About the Founder

Brian Austin has more than two decades experience at a professional level in the field of computer graphics and animation. Mr. Austin has taught computer animation at New York University and The School of Visual Arts and has co-authored Inside 3D Max4, a 'how to' text for the professional animator. His icon/interface design can be found on Reuters risk management software. Mr. Austin's animation talents have earned him a Grammy nomination, plus two Telly Awards. Mr. Austin co-founded orisian, a production/funding studio that specialized in original content for children's animation. Mr. Austin is a fine artist and his most recent shows were at PS1 Contemporary Arts Center and Exit Art in New York City. His artwork is contained in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art and C.W. Post College.

Brian Austin received his Master's degree in Art Therapy in 2006 and is educated on the current theoretical issues around digital mediums, focusing on computer technology in relation to art therapy practice, a field whose expansion he is contributing to. He has presented his work on animation therapy at the 37th & 38th Annual AATA Conference (2006, 2007). His work at these conferences is represented as pioneering the use of technology in art therapy. As an art therapist, he has worked at The New York Foundling Hospital with foster children; Bellevue Hospital with adult psychiatric patients; and North General Hospital with psychiatric patients. He is a pioneer in the field of integrating art therapy practice with technology, publishing (in press), lecturing, and giving workshops on the subject both nationally and internationally.

Mr. Austin has recently been elected to serve as the Chair of the American Art Therapy Association's newly-formed Technology Committee. He is on the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association's Editorial Review Board.