Mitch Anderson and Brian McMurray were both students of mine at Bradley University, and later, they became coworkers of mine at The Iona Group. Both were obviously talented when they came onboard, with their talents only growing by leaps and bounds while they produced stellar work for us at Iona.

Alas, things were not meant to last. Mitch is leaving for L.A. with sights set on the mograph, vfx pantheon. He’ll do well. His aesthetic is top notch and he is driven. Brian is leaving Iona to work at MIT in the Mobile Experience Laboratory. He’ll be tying together Drupal, Flash and SMS to produce some wicked cool stuff. (Note the use of wicked there, Brian. Get used to it.) He is always willing to try something wild and new, so he’ll fit in well in the air of experimentation that I’m sure is so appealing to him at his new venture.

I couldn’t be happier for these guys. Of course it’s tough to see two friends go. It’s tough to see two collaborators leave. But, I know it’s for the best of both of these great guys’ careers to try and shoot for the stars this early in. Really, I’m even maybe a little jealous of the opportunities, these wide open futures, but I wouldn’t dream of letting on. Hopefully one of ‘em will hire me when I’m old and doddering.

Seriously, though, I wish them both the best.