About | SVAA

Teachers

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Mateja Jager

Mateja Jager is a Slovenian illustrator and designer, passionate about picture books. Her first two books were published in Slovenia, and her illustrations have appeared on greeting cards and in magazines. Her most recent illustrated book, "Paper-Flower Girl," written by Margrete Lamond and published in Australia, was awarded as an Honour Book in the 2024 CBCA Picture Book of the Year.

Mateja is currently illustrating two books that are set to be published in 2025 and 2026.

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Robert Qiu

Robert is a leading animation art director and production designer, with over 30 years experience working on both local and international films and TV series, including; “Peter Rabbit 1 and 2, The Legend of the Secret Pass’, ‘Blinky Bill’ and ‘Animalia’. Robert has extensive teaching experience in Shanghai University and has been teaching at Sydney Visual Arts Academy for over five years. We are honoured to have him share his skills and passion with our students.

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Se Jong Park :Director

Se Jong Park is a Korean-Australian film director, published illustrator and experienced teacher.

Se Jong's internationally acclaimed short animation, ‘Birthday Boy’,, has been shown in over 100 international film festivals and has won more than 40 awards, including the British Academy Film and Television Award (BAFTA) and an OSCAR® nomination. His work has been published and televised around the world and has been presented at Pixar, Disney animation, DreamWorks, Lucas Film, South Korean and Australian national parliaments. He has worked on animation projects in the USA and Australia, including; ‘Shrek the Third’, ‘Shrek the Hall’ and ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’.

Se Jong’s illustrations have been widely published in Australia and abroad, in such publications as, 'The Australian', the 'Sydney Morning Herald', 'The Bulletin' and Telstra.

Se Jong holds a Bachelor in Visual Arts and Master of Arts in Digital Media (Animation) and has been teaching since 1990.

Comments

"Se Jong is one of the best illustrators I've seen in Australia. His staggering achievement as an animation filmmaker speaks for itself."

- Jeff Young, Creative Director, The Bulletin, ACP publication

"I was Se Jong's matte painting lecturer during his MA degree. During the course, he became my teacher and good friend"

- Mathew Urmeniharzi, Creative Director, FOX sports, Australia

"The Jury awarded Best Animated Film to 'Birthday Boy' because of its captivating and expert storytelling and filmmaking."

- Chris, Chair, SIGRAPH, - Professor, New York university, USA

“It is clear that Park will be a talent worth keeping an eye on, not only for his strong, beautiful visual style, but for the simple fact that he is a talented and astute storyteller with a unique perspective to share.”

-Tim Milful, Culture & the Media review.