After graduating from school in Russia, Stas joined a preparatory programme in New York. His love of computer games, once a worry for his parents, inspired them to send him abroad for an early advantage. Surrounded by like-minded peers, he quickly thrived in the New York Film Academy's Animation Programming specialisation. A shared passion with his professor, also a gamer, led to a close friendship and an invitation to lecture younger students. At the same time, Stas and his brother in Russia collaborated on creating game characters, turning their hobby into a professional path. Truly, what could be better than a job you love?