Whiskytree visual effects founder to speak at Power of Design in October

Posted Sep. 16, 2015 at 4:20 p.m.

BOONE—Jonathan Harb, CEO and creative director of the computer graphics company Whiskytree Inc., will present “From Boone to the Big Screen” at the Power of Design lecture Oct. 5 at Appalachian State University. His talk begins at 7 p.m. in Plemmons Student Union’s Parkway Ballroom. A reception will precede his talk at 6:30 p.m. The events are free and open to the public.

In addition, Harb will conduct workshops for students Oct. 6.

Whiskytree is a state-of-the-art computer graphics company based in San Rafael, California, which Harb founded in 2007. During his 20-year career, Harb has contributed to over 45 feature films, and dozens of commercials, special venue projects and ad campaigns, including all three “Hunger Games” films, “Elysium,” both “Captain America” films, Marvel’s “The Avengers” and the “Star Wars” prequels.

“Jonathan merges several design disciplines and will appeal to many academic disciplines,” said Jeanne Mercer-Ballard, an associate professor of interior design in the Department of Applied Design in the College of Fine and Applied Arts.

“His degree is in industrial design, but he creates virtual worlds and buildings daily – appealing to interior design and architectural technology and design. He has some experience in costume design, graphic design, and film and photography, in addition to being a business owner of a creative company.”

Harb won the first two Visual Effects Society awards for “Best Matte Painting in a Motion Picture” and received a third nomination for his work on “Star Wars: Episode III.”

Harb worked at Industrial Light & Magic from 1996-2007, and in addition to his time as a supervisor, producer and working artist, his experience includes international location work and all aspects of management and business operations. He has spoken at numerous computer graphics events around the world.

Harb is a graduate of Watauga High School. He earned a degree in industrial design from The College of Design at N.C. State University.

Power of Design (POD) brings in professional speaker(s) to share their perspective on design and their career with students, faculty and the public. It is sponsored by the College of Fine and Applied Arts, Department of Applied Design, Department of Art, Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, Department of Theater and Dance, and the Design Council.

For more information, call or email Mercer Ballard at [email protected] or 828-262-7832.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.