PART 3: Cellular Wonders and Adam Zunder
Earlier this summer, a few of our esteemed Microbes flew out to Las Vegas to attend and present at the annual Association of Medical Illustrators Conference. Senior Medical Animator/Technical Director Eric Small, Medical Animators Susie Yun, and Adam Zunder each share their experiences in this last in a series of three articles.
In the scorching desert heat of July, I had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) conference held in Henderson, Nevada. As a representative of MadMicrobe Studios, I was thrilled to finally meet face-to-face with colleagues I had been collaborating with remotely for nearly two years, and to network with other contemporaries in the field.
The highlight of the conference was the full-day Cinema4D workshop that I co-facilitated alongside my friend, Jack Nelson. Our workshop, titled “Make those Models Move! Rigging and Animation Techniques,” drew a diverse group of attendees eager to delve into the world of 3D animation. While Jack focused on the macro (rigging gross anatomy and surgical tools), my area of expertise centered on the micro, where I broke down various cellular animation techniques used in a hypothetical MOD animation explaining the pathophysiology of osteoporosis.
The workshop presented its own unique challenges as the attendees came from varied backgrounds, showcasing a wide range of familiarity with Cinema4D and 3D animation. To ensure everyone could benefit from the experience, Jack and I adapted our teaching style on the fly, catering to the needs of each individual in the room. The engagement from the attendees was palpable, and the appreciation they expressed for our efforts was both humbling and gratifying.
Beyond the workshops, the talks at the AMI conference were equally captivating, delivering valuable insights and knowledge on medical illustration and related fields.
Despite the desert heat, the conference provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the field. The camaraderie and shared dedication to the craft fostered an inspiring atmosphere that left me feeling motivated and excited about the future of the profession.
What’s more, a few colleagues and I extended our trip to visit the breathtaking Zion National Park in Utah. We saw some absolutely breathtaking views, and capped the trip off with a magnificent double rainbow (all the way across the sky)!
Overall, the AMI conference has solidified my resolve to attend more industry events in the future, seeking further growth, networking, and the chance to contribute to the advancement of the field of medical illustration/animation.
