Macomb alum overcomes obstacles to achieve 3D animation success
Thursday, April 17, 2025 12:00 AM
Growing up with autism presents several challenges, and for one Macomb alumni, these obstacles have shaped a remarkable journey. From feeling misunderstood to finding a supportive environment, Marques Shaw’s experience highlights the impact of Macomb’s welcoming campuses.
Marques, 21, graduated in 2024 from Macomb’s Media and Communications Arts (MACA) program with an associate degree in 3D animation. The Romeo High School grad choose Macomb because of his interest in technology, video games, movies and design. The MACA program, he said, was the perfect outlet for him to express his creativity.
For Macomb’s 3D Animation program, students like Marques learn digital illustration, motion design, digital video, 3D modeling and rendering and much more. The program prepares students for careers as character animators, visual effects artists, game designers and more.
In addition, Marques received numerous scholarships at Macomb.
“I cannot say enough about the MACA program and the opportunities I found at Macomb,” he said. “I never thought I’d have the chance to do this kind of work, but here I am.”
Support leads to success
Marques’s mother, Andrea Baker Shaw, said her son has overcome numerous obstacles to be where he is today. Marques had a significant language delay when he was young, and Andrea said he also felt misunderstood and isolated through many of his developmental years.
There were times, Marques added, when he felt incapable of achieving anything, as others often misjudged his needs and potential.
An important figure in his journey was his social worker who provided support through high school, Marques said. At Macomb, Marques found strength through the MACA instructors and staff, who provided support and created an environment where he felt comfortable and understood.
“As an autistic person, it meant a lot to know that I was welcomed here. I feel like I’ve done so much,” he said.
Marques is also thankful for his mom and to express his thanks, he created a computer-generated short film in her honor. “He has come such a long way and I’m so proud of him,” she said.
From classroom to career
The next step in Marques’s journey is further developing his experience as a freelance 3D animator. He’s actively making connections in the business community while searching for new opportunities.
Although he’s finished at Macomb, he said he’ll always be grateful to the college for helping him achieve his dream.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me,” he said. “I’d like to thank Macomb for helping me journey forward for the next path. I’m ready to take on whatever the future has in store for me.”
If a career in 3D animation or the MACA program interests you, please visit our Media & Communications Art webpage.
Marques, 21, graduated in 2024 from Macomb’s Media and Communications Arts (MACA) program with an associate degree in 3D animation. The Romeo High School grad choose Macomb because of his interest in technology, video games, movies and design. The MACA program, he said, was the perfect outlet for him to express his creativity.
For Macomb’s 3D Animation program, students like Marques learn digital illustration, motion design, digital video, 3D modeling and rendering and much more. The program prepares students for careers as character animators, visual effects artists, game designers and more.
In addition, Marques received numerous scholarships at Macomb.
“I cannot say enough about the MACA program and the opportunities I found at Macomb,” he said. “I never thought I’d have the chance to do this kind of work, but here I am.”
Support leads to success
Marques’s mother, Andrea Baker Shaw, said her son has overcome numerous obstacles to be where he is today. Marques had a significant language delay when he was young, and Andrea said he also felt misunderstood and isolated through many of his developmental years.
There were times, Marques added, when he felt incapable of achieving anything, as others often misjudged his needs and potential.
An important figure in his journey was his social worker who provided support through high school, Marques said. At Macomb, Marques found strength through the MACA instructors and staff, who provided support and created an environment where he felt comfortable and understood.
“As an autistic person, it meant a lot to know that I was welcomed here. I feel like I’ve done so much,” he said.
Marques is also thankful for his mom and to express his thanks, he created a computer-generated short film in her honor. “He has come such a long way and I’m so proud of him,” she said.
From classroom to career
The next step in Marques’s journey is further developing his experience as a freelance 3D animator. He’s actively making connections in the business community while searching for new opportunities.
Although he’s finished at Macomb, he said he’ll always be grateful to the college for helping him achieve his dream.
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me,” he said. “I’d like to thank Macomb for helping me journey forward for the next path. I’m ready to take on whatever the future has in store for me.”
If a career in 3D animation or the MACA program interests you, please visit our Media & Communications Art webpage.