Life moves pretty fast when you’re watching customers test the limits of Applebee’s "All You Can Eat Riblets" promotion.

Except it doesn’t move fast. It moves slow. Actually, slower than slow. It moves at a speed that makes tortoises look like hares. At least that’s what it felt like for Jessica Butler.

Jessica worked at Applebee’s for eight years – first while as an undergrad at the University of Oregon (her first degree) in Eugene, then when she moved to Portland. Eventually, Jessica enrolled in the Media Arts and Animation program, from which she graduated in 2010.

Interestingly, her animation career began with a failed interview at Bent Image Lab. While she didn’t get the job, she made a good enough impression that Bent called her the next time there was an opening. Before long other companies in town were asking Jessica to do work for them. Sometimes it was glamorous work; other times it was catering for a company party. She took PA jobs even when it meant she wouldn’t have time to sleep between Applebee’s, working on set and going to class. At all times Jessica looked at opportunities to make a name for herself in this small animation town.

Nowadays Jessica is a Producer for Hive-FX, where she manages a team of 3D artists while also cultivating relationships with high profile clients like Nike, R West, and Staircase Productions. When asked about the most impactful part of her education, Jessica takes note of her foundation classes and critiques. “As a producer, being able to understand and comment on an artist’s work intelligently is invaluable.”

Jessica sees the 3D world continuing to blossom in the future. “3D work is becoming more and more realistic and the demand is high. I expect the field to continue to grow exponentially with lighting and texture artists being the most valuable assets.”

As long as no one asks Hive to render 3D riblets, the future looks bright.