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Matthew-Ryan Benzinger
Color Designer
Professional Background
Matthew-Ryan Benzinger is a highly skilled color designer with over four years of experience in the ever-evolving landscape of animation. He began his career by contributing to the first three seasons of the acclaimed animated series ‘Big Mouth’, where he honed his expertise in color design. His impressive portfolio further includes work on notable projects such as ‘Green Eggs and Ham’, ‘Human Resources’, and most recently, ‘Fairfax’. Matthew's journey in animation is characterized by his production-minded approach, making him a valuable asset in any collaborative creative environment. His background in animation production has equipped him with a versatile skill set, enhancing his communication, organizational abilities, and eye for continuity which promotes a consistent visual storytelling experience.
Matthew's artistic process is defined by a deep understanding of Photoshop, where he has mastered the art of file handling. By creating custom Photoshop actions, he ensures an expedited coloring process while maintaining a uniform quality throughout his work. His dedication to efficiency and consistency demonstrates his commitment to producing high-quality results in a fast-paced animation industry.
Education and Achievements
Matthew holds a BA in Digital Media Studies from Pitzer College, providing him with a comprehensive foundation in both the technical aspects of media as well as the artistic principles of animation. His educational background complements his hands-on experience, making him adept at navigating the multifaceted world of animation.
From the very start of his career, Matthew placed substantial importance on learning from seasoned professionals in the industry. His growth began in the creative environment fostered by his grandmother, who was an art teacher at Pasadena High School. Under her guidance, he developed a passion for drawing cartoons and animation, which set him on the path to pursue his dreams in the animation field. This formative experience led him to a specialized high school media program and ultimately paved the way for a coveted internship at Warner Bros. Animation, marking the official beginning of his professional journey in animation.
Personal Interests
Outside of his professional endeavors, Matthew-Ryan Benzinger maintains a lifelong love for animation and cartoons. He enthusiastically recalls his childhood memories of watching cartoons every Saturday morning and collecting a vast assortment of clamshell VHS tapes. A highlight from his childhood includes watching ‘Pinky and the Brain’ as a family, instilling a sense of communal joy and appreciation for animated storytelling. Furthermore, the imagination and creativity offered by shows like ‘Gundam Wing’ continue to inspire him.
In addition to his work in animation, Matthew enjoys his downtime by engaging in Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) and playing video games with his wife. His current favorite game, Hitman, showcases his love for immersive storytelling and strategic thinking, reflecting the qualities he brings to his work as a color designer. Ultimately, Matthew-Ryan Benzinger is not just a professional in his field but also a passionate enthusiast who celebrates the creativity of animated storytelling on all fronts.
