Dino Rowan (’16): The Intersection of Art and Technology

Dino Rowan’s (‘16) new job isn’t one he could have possibly planned for while he was getting his BFA at Montserrat.

“I’m a Technical Team Lead at Controlled Environments Company working in semiconductor manufacturing in Hillsboro, Oregon.”

Specifically, Rowan’s team installs and maintains the Smart Cabinets—a sort of smart vending machine—that help keep the factory going. The cabinets dispense all of the specialty tools and pieces required to keep CEC’s microchip machines going.

Rowan’s experience with photography, videography, and design is why a recruiter originally reached out to bring him onto CEC’s team. But there is more to it than that, and more to Rowan’s drive and experience.

“I’ve had many different jobs and unique experiences that might not have all been directly related to my degree. But I kept my mind open about where I could apply myself and kept pushing, ultimately bringing me to where I’m at today.”

Before moving to Oregon for this position, Rowan had collected a diverse set of skills from a diverse set of jobs. In addition to freelance photography, he worked for both nonprofits and commercial businesses as a Creative Content Producer/photographer videographer. Meanwhile, he was also working in consumer electronics retail as a camera expert and installing automotive electronics (including in his own car).

“One of the key reasons I was hired was for my background in photography and design. A big part of my job is designing and building out a new type of Smart Cabinet we have. The cabinet has a bunch of tool drawers that we create custom foam layouts for in Adobe programs. I’m jealous of the Fab Studio Montserrat has now. There’s so many things I wish I could have created with access to a 3D printer and other cool makerspace stuff.”

Asked if he had any advice for current students, Rowan said this:

“As an alumnus I think its super important for current students to take every opportunity they can to get out and try something new, even if they don’t think its directly related to their art. And don’t limit yourself to one type of media! I know it’s cliché, but it’s true! Something great about Montserrat is how small and close knit we are. That culture really encourages the students between different concentrations to intermingle. Because in real life outside of art school you’ll likely be collaborating and working with folks of all different backgrounds who will approach a problem or task differently than you.”