaborates with a team to bring brands to life.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"Pixel Blue gave me the space and support to grow as a designer, both technically and creatively. The program covered so many different aspects of design—from photography and branding to digital media—that I left not only with a portfolio but also with the confidence to take on real-world projects. That foundation has been invaluable as I’ve built my career and continue to push my creative boundaries at Vu Media Lab."
// 2D ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION
HUNTER MURRAY
Digital Designer,
West Edmonton Mall
STORY
Before enrolling at Pixel Blue, Hunter Murray had a deep passion for drawing but wasn’t sure how to turn it into a career. Through the 2D Animation & Illustration program, he gained hands-on skills in character design, storyboarding, and digital illustration that transformed his creativity into professional expertise. Hunter applied these skills and now works as a Digital Production Designer and Illustrator for West Edmonton Mall’s Galaxyland, powered by Hasbro—bringing characters and experiences to life for thousands of visitors.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
“The 2D Animation & Illustration program taught me everything from character design and expression sheets to storyboarding, animation, and digital illustration techniques. The hands-on projects gave me real experience bringing characters and scenes to life. The mentorship from the instructors helped me refine my workflow and creative problem-solving. As a Digital Production Designer and Illustrator for Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall, I use those skills every day to create engaging experiences for visitors.”
BRIANNA ROSE
Assistant Gallery Curator, Freelance Artist
STORY
Before Pixel Blue Brianna was working as a part-time receptionist at a tattoo shop, slowly easing into a mentorship under the owners. However, once the opportunity to move from Prince George BC, to Edmonton, and to attend college came into view, she jumped ship and made the big move.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"My time at Pixel Blue was amazing. Though older than most of my classmates, I felt like it was easier to learn and connect with Scott, Buck and Tony as well as help mentor my classmates (while also learning so much from them in return!). Pixel Blue is about creating. Creating art, yes, but also friendships, powerful connections, and so much more."
CHRISTOPHER TWIN
Illustrator and Cartoonist
STORY
Before coming to Pixel Blue Christopher had taken the Fine Art program at Grant MacEwan. He had done a few illustration and cartooning jobs and wanted to find a program more focused on those skills. He found the the projects and environment at Pixel Blue to be great at simulating actual jobs to prepare the students. Although he already had an art background he learned many new things from the instructors. He is now working on his second graphic novel while doing freelance work.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"Pixel Blue gives a great entry point into many creative fields."
// 3D ANIMATION & VISUAL EFFECTS
KENNETH PITT
Founder and 3D Modeler, RealmVault | Founder and COO, XP Association
STORY
Before Pixel Blue, I served 14 years in the Canadian Forces as an Information Systems Technician. After leaving the military, I decided to pursue 3D modeling full-time and enrolled at Pixel Blue to build my creative and technical foundation. Since graduating, I have worked on VR training environments and 3D assets for companies like Illumia labs, started freelancing under the name RealmVault, and co-founded XP Association, a not-for-profit focused on strengthening Alberta’s creative industry and connecting artists, students, and studios.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"The 3D Animation & VFX program at Pixel Blue helped build my skills in industry-standard tools including Maya, Substance Painter, and Unreal Engine and gave me the creative foundation I needed to successfully transition into the 3D industry."
MOLLY RECEVEUR
Graphic Artist, vrCAVE
STORY
I always knew that I wanted to go into some sort of art career, however before Pixel Blue I hadn't understood how vast that job description could really be. Pixel Blue's approach as a condensed course gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about the different corners of the industry while honing my skills as an artist. Through the 2D illustration and animation course, I was able to learn about design fundamentals and motion which I then applied in my time as a 3D modelling and illustration student. Now, working as a graphic artist with Virtual Reality developers, I'm able to use both my 2D and 3D skills to my advantage. While my work is predominantly 2D at the moment, because of my hands on experience with 3D I have a much deeper understanding of how to create appealing designs that can be used within XR limitations.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"The instructors at Pixel Blue are so incredibly helpful when it comes to providing personalized feedback, whether it be on projects or personal works. Through their feedback, I was able to hone my skills and become a better artist. I the program with little to no understanding of how industry tools like Photoshop, ToonBoom, Autodesk Maya, Z-Brush and Substance Painter worked. However, after my time at Pixel Blue I not only felt like I understood the programs, but that should I want to experiment or need to troubleshoot in the future, I had the fundamental knowledge to figure things out myself. "
GRYFFEN ALGOT
Assistant Gallery Curator, Freelance Artist
STORY
My passion for 3D art stemmed from playing sandbox games as a kid, and at 15 years old I started teaching myself blender. 5 Years later I received word of an arts college in Edmonton, and I decided to follow my passion.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"My experience as an arts student at Pixel Blue changed not only how I approach and build projects, but also how to approach being an artist and building up the newly found confidence to be able to enter the workforce.
I've learned how to navigate industry standard software as well as sharpening my pre-existing skills in said software, and achieved success outside my own scope through asset marketplaces, freelance work, tech startup employment, and VFX development in the film industry."
// AUDIO ENGINEERING & MUSIC PRODUCTION
NOEL WYSOCKI (TRIPPZ)
Musician / Music Producer
STORY
Noel, professionally known as Trippz, entered Pixel Blue College with a passion for music and a clear creative vision, but wanted the technical skills and industry knowledge to elevate his sound. Through the Audio Engineering & Music Production program, Noel refined his production workflow, developed a deeper understanding of recording and mixing, and gained hands-on experience working in professional studio environments. Since graduating, he has continued to grow as a producer and musician, releasing his debut album and building his presence within the local and online music community.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
““Pixel Blue helped me take my ideas and turn them into finished, professional tracks. I learned how to work efficiently in the studio, collaborate with other artists, and really understand the technical side of production. That foundation gave me the confidence to keep pushing my music forward after graduating.”
LUKE DIEHL
Audio Engineer
STORY
My first foray into music started in school band, where I got to experiment with different woodwinds like the flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet, and even dabbled in percussion. Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I fell in love with video game music and the clever ways composers worked within the technical limits of the time.
After a few years, I realized I was more interested in creating music than performing it. I got a laptop and a copy of Reason, and with some basic music theory under my belt, I spent much of my student life as a hobbyist composer. I collaborated with university contacts on live shows, built ambient backgrounds, and shared a few pieces online, all while completing my Biology degree.
A few years after graduating, I decided to take my audio work more seriously and turn my self-taught skills into a real career. That’s how I discovered Pixel Blue College. The Audio Program gave me the tools to take my sound to the next level, improving my mixing, mastering, sound design, and understanding of the business side of audio.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"The Audio Program at Pixel Blue was a huge turning point for me. On a technical level, learning proper mixing gave my music a major boost, and now I’m able to help others achieve cleaner, more professional sound in their own projects. The program also gave me the confidence to put my work out into the world and to step outside my comfort zone by offering my services to others. I learned how important it is to network and stay visible, because no one will find your work if you don’t put yourself out there. Throughout the course, I was eager to learn, and my instructor Shayne matched that energy every step of the way. He went above and beyond with his instruction and feedback, which really helped me grow. I think anyone who has the drive to learn, accept criticism, and take chances to grow will come out of this program with the skills and confidence to succeed!
Since finishing at Pixel Blue, I’ve had the confidence to collaborate with animators and game developers, mix and master my own work, and continue honing my craft. I’m currently writing and producing a short fiction podcast series alongside my partner, exploring storytelling through immersive audio. I’m always looking for new opportunities to learn, grow, and help others create unforgettable audio experiences."
MACEY MARSHALL
Musician
STORY
Pixel Blue was such an amazing learning experience for me. I feel that the Audio program didn’t just help me further my production skills, it made me grow as an artist as well. I was able to work alongside many talented and hardworking students and create some very important connections throughout. Since the program, I have released an EP, most of which was written and produced myself, with the exception of two songs being collaborated on by my fellow classmates. Currently, I am still writing and producing new music while performing at local venues most weekends.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
"My instructor knew from day one that I wasn’t looking to be just a music producer, but that I wanted to be the artist on the tracks I was producing. With every song or project that was submitted, he not only gave me critiques on how to further my production skills, he also helped me immensely to be the best singer I could be for the specific track I was working on. He helped me navigate through Logic Pro as that is the software I felt most comfortable using, and got me to do countless vocal stems to make sure that my vocals were the best quality they could be for the track in question."
JOIN OUR ONLINE INFO SESSION!
Learn more about our Digital Arts and Media Diploma Programs and chat with our instructors to see if Pixel Blue College is the right fit for you. Click on the link below to sign up!