Stela Railean
(Estela Raileanu)
Animation Lecturer | Fulbright Scholar | Visual Artist
Chișinău, Moldova • estelaraileanu@gmail.com
www.estelaraileanu.com | www.loopinacreative.com
Affiliation
Faculty of Fine Arts and Design,
Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University of Chișinău (UPSC)
Department of Art Studies, Graphics, and Instruction Methodology
Education
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Master’s Degree in Animation Directing, 2012–2014
Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts (AMTFA), Faculty of Theatrical, Choreographic, and Multimedia Arts -
Bachelor’s Degree in Graphics, 2008–2012
Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Graphics Department -
College of Fine Arts “Alexandru Plămădeală”, Painting Department, 2004–2008
Academic Positions
Assistant Lecturer, Department of Animation & Graphics
UPSC, Faculty of Art and Design | May 2023 – Present
Fulbright Scholar
Fulbright Faculty Development Program, Aug 2024 – Present
University of Central Florida (UCF) – School of Visual Arts and Design, Orlando, USA
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Research focus: animation education methodologies
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Collaboration with international scholars in visual arts and animation studies
Research & Professional Expertise
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Animation Techniques: traditional, stop-motion, 2D, and 3D animation
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Character Design & Visual Storytelling: expressive narratives and design
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History of Animation & Video Games: evolution of media and interactivity
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Experimental & Artistic Practices: integration of fine arts and animation aesthetics
Professional Experience
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Animation Lecturer | UPSC, Faculty of Art and Design (2022 – Present)
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Founder & Creative Director | Loopina Creative Studio
(Illustration, Animation, and Design for publishing and media) -
Producer & Coordinator | Student Stop-Motion Projects
(Festival submissions and mentoring)
Solo Exhibitions
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“Duminica cu surprize”, N. Titulescu Library, 2015
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“Copilărie dulce păpădie”, N. Titulescu Library, 2010
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“Copilăria e inima tuturor vârstelor”, N. Titulescu Library, 2009
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“Finit and Infinit”, Moldo-Polish Library, 2008
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“Escaladarea Cerului”, N. Titulescu Library, 2008
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“Aripi de zbor”, International Center Eminescu, 2008
Selected Group Exhibitions & Symposia
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Ludvig International Art Symposium, Hungary, 2021
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Inter-Art International Artcamp, Romania, 2021
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Rebart Symposium, Austria, 2020
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Kendlimajor International Art Camp, Hungary, 2017
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International Graphic Art Camp, Sebeș, 2017
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Inter-Aiud International Art Camp, Romania, 2012
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International Exhibition of Small Print, Washington, USA, 2015
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Art Biennial “Ion Andreescu”, Buzău, Romania, 2012
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Biennial of Illustration Bratislava, Slovakia, 2009–2011
Awards and Distinctions
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Best Original Illustration, International Book Fair for Children and Youth, Chișinău, 2012
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Honorary Laureate “Golden Moment”, Cultural Association “Andromeda”, 2011
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Sergiu Grossu Competition – Special Prize, 2008
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Autumnala Art Competition – 1st Prize, 2007
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Hall Scholarship in Art, 2007
Book Illustration
Illustrated over 100 children’s books and educational titles for publishers such as Epigraf, Pontos, Cadran, and Silvius Libris, as well as digital iBooks and international e-publications.
Notable works include:
“Pride and Prejudice” (Jane Austen, iBook, 2013), “Winnie the Pooh”, “Hansel and Gretel”, “The Nutcracker”, and “Povești de la bunicuța.”