Meet CNA’s new Social Media Ambassador
When you think of someone who has worked on some of the biggest blockbuster movies in Hollywood, you might imagine them basking in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles. But for one former visual effects (VFX) artist, the next chapter of his story is unfolding not in a movie studio, but in a classroom at College of the North Atlantic (CNA) in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Meet CNA’s new Social Media Ambassador, Sumesh Gaur: a former 3D artist and modeler from New Delhi, India, with credits on Avengers: Infinity War, Wonder Woman 1984, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Godzilla: King of Monsters, and Pacific Rim Uprising, just to name a few. Now, he’s traded in late nights on Hollywood deadlines for late nights studying, both in CNA’s Digital Animation program and in an online mentorship, all with an eye on the future of gaming.
A Dream Five Years in the Making
The journey from New Delhi to this province wasn’t a sudden one.
“It was always a vision for me to move to Canada,” Sumesh says.
After an initial attempt in 2021 had to be postponed due to a family emergency, he finally made the leap in September of last year.
“Coming to Newfoundland and CNA just felt like the right step,” he explains. “I researched a lot, and CNA stood out, smaller class sizes, a supportive community, and the chance to really focus.”
From Big Screens to Big Ambitions
Before he ever set foot in a CNA classroom, this artist had already built an impressive resume. His professional journey started over seven years ago at Double Negative, a renowned VFX studio, and snowballed from there.
“My first film was Pacific Rim Uprising. I was fresh, had no idea what I was doing and I had to learn everything on the job,” he recalls with a smile. “It was intense, but it taught me everything.”
Since then, he’s worked on VFX for some of the biggest names in film, including Avengers: Infinity War, which he calls his proudest credit.
“Seeing my name in the credits for the first time, that was the moment. That’s why I do this.”
Sumesh has also worked on the Amazon Prime series Gen V, where he tackled a particularly complex shot of a character’s arm bursting, a challenging scene that pushed his skillset to new limits.
So why CNA?
Despite a flourishing career, the decision to return to school wasn’t easy.
“I was burned out,” he admits. “I’d been thinking about it for two years. I wanted to learn new things, especially in gaming. I thought: if I take a break now and learn what I need, I can come back stronger.”
The structure of CNA’s programs, along with the province’s quiet, nature-filled environment, offered the perfect environment for growth.
“My class only has 15 people. The instructors know my name. I’m not just a number.”
He also appreciates the diversity in his program.
“My classmates are from all over – Nigeria, the Philippines, Newfoundland and Labrador. We all bring something different to the table. One classmate is an amazing 2D artist. When I see his work, it really inspires me.”
Even with a demanding academic schedule, he’s not slowing down. Every night from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m., he attends mentorship sessions online with a senior artist in India.
“It’s hectic, I don’t sleep much, but it’s worth it,” he laughs. “I want to be ready for gaming studios like Ubisoft. That’s my next big goal.”
Bridging the Gap Between Industry and Academia
His real-world experience gives him a unique perspective in the classroom.
“Sometimes I’ll see a way to do something faster, or I’ll know how it’s done in the industry,” he says. “My instructor encourages that. And at the same time, I’m learning from them too, there’s always something new.”
Returning to school after so many years in the workforce came with its own set of challenges.
“I wondered if I was doing the right thing,” he confesses. “But now, I know I made the right choice. It’s a break, but it’s a productive one.”
Taking on a New Role
Now, he’s stepping into yet another new chapter, as CNA’s official Social Media Ambassador.
“It’s something I’ve always loved, creating content, telling stories. This role combines my passion for visuals with a new purpose: helping future and current students feel informed and inspired.”
Sumesh hopes to use his platform to highlight student experiences, share insights, and showcase the diversity and creativity that thrives at CNA.
Meanwhile, with plans to eventually re-enter the industry, he has a dual focus: gaming and film.
“I already have a VFX portfolio. Now, I want to build a strong one in gaming, character modeling, environmental work, and break into that space,” Sumesh says. “The dream? To work on Avatar. That’s always been the big one for me. For gaming, it’s studios like Ubisoft or EA.”
His advice for aspiring digital artists is simple but powerful: “Create. And network. Those are the two most important things. Don’t just study for two hours and expect a job. I was putting in ten hours a day when I started. And reach out -build your connections. That’s how you get noticed.”
Final Frame
From the credits of major blockbusters to the classrooms of CNA, this Social Media Ambassador brings with him a wealth of experience, an insatiable hunger to learn, and a deep desire to give back. Whether it’s through his contributions in class, his mentorship work, or the content he’ll create as CNA’s ambassador, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of his next great story.
Stay tuned to CNA’s official social media channels to follow along with his journey, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into student life and the creative world of digital animation.
