www.animationmentor.com

[ThreeDave]

Well, I just found out that I'll be moving to Cools-ville this fall! Got my acceptance email for next quarter from AM yesterday afternoon.

You'll know me as the noisy neighbor who never cuts his grass and has all the pink flamingos.

Looking forward to it!

[FatFatFatty]

I got David Breaux also!

hi classmate :thumbsup:


See you in class Kyle!

[d_jnaneswar]

Nya nananaaa na... I got Meeker.. I got meeker.. u didnt get meeker... na nana naa na..


Michelle Meeker is my Mentor this term.. Ex pixar animator.. dreamworks animator.. lots of games are under her belt... I am going to learn so much this term.. im gonna work my ass off... so that eventually, by the end of this quarter... I can be ready to take over the world!!

Muhuhahahaha.. mojojojo

dj

[tredeger]

Nya nananaaa na... I got Meeker.. I got meeker.. u didnt get meeker... na nana naa na..


Michelle Meeker is my Mentor this term.. Ex pixar animator.. dreamworks animator.. lots of games are under her belt... I am going to learn so much this term.. im gonna work my ass off... so that eventually, by the end of this quarter... I can be ready to take over the world!!

Muhuhahahaha.. mojojojo

dj

congrats dj, michelle is one of my favorite mentors. I think she has great perspective on how to approach a career as an animator. I'm sure you'll learn a ton from her.

[mmkelly011881]

little advice to the new students... its a FANTASTIC idea to go around and crit your fellow students... and also check out the ecrits from their mentors.. especially now when most of you will be dealing with similar projects

not only does critting them help your skills of observation.. it usually will draw more crits to your workspace as well... it's never bad to have 60 or 70 other pairs of eyes checking out your shots :)

learn to be appreciative of critique even if you dont immediately agree with it
it's a good idea to write down the crits and have them next to your desk or in a txt file on your computer to review while working on things... figure out which crits are valid and which arent

don't only work on what is critted on your shots but also try to go beyond and find your own issues in your shots and solve them

observe observe observe crit crit crit

[heathenPagan]

Nya nananaaa na... I got Meeker.. I got meeker.. u didnt get meeker... na nana naa na..


Michelle Meeker is my Mentor this term.. Ex pixar animator.. dreamworks animator.. lots of games are under her belt... I am going to learn so much this term.. im gonna work my ass off... so that eventually, by the end of this quarter... I can be ready to take over the world!!

Muhuhahahaha.. mojojojo

dj

Hey DJ,
Very cool.... I've only had Michelle as a stand in mentor but she was awesome... congrats...
Seeya in there...
=P

[Bentagon]

Michelle's an amazing mentor. I had her in class 1 and I learned so much there, and not only about the fundamentals. You're gonna have one heck of a time!

- Benjamin

[d_jnaneswar]

sweeet!

now.. did any one get access to this weeks' assignment, forums and rigs? is it just me that didnt get?

hmmm..... logged in since the past 6 hours.. and still nothing to watch... :D .. Cant wait to hear the lectures, say hi to friends, build up buddy lists.. post on the forums... Cant wait cant wait!

AM is so freaking awsome!! I know there are issues.. but they dont bother me... I am gonna take notes.. lots and lo-ho-ts of notes with each lecture.. do my assignments.. talk to my mentor.. crit every one on the class.. pick the Animation Gods' brains over the forum... wooooohooooo.....!

dj

[storyForge]

my bets for when we get access are 12pm pst today, 10pm pst today, or 8 am pst tomorrow.... i hope its 12 today, but u know, 24 hours left isnt going to kill me... just make me really excited :) and ancy :(

see you all soon!

[andy_maxman]

Nya nananaaa na... I got Meeker.. I got meeker.. u didnt get meeker... na nana naa na..
Muhuhahahaha.. mojojojo
dj

can i sing along DJ?....

yups! you are thinking darnRight!
:)

[sinbad]

I think I am about to quit art school and start animation mentor in the fall. I'm not a quitter or anything but I've recently come to the realization that my schools animation department is pretty lame. So, my plan is to do AM and then try for an internship. If the internship falls through or doesn't lead to work, I plan to transfer my credits to Academy of Art in SF and finish up my degree. Someone tell me I'm doing the right thing. My family thinks it's a stupid move but I feel it's absolutly necessary.

If you want to become an animator, then you are doing the right thing.

[Wei2k]

Hey, my mentor is Pete Paquette too. I googled him to see what his background is and he has a nice site and good work so hope that this semester goes well. Also I haven't gotten the first assignment yet....hopefully will get it soon.

[rag-man]

Got Ray Chase this term.
Only one hour until the next term starts!
... LET US IN!!

:-)

[AjaBogdanoff]

Yay, enthusiastic new students! Welcome! :bounce: It looks like you guys are a pretty big class! This is the first semester the school will be at full capacity, so it should be a lot of fun. :)

Just to clear up some things for people, they don't generally open the doors for a new semester until there are people in the AM office in California to help out with any issues. So I wouldn't worry about being able to log in until business hours hit San Francisco tomorrow morning. :) We all know how you feel, though! :D

The other thing that's come up is assignments for Class 1... and unless the curriculum has changed a lot since I took it way back in the day, your first week will be all about getting used to the school, meeting your classmates and mentor, and learning how to use the site. So don't stress about assignments juuust yet.... there'll be plenty of time for that soon enough. :)

So welcome aboard, we're looking forward to seeing y'all on the other side soon! :bounce:

[FatFatFatty]

I'm sure you are right Aja, but I checked at 12pm anyway and I got in! At least I thought I did. Then when I clicked on any of the new menu items (class assigments, cruise the campus, etc) it asked whether I wanted to advance to the next term (101). I clicked yes and then it bumped me out the log in screen with a message that they are between terms. Now I can't log in. I just get the same "between terms" message. Doh! I guess I jumped the gun. Waiting is torture!

[storyForge]

I just got the 'in between terms' msg too.. doh! THe waiting is killing me :)

[Guemation]

Yay, enthusiastic new students! Welcome! :bounce: It looks like you guys are a pretty big class! This is the first semester the school will be at full capacity, so it should be a lot of fun. :)

Just to clear up some things for people, they don't generally open the doors for a new semester until there are people in the AM office in California to help out with any issues. So I wouldn't worry about being able to log in until business hours hit San Francisco tomorrow morning. :) We all know how you feel, though! :D

The other thing that's come up is assignments for Class 1... and unless the curriculum has changed a lot since I took it way back in the day, your first week will be all about getting used to the school, meeting your classmates and mentor, and learning how to use the site. So don't stress about assignments juuust yet.... there'll be plenty of time for that soon enough. :)

So welcome aboard, we're looking forward to seeing y'all on the other side soon! :bounce:

Thank you Aja! I'm soo anxious to start at AM tomorrow and to meet all my fellow mentees!!! Hello from World Cup country Germany to every mentee out there!!! I think I'm not going to sleep tonight!

[thelostcucumber]

aarh, this waiting O_o This killingly dreadful waiting. I can´t take this much longer! *stares at the computer screen waiting for a sign. just. something.*

I´m really excited about this and hope to see some of you guys inside! Unless tension kills us all first, of course. (I´ve been lurking these forums for some time now, just never really got around to making an account and posting myself)

-Cucumber

[iliketheska]

Oh GOD how I want to log in for real.
Man, this is sad, haha.

[Guemation]

I can't sleep, I can't sleep..... HELLLP!

[Kimotion]

YyeeeHAA!

Last lap for Spring 05 people!

[Kimotion]

So, my plan is to do AM and then try for an internship. If the internship falls through or doesn't lead to work, I plan to transfer my credits to Academy of Art in SF and finish up my degree. Someone tell me I'm doing the right thing. My family thinks it's a stupid move but I feel it's absolutly necessary.

I left a school to do AM as well. I totally understand how you think it feel necessary to switch to AM. I mean, my reasoning was that if I am to pay so much money I should at least be getting guidance and critiques worth paying for. So far AM has provided that and much more. If I were to do this on my own (with a full time job) it would take me 5 times longer.

For the new people I will give some advice: be involved as much as you can by giving feedback to others and seeking out questions: never hesitate to do that. Most will be glad to help you (and may even feel a bit honored to do so). The laws of Karma works, esp. at AM.

Good luck and see you all inside!

[rag-man]

I can't sleep, I can't sleep..... HELLLP!

but I have to I have to I have to :-)

welcome!!

[mmkelly011881]

f5
f5
f5
f5
f5
paella
f5
f5
f5
peeps
f5
f5
f5

[DigitalToon2]

Has anyone been able to login? I'm starting class 4 and I thought we'd be able to get in today. By the way I have Doug Dooley as my mentor.

[My Fault]

Woooo, Doug is awesome, you should have a lot of fun with him. And I swear he will barely torture you.

Don't stress about not being able to log in yet. They are always working on things, especially over breaks. Plus you have the holiday on the 4th. And you know the way the crew parties over holdiays they might have locked themselves out of the office again. :D

[ThePredator42]

f5
f5
f5
f5
f5
paella
f5
f5
f5
peeps
f5
f5
f5

hahaha yeah - this section of the posts reads like a deja vú :-)

[vfxinsane]

hey guys...
well..am a cg student frm india...dying to become a char animator...i've been searchin schools in canada for a while to learn animation...but after getting to know abt AM i was flattered..n seeing all those awesome student works in their blogs n those critics frm professionals...oh man! i started to learn lot of stuffs frm all those blogs...n am planning to takeup AM soon...
but i got a doubt....i heard lot of animators advicing to start thier career from classical animation b4 goin cg to have a clear knowledge in animation. so should i go n learn classical anim somewhere in canada or US b4 getting into AM? also i don't have an art bg...though i do some sketchings...plz help me out..

[andy_maxman]

i heard lot of animators advicing to start thier career from classical animation b4 goin cg to have a clear knowledge in animation. so should i go n learn classical anim somewhere in canada or US b4 getting into AM? also i don't have an art bg...though i do some sketchings...plz help me out..

firstly, AM teaches classical animation aswell. that said, it still is not necessary to learn hand-drawn animation to become a computer animator.

an arts BG is not a required qualification to become an animator or studying in AM. hardcore passion for expressing emotions through movement surely is.

my SUG would be to jump the bandwagon and dedicate whatever time you have to the assignments...all without having to leave home

personally, thats my greatest high....i simply love the idea of interacting with students and mentors from all over the world....something i cant believe would have been practical for me with a ton of reasons without AM...

goodLuck!
: )

[achavero]

Has anyone been able to login? I'm starting class 4 and I thought we'd be able to get in today. By the way I have Doug Dooley as my mentor.

Nicole, how did you find who´s your new mentor???
I can't login and as Aja said it will be until maybe at 8am ... but i never got a mail or something from AM...

[Manta]

Hi Achavero,
In the past days, I was able to login and I found who my mentor is at the main page of my student site. In my case, I didn't receive an email. Hope that helps.

[SkyZero]

I was just able to log in right now. :thumbsup:

EDIT: I'm in James Brown's posse! :D

[achavero]

I was just able to log in right now. :thumbsup:

me too! Thanks, and see you inside =)

[thelostcucumber]

did someone say site overload?

[andy_maxman]

woohooo! schools open...

[dalmanna]

this is awesome, better than i'd hoped :bounce:

[DigitalToon2]

Just wanted to wish everyone good luck and I hope everyone has a great term!

[Bentagon]

firstly, AM teaches classical animation aswell. that said, it still is not necessary to learn hand-drawn animation to become a computer animator.I'd like to say that, as a "classical animation" student, I don't feel they're teaching this. They're teaching animation and have got a small video on how to get started on it. Most of what I learned workflow/tool-wise (which CG students found out through videos too) was through other books and sites, and help from certain campus mentors with a 2D background. Now I've finally got a 2D mentor, though, none other than the great Sergio Pablos, and I can't wait! Wooo!

- Benjamin

[sinbad]

I has Sergio last quarter, you are a very lucky boy.

[vfxinsane]

hey andy...
thnx 4 d suggestion....I wld also like to knw abt the fee payment...how are u affording ur fee i.e 14,000 $ being in india...Is there ny loan facilities available for us who lives here in india...?

n thnx benjamin...i've seen all those chat videos by u n Aja abt AM...tht was really helpfull..

[andy_maxman]

as far as i know there are no loan options for overseas students...you got to arrange the amount for yourself...you can pay them through cheque or wire your money through the Internet...

about myself, i am paying through cheque....i work full-time...that helps in a way to cover the bills....but i got to be really greatful to my folks for giving me this chance...

hope this helps..
: )

[Littleberu]

as far as i know there are no loan options for overseas students...you got to arrange the amount for yourself...you can pay them through cheque or wire your money through the Internet...

about myself, i am paying through cheque....i work full-time...that helps in a way to cover the bills....but i got to be really greatful to my folks for giving me this chance...

hope this helps..
: )

You work full time and still have time for AM?

Would it be possible to go to school and do AM properly?

[My Fault]

You work full time and still have time for AM?

Would it be possible to go to school and do AM properly?

Many, many people are doing this.

[fluffybunny]

Many, many people are doing this.
Heck, I managed to work full time (or maybe get paid to slack off fulltime :) ), rack up almost 30 hours of flight time and finish my instrument rating while doing class 3. I also baked cookies for Brian too!
Granted I could have done alot better in the class, but I mostly blame that on my "friends" who got me to play WoW when I should have been animating or studying.

hmmm....how long till you return, Brian?

I'm going to suggest to Jaja that we corral a group to send you a batch of cookies per week until you return :buttrock:

hehe

eric

p.s. did I mention I didn't sleep much?

[AjaBogdanoff]

Suggestion noted! :applause:

Brian, if a box of cookies a week will get you back in AM, I'll go buy some organic unsweetened carob chips right now! :)

[My Fault]

Hahaha. Who is that 400lb bald guy? That's Brian after Aja and Eric's special all cookie diet!

I'll be back soon, though not soon enough for me. Man I can not wait to see the shorts the end of this quarter. Aja's already cracks me up and it is still in blocking. And Sternio's is pure gold. The list goes on and on. Sweeeeeet!!!

[Littleberu]

Many, many people are doing this.

Doesn't that make the program a lot less serious or something?

I mean, how much time are we supposed to spend on a project per week?

[Shreds]

Doesn't that make the program a lot less serious or something?

I mean, how much time are we supposed to spend on a project per week?

This is a good question Carl.


I think the estimated time to work on assignments per week is 10-15 hours, I think. This also depends on how much experience you have when you start out. The first term might not require as many hours if you've animated before but since I started when I got into AM I did use that time. I just finished the fourth term and let me tell you, the time you could spend on these shots is endless! I heard that one of the guys from WETA that was trying it out before the school officially opened would spend about 20 hours a week, while still working on Kong. I heard all he did was pretty much go to work then go home and work on the assignments though. So if you're going to school full time and then go home to slack off and don't put the time into your AM assignments, then yes it is a lot less serious but it's not the program that is, it's the student doing that. As we've all heard before any school is only going to be as good as what you put into it. I've been going to a community college full time and working a part time job. Although, I don't go out much after that. I knew that I had to lock myself in my room to get things done and couldn't see anyone for a while until I put my due time in.

The program is setup so people that do have jobs or other priorities can learn animation also but if you have the chance to take it full time it is definitely recommended. I've decided to take AM full time for these last two terms for the short film since I know it's going to be a ton of work.

To sum it all up, it can be done. There are people with full time jobs and full families that are going through the program successfully. It's all about scheduling your time and knowing your pace of working. It is an awesome program and I would recommend it to anyone but if you're only going to spend 8 hours or less a week on your assignment then I would say to try and work more time in your schedule for AM assignments.



p.s. -All the students are happy to answer questions, as you've seen in this thread already, so if anyone has anymore about the program just ask :)

[ArneK]

You work full time and still have time for AM?
Would it be possible to go to school and do AM properly?

I'm self-employed and have just finished three semesters at AM so far. Running my own business at the same time as doing the course has been extremely exhausting. And that is why I'm now taking a semester off before I start again in September. Then with [hopefully] a less hectic work schedule and with my batteries recharged.

It is true what everybody says, that you get back what you put in. If you want to do your absolute best and maybe put in 20-30 hours a week (as I did), you would truly benefit from doing it fulltime. I had no prior Maya or character animation experience before AM so I am also learning the in's and out's of the tools as well as learning the craft, and that takes a bit more time. Experienced animators probably can get away with half the time. But my experience is that the first semester starts up very easy and the workload about doubles every semester...

I'm planning to take time off work the last two semesters (5 and 6) to do AM fulltime, to give it my absolute all and best. And I'm now saving money like crazy to be able to do so. 'Cause AM is definately what the hype claims - the ultimate learning experience. I can't remember ever having so much fun learning, or working so hard learning. But it's all worth it. If you have the time to put in the effort. Animation ain't easy :)

Arne :)

[Littleberu]

Hey thanks guys! That's very nice that you two answered my question. But I've got another one that, this time, comes from my "entourage" (if you know what I mean).

I have two opportunities. I won't ask you to choose the better one, though. I'm just setting my question.

There's this school in Montreal, called NAD Center. It's 18 500$ CAD. It's "pricey", and the living cost in Montreal is also very expensive. Animation Mentor is 16 000$ CAD approximately. What we learn at NAD is a melting pot of all that makes 3D computer generated images, be it Animation, modeling or texturing and rendering. The program is currently also 18 months. The thing is, here, the industry is pretty small, and NAD is a very famous college. So there's that.

My status here is that I have next to no prior 3D experience. I know 3Ds Max for modeling low poly, but never really did a complete (good) model, even less rigged one. I'm kind of good at drawing, and I'm currently taking a Fine Art class at my local CEGEP (college).

What will I look like going out of A-M. What will it be for me? I know I'll put the time in, I know I'll do my best, but it's 16 000$ CAD. What If I don't get a job? I don't mean "don't get a job at Pixar omg I'm so bad", but the industry, as already stated, is pretty small around here. There's Montreal with Ubi and EA, and then there are some special effects company, that I'd glady work for, but, my question, and here it is : Do you think the work done at Animation Mentor will be enough to land a job, considering that I do everything the best I can?

I know it's kind of hard to judge right now, due to the fact that you haven't seen anything I've done, but you know, having none 3D background experience is scary. And, call me paranoid, but I'm affraid of throwing 16 000 out the window. :D

I hope you guys can tell me the honest truth about all this. I'm willing to learn by myself, but I'll be going at school and finishing my diploma at the same time.

[mmkelly011881]

do you want to be an animator or a generalist?

[Littleberu]

do you want to be an animator or a generalist?

I want to work in the production sector of the industry. I want to work at what I'm good at, and I don't know "that" yet.

Oh but I really like the acting and creative aspect of animation If that's what you want to know. That's why I'm interested in A-M. I'm just curious if animation only can lend me a job, anywhere around here.

[mmkelly011881]

generally small shops look for people who can "do it all"

AM isnt gonna teach you modelling, rigging

AM will teach you the basics of filmmaking and a ton of animation...

so... if you're looking for a job in quebec.. you should figure out what type of place you want to work at... and then figure out what they are looking for

if they're looking for some of the best damn animation ever... yeah.. i think you can learn that at AM

[Littleberu]

generally small shops look for people who can "do it all"

AM isnt gonna teach you modelling, rigging

AM will teach you the basics of filmmaking and a ton of animation...

so... if you're looking for a job in quebec.. you should figure out what type of place you want to work at... and then figure out what they are looking for

if they're looking for some of the best damn animation ever... yeah.. i think you can learn that at AM

I don't necesserally want to work in Quebec. I'm open to everything.

But will I have something to show out of A-M? Will I have something to sell?

[MadMax]

But will I have something to show out of A-M? Will I have something to sell?


Think about that question for a second.......

Will you have something to show out of AM? Think about that. What do you THINK you'll be doing for 18 months at AM? Have you seen the numerous AM demo reels that have been posted here?

The whole I dea is to have soemthign to show out of AM. That is what they are there for.

As for will you have something to sell.... Yeah, yourself. a resume, application, interview is selling yourself. If you apply yourself at AM, you'll have the skillset to back yourself up.

[mmkelly011881]

If you apply yourself at AM, you'll have the skillset to back yourself up.

as an animator :)

[My Fault]

Yeah, you really need to decide what you want to do first. Since you aren't sure yet, you should start researching a bit. Find free tutorials in modeling, rendering, animating, etc and see which you most enjoy. Some people find that one niche is all they want while others are only happy when they can do it all. Only you know what you want to do.

If animation is what you want to do then AM should be up at the top of your list, along with places like Cal Arts, Gobelins, etc.

Definitely keep an eye on demo reels from AM students and in about 12 weeks you will get to see some of the shorts produced from these same students. I think people will be very impressed with the work.

[Littleberu]

Yeah, you really need to decide what you want to do first. Since you aren't sure yet, you should start researching a bit. Find free tutorials in modeling, rendering, animating, etc and see which you most enjoy. Some people find that one niche is all they want while others are only happy when they can do it all. Only you know what you want to do.

If animation is what you want to do then AM should be up at the top of your list, along with places like Cal Arts, Gobelins, etc.

Definitely keep an eye on demo reels from AM students and in about 12 weeks you will get to see some of the shorts produced from these same students. I think people will be very impressed with the work.

Ok, I obviously didn't make myself clear enough. ;)

Of course I want to be an animator ; that's what I wanted to do from the start. And when I heard about A-M, it made me giggle like a schoolgirl. My question was obviously if ONLY A-M could lead me somewhere. Of course, I'll try to do my best and learn rigging and modeling, but obviously I won't have the "18 months of learning and training" that I had with A-M, therefore won't probably be heavy in my reel.

Will only the things done at A-M be enough to lend me a job? And, again, I'm not talking about Dreamworks or Pixar here.

[AjaBogdanoff]

Carl, as much as I'm sure we'd all love to give you a definite answer, I'm afraid we just can't. AM can't guarantee you a job after graduation, and none of us can tell you for certain that if you do X, Y, and Z you'll definitely be able to find work at Company A, B, or C. There are just way too many factors involved, like how much time you'd be able to devote to your assignments in AM, how well you'd make use of that time, how well you take direction from your mentor and collaborate with your peers... and then, even if you're the most amazing potential employee AM has ever seen, would you be able to relocate after school, would the studios be hiring then, would you be able to learn the bizarre niche software they require, would the HR department like the font you chose for your resume.... who knows!

What you might ask yourself (and us) instead is, "Will AM teach me to animate?", and the answer is most definitely YES, if you do your share of the work.

Will that be enough to get you a job somewhere? We don't know. If you want a "sure thing" paycheck-wise, animation (and CG in general) probably isn't the best bet. But if you want to learn how to animate, and can make it a priority for 18 months, AM will give you the support and training you need to learn a TON about how to animate.

It's a tough one, for sure. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Littleberu]

Well I'm sorry If I'm kinda of insecure and all that.

It's just, new. And I'm still pretty young and, still, I want to live as an animator, I have great ambitions, great passion for all I touch that remotely interest me, but will all that give me a job? I know those questions can't be answered, and it's sad that I asked them, too.

Oh, and don't get me wrong, and I'm ready to get naked and run around singing the entire soundtrack of Annie for a job in the industry, but luckily, there are alternative. And I'm just not sure which one to choose. I'm maybe jaded to think that NAD is safer than A-M just because I knew some people that went there. I'm sure everyone at A-M will end up with something, sometime.

[AjaBogdanoff]

It's not sad, and I'm sorry if I came across too harsh. :) It's a tough industry, and there's a lot of uncertainties... but if it's what you love to do, then you'll find a way to make it happen. Like by running around naked singing the soundtrack to Annie! :applause:

In my opinion, if animation is really what you want to do, then the "safest" route is the one that's going to make the most of your time and money in teaching you the skills that could potentially lead to a career. AM has been that for me, and for a lot of people, and I highly recommend it. I just can't guarantee that it'll definitely get you a job, that's all. And honestly, I'm not sure I would trust a school that DID guarantee you a job in animation after you graduate. But hey. :)

If this is what you want to do, then by all means, follow that dream! :)

[raven3d]

Aja is a hardcore AMer, so I would definitely listen to what she has to say...she always has awesome advice. :)

I'm in my final term at AM, and I have to say I've loved every minute of my AM experience. I learned more than I expected, and I got to meet some great people along the way. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to learn from the 'best of the best' in the Animation world.

Just want to wish all the returning AM students an incredible term...have fun with your projects! Or if you're a newbie, then Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! You're in for a real treat!

:thumbsup:

[anthea]

Well I'm sorry If I'm kinda of insecure and all that.

It's just, new. And I'm still pretty young and, still, I want to live as an animator, I have great ambitions, great passion for all I touch that remotely interest me, but will all that give me a job? I know those questions can't be answered, and it's sad that I asked them, too.

Oh, and don't get me wrong, and I'm ready to get naked and run around singing the entire soundtrack of Annie for a job in the industry, but luckily, there are alternative. And I'm just not sure which one to choose. I'm maybe jaded to think that NAD is safer than A-M just because I knew some people that went there. I'm sure everyone at A-M will end up with something, sometime.

I've never heard of NAD, so I wouldn't assume it's safer just because you are more familiar with it. Are your friends that graduated from NAD animators? Maybe try comparing their animations to the AM students work and you will find your answer. If you decide to go there or any other generalist school, you will get a basic understanding of all aspects of 3d, this will not help you get an animator job as much as soley focusing on animation for 18 months. Maybe since you are saying you are young, you still need more time to figure out if you want to be an animator, or modeler or anything else. Most of the people who take AM have already decided they want to be animators. It all comes down to what you want do for a job, if you want to be an animator and choose a school that turns out generalists, you will leave there very unhappy. The same thing happened to me, thank goodness AM opened and I was able to finally start learning some of the basics of animation, something my previous school never taught me. And there are at least a dozen AM students who have gotten animation jobs since the school opened, and countless others have been offered jobs but have turned them down to finish out the program. One thing is for sure you will get way more exposure for jobs doing AM than most schools. Where else can dozens of industry professionals see your animations on a weekly basis?

[Littleberu]

So, how is it guys! Been a long time since I've heard of you! Update your blogs for us outsiders! :p

[reb3D]

Hey Littleberu,
There are quite a few blogs out there that are updated regularly with AM work. Check out Aja's (http://www.belligerentandnumerous.com/), Mike Stern (http://www.sternio.com/am/), Brad Bradbury, (http://www.animationbrad.com/) to name a few.... but there's tons on the weblink you can check out here (http://p.webring.com/hub?ring=animationmentorb)!

I hafta add... I stuggled for years to take my animation to the next level.... it wasn't until I went to AnimationMentor that I felt I was actually learning animation and making my work better and better. Feel free to checkout the work I did in my first 3 semesters (http://www.wik-id.com/reb/AM/assignments/) at AM

Good luck with your decision!
~reb:)

[corneliu]

Hey Littleberu ... just an idea ... why don't you try find some animation teacher from that university your father wants you to go ... and ask him about AM.

I don't know how stiff the school secretary is ... maybe you could write them a mail.

[Littleberu]

Hey Littleberu ... just an idea ... why don't you try find some animation teacher from that university your father wants you to go ... and ask him about AM.

I don't know how stiff the school secretary is ... maybe you could write them a mail.

I've contacted them a couple of weeks ago. Right now, they don't know about A-M. They said that they knew most of the schools, but that they had not that such a program existed. They were kind of skeptical. Oh, and it's not an "university", it's more like a private college.

Most people here in Quebec don't even know about CalArts, Gobelins or Vancouver Film School. Sad, but true.

[corneliu]

I've contacted them a couple of weeks ago. Right now, they don't know about A-M. They said that they knew most of the schools, but that they had not that such a program existed. They were kind of skeptical. Oh, and it's not an "university", it's more like a private college.

Most people here in Quebec don't even know about CalArts, Gobelins or Vancouver Film School. Sad, but true.

I think the best way would be to try to get in conatct with the ones who teach character animation at that school and get an opinion about AM.
If these guys are worth something they should have done something in the industry. If so they should know AM.
Anyway ... my personal opinion is that a general study of art is very useful. If you can raise the budget maybe you and your parents could meet half way and you can go for AM in the same period. I think it can be done without a exagerated effort from you while being a student at both schools.
Speaking strictly about character animation tehnic, I think at AM it is hard to tell which one has studied art (without working as an animator) before AM.
The whole context, which includes the character animation shows sometimes the difference. Take Aja's work for examlpe. Her work will be different because she is able to build her own context... and I think this will be an advantage for her portofolio.
But also the right art education and your ability to understand art correctly will make a clear difference.
And as far as I know Aja has also gone through a clasic art education before.
I hope I will not hurt any fellow student from AM ...but ... I just think so

I think being part of an art student community, at this private school, is an asset for your life experience. A very important side of your general education is your communication to people that are interested in the same field and share the same exitement with you.
I think this is what your father is worried about. To get in contact with people of your age.
Most people at AM have gone through this and are alleready integrated in their social context. SO they do not worry about this aspect.

So just want to ad a cheese thought ... said over and over again ... If you want to express art you need to know live and this is most imortant if you want to become a good character animator. It will be your sense of observation that will make you unique...

Finaly ... I sincerily think the "in depth" study and teaching method for character animation is not so good at any other school.
Having gone through AM beside a regular art school will make a huge difference.

[zzacmann]

Im sure this has been mentioned before, but I dont have the endurance to skim through 488 pages. The character models and rigs AM students are using look awesome. Does anyone know if AM is planning on selling these seperately from the AM program? I'd pay good money, not $14,000 just yet, to get to play with those and use them in my animation tests.

Basically I love to animate but hate to rig and Im just not satisfied with the free Maya rigs Ive found so far online.

[AjaBogdanoff]

Wow Corneliu, thanks for the kind words! I don't really have an art education though, I studied Film... which has been super helpful, but not really in terms of drawing and design and all that good stuff. After 15 months in AM, though, I'm really starting to feel confident about my stick figures. :)

And zzacman, we haven't heard anything about plans to sell the rigs separately. Personally I doubt it'll happen, I'm guessing they'd prefer to keep the rigs associated with the students... but honestly, while the rigs are really well designed and have some great bells and whistles, you should be able to do most of the stuff the AM rigs do with the free rigs: solid posing, good overlap, good arcs and spacing, etc.

The Bishop face is pretty darn awesome, though. :D I'd never seen anything like it before class 4.

[Littleberu]

I think the best way would be to try to get in conatct with the ones who teach character animation at that school and get an opinion about AM.
If these guys are worth something they should have done something in the industry. If so they should know AM.
Anyway ... my personal opinion is that a general study of art is very useful. If you can raise the budget maybe you and your parents could meet half way and you can go for AM in the same period. I think it can be done without a exagerated effort from you while being a student at both schools.
Speaking strictly about character animation tehnic, I think at AM it is hard to tell which one has studied art (without working as an animator) before AM.
The whole context, which includes the character animation shows sometimes the difference. Take Aja's work for examlpe. Her work will be different because she is able to build her own context... and I think this will be an advantage for her portofolio.
But also the right art education and your ability to understand art correctly will make a clear difference.
And as far as I know Aja has also gone through a clasic art education before.
I hope I will not hurt any fellow student from AM ...but ... I just think so

I think being part of an art student community, at this private school, is an asset for your life experience. A very important side of your general education is your communication to people that are interested in the same field and share the same exitement with you.
I think this is what your father is worried about. To get in contact with people of your age.
Most people at AM have gone through this and are alleready integrated in their social context. SO they do not worry about this aspect.

So just want to ad a cheese thought ... said over and over again ... If you want to express art you need to know live and this is most imortant if you want to become a good character animator. It will be your sense of observation that will make you unique...

Finaly ... I sincerily think the "in depth" study and teaching method for character animation is not so good at any other school.
Having gone through AM beside a regular art school will make a huge difference.

While I am no way disagreeing with everything you just said, It is important to note that NAD Centre ISN'T an Art Center. It is a Computer Graphics and Animation school. By no means it will teach me Art. I am currently learning Fine Art in College.

That said, I have a lot of ease with my drawings. I draw proportions right and such. I draw a lot, if that's what you are worried about. I draw everyday, whenever there's a piece of paper in front of me.

Keep in mind, I'm not saying that I have mastered drawings perfect humans, or that I know everything about Arts, I'm just stating the facts that NAD wouldn't bring me any more knowledge in Arts than A-M. What NAD would bring me is more knowledge in modeling, rigging, lighting and rendering than A-M could ever wish to do, but at the same time, A-M will bring me more animation knowledge than NAD and his mom could ever wish to.

And even If I sounded kind of insecure about "what I want to do", I definitely want to be an animator, but my fears were concerning the industry here in Quebec. Will only a background in animation lend me a job HERE. That was a question. Many people answered, saying that A-M will not only teach me animation, but will go in depth and help me become more than just some guys who can animate, but some guy who can animate WELL. Anyway, that's what I got.

I am still not sure of what I want to do, but A-M is currently the best choice I have, monetary and timewise. And going to NAD and A-M is not an option, it is just too expensive. I'm currently working 12 hours a day 4 days a week in a shop at high temperature just to pay 1 of those schools. ;)

[harmonic01]

Trois-Rivières,

If you just go through AM program, really learn the stuff and animate well, I seriously doubt you'd have a problem finding a job, especially if you're willing to relocate. If you also want to learn Modeling, Rigging, Texturing, Lighting and Rendering, consider taking AM classes and supplementing that with training DVD's / video training in other areas. Depending on your choice of software, you could get gnomon or cg-academy.net stuff. There is also Art of Rigging, Digital tutors, animationrigs.com. There aren't that many resources out there that are on par with AM when it comes to animation, though.

Well, just my 2 cents. :D Good luck. :thumbsup:

[corneliu]

Hey Littleberu,
I did not mean to offend you and I surely do not think about you as someone insecure. I just tried to put myself in your situation and figure out some arguments for you.
Finnaly I just said what I would do if I could turn back time.
I meant art as an complex of feelings that should be passed from the artist to the audience.
And the "art study" just as an organized inside look into other people's work, that were worth mentioning by history. Sometimes there is a confusion that old stuff is undeveloped ... this just to mention btw.

Argueing with your parents does not make you weak or insecure... they are the founders of the early axiomas that guide your sytem of values, more or less today.
So trying to go into detail with them about your future should be usefull and not be a sign of weakness.
The money earning stuff is the most difficult but it's worth fighting for such reasons like AM and maybe NAD.
If NAD teaches you what you say ... and they do it good ... my own opinion is that it will be usefull even if you stay in the field of character animation.
It's hard to imagine that NAD will build you perfectly in all their fields. You will go for character animation. But the overall know how is usefull from my point of view.

If you go to Sony Image Works at the job description of an character animator they demand a lot more today than AM only can teach you. Maybe this is not a rule ...

To put it all simply... every knowledge that sourrounds the work of your character animation is real useful. I know the theory about the Jack for all but that's a whole other story we can start on that subject.
You have to put your own targets and reach them with proffesional results...
I don't know ... I'm just trying to share some of the overall impression I got over the years.

Just one more thing. 3D has changed over the years completly many many times.
And I bet it will do it again and again. Just take a look at ZBrush. Such a tool was more then Science Fiction 10 years ago.
The tech stuff is very fast to learn. It's your art that makes the values in your work.
So experience is not in learning the tech process. NAD should be a place where you should get to know this tech stuff fast and clear. This can be only usefull.
AM on the other hand is about the approach of character animation art and much more.
Do not expect to learn Maya there because there is finnally not much to tell about the curves in the Graph Editor and the few shortcuts of the UI.

[Littleberu]

Well I sort of thought you were right about Sony Imageworks, but here how it goes on the website :

CHARACTER ANIMATORS
Utilizes traditional methods and computer graphics systems to create desired performance of computer graphics characters within a shot. Emphasis should be placed on conveying emotion along with motion. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in Maya, while additional experience with other software packages is highly desirable. 2 -5+ years production animation experience is required with feature film experience highly desirable. Ability to follow creative direction is a must. Character design and acting experience a plus.

Actually, some (good) A-M students could possibly be hired, as some of them have experiences in animation and others are so freaking good.

I do not expect to learn Maya at A-M. I'm currently struggling to learn low-mid poly modeling in 3Ds Max as it's the only app I have right now. I'm also looking to make my own rig and animated a little with Max. I try to learn the best I can, but time is kind of short this summer. I was hoping the dedicated classes at NAD would help me focus only on my CGI.

But, right now, as it is, there is no NAD in sight for a whole year. I still have my diploma in Fine Art to get, and, you know, mature a little. If I feel that being involved in debt over my head is what's best for me later this year, I'll do it. I'd do both. But nothing stops me from trying A-M this fall or this winter.

Oh and thanks for the time you take to answer my question, you and everyone. You all been very nice to me.

[AjaBogdanoff]

You seem like a really cool guy, Carl, and I'm sure you'll end up reaching your goals no matter what path you end up taking. Best of luck, and when you come up with more questions.... you know where to find us! ;)

[storyForge]

just thought I would chime in as a first semester AM student (week 2 at the moment). The school is amazing. You get your first foot in the door and you are SLAMMED with information. There is an amazing video by a pixar director, there is an amazing intro to the school from a plethora of pro's including the founders, the forums are such an amazing resource at am, and the work of the upperclassman is nothing short of inspirational (Aja's reel is downright amazing to watch. I had to a few times just from awe... it was really a great preview for the quality of work i want to be doing by the time i'm out of AM).

And once you start posting work (week 2), there are so many people willing to critique you, help you out, give you some advice on your poses, your animation, everything. I dont think you will find such FOCUSED critique anywhere else, even a school like cal arts (its a wonderful school, i applied) focuses on alot more than just animation... figure drawing, etc. AnimationMentor.com is ALL animation. and its all the time. and its more than just a school. Its a community of support, enthusiasm, encouragement, learning... anything you can think of positive in a school, animationmentor is probably that.

my fanboy .02, i'm just trying to absorb it all still. what a ride and its only week 2...

[robcat2075]

Wow, a year and 400 pages later this thread is still going on. I'll never catch up.

[My Fault]

Wow, a year and 400 pages later this thread is still going on. I'll never catch up.

Yeah, I think I will just wait for the movie. "Animation Mentor: The Thread that went BOOM!" :D

[mmkelly011881]

i remember seeing jason osipa's first post on this for the first time.. i was so excited that i had to leave the office for 10 minutes



for me, it has definitely lived up to the hype :)

f5
f5
f5
f5
f5

[Jeremy Hopkins]

Sorry to drag this up again since it sounds like everything has been resolved but I wanted Carl and other Canadian students to know that is possible to get a job in Canada with AM training. I can't speak for Quebec because it was Nova Scotia where I was offered a job and things didn't work out for me because I wanted to know more about their project and they ended up going with another candiate whom accepted the position immediately. Though I did have my chance.. Also I have some work experience but none in cg and my reel is nothing special. There's far fewer Canadians in the course too which definately helps with the job search if a student has some amazing and unique AM work.

[Delucubus]

Wow, 400+ pages, didn't expect that much looking for my answer. Sorry if it's been answered already but has anyone here taken animationmentor classes while working in the 3d industry?

Was it overwhelming at all to be working 50-70 hours a week and doing the classes? It definitely seems possible with some late nights, just wondering if it was ever TOO much (or if that's even possible :thumbsup: )

storyForge - Chico huh? Are you doing the applied computer graphics stuff? With Rick and the rest of the guys up there?

[harmonic01]

Delucubus, I think there were/are a few people at AM that were also working full time, myself included. It's definitely possible, just kind of tough. I only had time to work on my assignments on Saturdays and Sunday mornings. It was pretty tough but doable. I got really burned out after class 3, though and needed to take a break. At the time, I was working two jobs, though, and both involved allot of character animation. So I was pretty much animating non stop and that's extremely mentally draining, at least on me.

Well, that's just my thoughts. :)

[AjaBogdanoff]

You can definitely do AM in addition to a full-time job, but how well you do it depends on how disciplined you are and how much else you have going on in your life.

For my first two semesters in AM, I was working full-time, at first at a silly manual labor-type job, then on a really neat CG project. Transitioning to working with CG full-time definitely took a lot more out of me, and since I have a husband and dog that need a lot of my time, I was getting pretty frazzled by the end of semester 2. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have some freelancing work waiting for me by then, so from semester 3 on I've been working from home, with a lot more time to devote to my schoolwork and family.

That said, there's a bunch of people balancing work and AM just great, and the program is set up to make it possible for you to do it. Some people are even balancing full-time jobs, AM, and raising young kids, and producing kick-ass reels like this (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=374728). ;) It just takes a whole lot of dedication and discipline.

My advice would be, you should be able to do AM in addition to a full-time job just fine, especially at first. If you have any other big demands on your time, though, like a significant other or kids (or a second job!), you're going to really need to structure your time and make sure you can balance everything. And eat whatever the heck it is MattG eats for breakfast. :D

[ThePredator42]

My advice would be, you should be able to do AM in addition to a full-time job just fine, especially at first. If you have any other big demands on your time, though, like a significant other or kids (or a second job!), you're going to really need to structure your time and make sure you can balance everything. And eat whatever the heck it is MattG eats for breakfast. :D

So it´s what he EATS! So that´s his trick! Dang!

[AjaBogdanoff]

D'oh! I just realized that I my post must have sounded like I think people who can't do AM while working three jobs, raising kids, and balancing bowling pins on their noses aren't dedicated enough. If that's how it came across, that's not at all what I intended. A lot of really awesome people have needed to take a break from school when other stuff has come up, and I admire their ability to set priorities and make the tough choices. And when they do come back, refreshed and with the hours to put in, they're going to do amazing things.

But yeah, my apologies if my poor choice of words hurt anyone's feelings. :(

[mmkelly011881]

don't listen to her! aja thinks that anyone with 3 kids a fulltime job and a better half and not doing AM is a huge slacker!


shame shame aja...

shame shame :)

[corneliu]

man ... I have only one dog ... 1 aquarium and 2 kids ... I need more :scream:

[AjaBogdanoff]

Ha!

You know who's a slacker? Anyone who plans to skip the biggest party to ever hit Boston (well, except for maybe that tea party thing) and make Aja ride the train over by herself. There's just no excuse! ;)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go animate my short film, paint the house, walk the dog, dismantle a cow heart, learn to juggle, invent a cold fusion reactor, find a cure for the common cold, and wash some dishes. Before lunch!

[Giant]

Heya Aja:

Don't know if you remember me or not. I was in AM for semester 1 and 2, Christophe DeGregory. I live near Boston, it would be great to see some of the faces from AM. Where is the gathering, or is it exclusive to current AM members only?

Hope all is well with you!

Christophe

[My Fault]

learn to juggle

Aja juggling? I predict someone, probably Libby, will have beanbag sized welts by the end of this day. Hide Libby, hide!!! :scream:

[AjaBogdanoff]

Hey Christophe! Of course I remember you! :-D There's going to be an AM "Birds of a Feather" meetup during Siggraph, so come by and say hi! :) http://www.siggraph.org/s2006/main.php?f=conference&p=birds

And haha, Brian, she'll hide if she knows what's good for her! :D

[kylej0802]

Im thinking of signing up but should i get to know maya first? im a quick learner but im still afraid of signing up for a school like that and then dropping the ball cuz i cant keep up. i was thinking i would do some tutorials that some of you guys have linked here on Cgtalk, what do you guys think. is the content easy enough for someone with no real history with maya/CG animation gonna be able to do it? i know it says that they go from beginner to pro, i just dont have that kind of money to screw up. any sugguestions are much appreciated.

[corneliu]

Im thinking of signing up but should i get to know maya first? im a quick learner but im still afraid of signing up for a school like that and then dropping the ball cuz i cant keep up. i was thinking i would do some tutorials that some of you guys have linked here on Cgtalk, what do you guys think. is the content easy enough for someone with no real history with maya/CG animation gonna be able to do it? i know it says that they go from beginner to pro, i just dont have that kind of money to screw up. any sugguestions are much appreciated.

You do not need to know anything about Maya. The "take of" is much faster for someone using Maya.
Anyway ... first thing you get access to some very very good video tutorials about the Maya UI and in depth look about how Maya is connected to animation work only.
There is also a very good separate class with a mentor for Maya only. This class is not so expensive and I heard it does wonders.

Anyway ... what I would personally recommend you ist to go once through a DVD like this one from Digital Tutors:

http://www.digitaltutors.com/store/product.php?productid=418&cat=51&page=1#tabs

it takes you once through allmost all basic maya stuff quiet good.

I have class mates who never touched maya before but after some little struggle got over the Maya tech stuff and are doing very good assignments.

Hope this was helpful

[MadMax]

Agreed.

Advance knowledge is not a necessity, but it does help.

They have soem reasonable, although short videos on basic and intermediate Maya functions, but only as it directly relates to the character animation controls you will need in the course.

No need for Paint effects, cloth, dynamics, texturing or modeling tools. JUST character animation, graph editor, dope sheet etc.

And they step you through it very basic, one step at a time.

two good things to do in advance though is study two books. "Animator's Survival Kit" and "Illusion of Life: Disney Animation"

you want to familiarize yourself with a basic understanding of the terminology and basic components. It'll go a long way to helping you get started.

[kylej0802]

thanks guys. i'll probly wait till spring 07 to hit the classes up. i'll look into links posted here. thanks for the info guys.

[achavero]

I didn't knew anything of maya... for me it was enough the tutorials of the school and the ones that i found on the web. Now I'm in class 4 and still alive =D

[zeroeffect]

I didn't knew anything of maya... for me it was enough the tutorials of the school and the ones that i found on the web. Now I'm in class 4 and still alive =D

...and pumping out some really great work!

[corneliu]

Agreed.

They have soem reasonable, although short videos on basic and intermediate Maya functions, but only as it directly relates to the character animation controls you will need in the course.



I personally was impressed by the "in depth" I found about the Maya Animation UI without talking anything about animation at all ... this Maya videos are split into many little ones but if you watch them all there are 2 hours and 15 minutes.

I think this is the longest material ever coverd by anyone. And there is nothing about deformers, curves, rig or any other stuff that is not connected to character animation.

[Calle]

Does anyone know how long time I will have to wait before getting accepted/enrolled if I apply to AM now? I guess it won’t be when the next course starts so I guess I will be placed in the waiting list for a while?

[corneliu]

Does anyone know how long time I will have to wait before getting accepted/enrolled if I apply to AM now? I guess it won’t be when the next course starts so I guess I will be placed in the waiting list for a while?

I think you will be on the next course that should be in 9-11 weeks ... don't know exactly

[camjam26]

Oh sweet googly moogly!!! I'm in!!! I'm in!!! Fall '06!!! What am I getting myself into?!?!?! Okay, so I just wanted to say hi to everyone here. I am completely excited about this. I've been putting together my list of supplies needed and all that good stuff. I was contemplating doing a little upgrading of the ol' computer (maybe just add another gig or two of RAM). I currently have 1GB as it is, so I know that's fine. But I figure it never hurts to have more of that. I do have Maya 6 Unlimited but have read from others that it may be beneficial to get 7 (rigs working better in 7 versus 6 is what I mainly heard). Probably the only other thing I'm not positive on is the web cam. I've never owned one and until now finally have a reason to get it. Any recommendations on what most are using or ones to stay away from?

Looking forward to being a part of the community!

Cheers,
Chris

[MadMax]

Congrats on getting in........

First off, 1gb ram is fine. You are not going to be doing anythign incredibly complex in the beginning anyway.

Logitech Quick Cam Pro 5000 is a great web can, I got one on eBay for 40.00

Maya 6.5 to 7, don't know. I use 7, not sure if there is really a difference between them that is really visible or not. I'd be doubtful of that.

One tip I have....Plan ahead. Study as much in advance as you can.

Buy a couple of books. "Illusion of Life: Disney Animation". chapter 3 is your bible. Get the "Animator's Survival Kit" by Williams. there is a lot of great info on timing and basiscs there. The mechanics of animation.

You will be doing a lot of paper and pencil sketching. start practicing now. Go to the park, the mall or other public places and get familiar with doing quick sketches of people in real life.

Learn to become one with the Graph Editor :) you'll need to become it's good friend.

Start being observant NOW. go out side and bounce a basketball and watch how it falls and bounces.

go drop ping pong balls and golf balls.

Drop a bag of sand etc. start training yourself to observe how everything moves.

FYI: too much observation can get you slapped though.

It's a great class, but be prepared to work your ass off.

Good luck!!

[JCAddy]

I took my placement / entry test about 2 weeks ago and haven't heard a darn thing back. I was really excited to! Someone PM me if you can help.

Thanks,
Jason

[corneliu]

I took my placement / entry test about 2 weeks ago and haven't heard a darn thing back. I was really excited to! Someone PM me if you can help.

Thanks,
Jason

Just write them. I did also and they did respond quiet fast. And everything was ok.

[JCAddy]

How weird. The moment I get back from lunch I have an email from them saying I have been accepted. :)

STOKED!

-Jason

[lutonomy]

How weird. The moment I get back from lunch I have an email from them saying I have been accepted. :)

STOKED!

-Jason

Congrats! You're going to love it! :thumbsup:

[Littleberu]

Oh dang, for one moment, I thought applications were closed. I still have a couple of days to decide if I do it this fall or not.

Help me Jesus, Help me Jewish God, Help me Tom Cruise.

[Delucubus]

How weird. The moment I get back from lunch I have an email from them saying I have been accepted. :)

STOKED!

-Jason

Good to hear! I did my test last friday and got accepted this afternoon, they probably just had a large batch of people to go through this weekend.

[AjaBogdanoff]

Wow, I just realized that I won't be a student anymore when you new folks enroll! Oh man... here come the shakes. :drool:

[3D-SBG]

I also received an email today saying that I have been accepted into the Fall 2006 term.

Someone pinch me so I know it's not a dream :p

I'm soooooooooo excited!!




-Jim

[MadMax]

I took my placement / entry test about 2 weeks ago and haven't heard a darn thing back. I was really excited to! Someone PM me if you can help.

Thanks,
Jason

easy solution, use the telephone. They won't bite you!

[Vespers]

Next paycheck, I'll be in for the the Fall term. I'm so stoked.

[Fede]

Well i wasn't going to post quite yet but since you guys have started already, what the hell.

Fall 06, what a time to start.

I think i enroled the first day they would allow for the fall semester and it felt like ages, but alas here we are so close.

I don't know Maya very well so i ordered :


"The Game Animator's Guide to Maya" "The Game Artist's Guide to Maya"
Michael McKinley

They supposedly nice and short. I know they offer videos to get you up to speed but i'd rather feel a bit more comfortable with the software so that i can focus on the animation side.

Look forward to meeting all you guys inside

Later

[My Fault]

easy solution, use the telephone. They won't bite you!

Be warned, if approached before he has his caffeine, Taylor will bite! :D

[iliketheska]

I'm only 4 weeks in but I'm LOVING IT!
Superfluous post, but I felt it had to be said :D

[mmkelly011881]

Wow, I just realized that I won't be a student anymore when you new folks enroll! Oh man... here come the shakes. :drool:


pssh... cmon aja... you know we're still gonna be THAT GUY who is 40 and still goes to the high school parties :)

[camjam26]

I also received an email today saying that I have been accepted into the Fall 2006 term.

Someone pinch me so I know it's not a dream :p

I'm soooooooooo excited!!




-Jim

Congrats Jim! I'm looking forward to meeting all (or at least as many as I can) the new students in the Fall '06 crowd. Only two months until we start now (that'll go quickly).

-Chris

[corneliu]

Wow, I just realized that I won't be a student anymore when you new folks enroll! Oh man... here come the shakes. :drool:

Hey Aja :)

As far as I can remember ... I read that some where ... You will be an AM menber for ever after you graduate ... hope I'm not slightly going bananas ... but there was something like this ... does anyone know?

[achavero]

congratulations to all the new people that will start this fall.

A year ago, i received that email saying "you're accepted" and still today i get butterflies of happiness every week when i see the new classes and the assignments.

I understand Aja perfectly... this school is very addictive =)

Prepare for the ride of your life. =D

[AjaBogdanoff]

still today i get butterflies of happiness every week when i see the new classes and the assignments.

Yeah, I know!! This week was my, what, sixty-fourth lecture from AM??? And I was still totally glued to the screen for it! And babbling excitedly about it for the rest of the day!

"And then! It was hilarious, he started dancing!! And the guy who made that one REM video was in it! And now I'm all super-excited! And and and!"

:bounce:

Corneliu, yeah, there's been a lot of talk about graduates having lifetime access to the site, but we don't know how much access we'll have to the regular school yet. We might have our own little alumni area. Which would also be cool!

Dibs on the alumni couch! :D

[Vespers]

Has anyone gotten The Illusion of Life from Amazon lately? I tired just before christmas last year and they kept sending me emails that it would be another month because it was on backorder. Yet, on the site, it said the book was in stock. I let it go for about 6 months and then just canceled it. I'm about to try again and just wondering if anyones had success.

[3D-SBG]

Has anyone gotten The Illusion of Life from Amazon lately?

I just ordered it from Barns & Noble the other day. Their web site says it's in stock.

-Jim

[Fede]

@ Vespers, i ordered mine a few days ago and it got shipped today so go get it now.

[xixax]

Hello future fellow AM peoples. I ordered mine a couple of weeks ago. Came in right away.

I'm getting the nervous jitters in advance of the class already. As soon as I get my student ID, I intend to dive into Maya head first (without a helmet) to try and get my head (again, without a helmet) around it.

I've dabbled in 3D, do an ok job painting etc. from reference, but this is an entirely new step for me. I signed up after one of those deep moments of self realization where it dawned on me that everything I've done has been my buildup, planning in a way, to get to making stories with the art when finished.

I'm really, really looking forward to the fall semester.

[Vespers]

Ordered it, thanks guys.

[thebulfrog]

Just got accepted!
That's it. Just wanted to say - here I am waiting for two months till the madness. Looking forward to it. Glad this forum was here to help convince me it's the right thing to do.

I was wondering if anyone else is in the NYC area who's done AM or is starting AM and would like to meet up? I imagine there's a bunch of us.

[Fede]

September 25 is sooooo far away.

When do we get to pay the registration fee? i think some time in August hey?

[thelostcucumber]

Registration fee is payed at the same time as you pay for the first term (or for the whole 18 months if you want to). For me that was a few weeks before the first term started. Gongrats on choosing AM, by the way. You won't regret it.

-Cucumber

[anthea]

Just got accepted!
That's it. Just wanted to say - here I am waiting for two months till the madness. Looking forward to it. Glad this forum was here to help convince me it's the right thing to do.

I was wondering if anyone else is in the NYC area who's done AM or is starting AM and would like to meet up? I imagine there's a bunch of us.

hey bulfrog,
I used to live in NYC when AM first started, but now I live in LA. When you get into AM you'll find forums dedicated to areas of the country, in there you'll be able to post and read about all your local events and gatherings. Maybe try to get a current AM student to post your event in the NYC forum and drum up some interest.

[tmahony]

Be warned, if approached before he has his caffeine, Taylor will bite! :D

You better watch your step there Brian, I've got my eye on you. Now where did I put my coffee? :-)

Ha ha.. yeah, we don't bite, just nibble a little. Like the little fish do to your toes when you are swimming.

[corneliu]

:scream: Jaws !!! ... maaamaaa ... miiiiia

[jason108]

Could I get a list of all the assignments you guys get for all the classes as well as a the deadlines for each assignment?

thanks
Jason

[Shreds]

Could I get a list of all the assignments you guys get for all the classes as well as a the deadlines for each assignment?

thanks
Jason


Sorry to be kind of an ass about it but that's a pretty stupid question. The cirriculum is in fact a small part of what you're paying for when you go to a school. They think long and hard about the best way for you to learn in their program so asking to get all this info for free is in fact kind of a stupid question. There have been a few posts of people talking about looking at the assignments on people's blogs and going through and trying to follow along which is one way of doing it but if you think you're going to have the same level of animation by just doing the same assignments in the same time restrictions without a high level of critique from Industry Professionals you're sadly mistaken. It takes a ton of time and effort to learn animation. I honestly haven't ever seen a critique for an animation on any animation forum meeting the nitpick levels that the professionals touch on at schools such as Animation Mentor, and I'm sure the same goes for the AAU Pixar classes since they have awesome instructors from Pixar teaching there, one of which was my first mentor for AM. Obviously we all know there are exceptional self-taught animators out there, ex. Victor Navone, but he didn't have a list of all the assignments and deadlines from another school. If you can learn on your own, then go for it!

So in summary, your best bet for getting that kind of information is enrolling and getting through the entire Animation Mentor program.

www.animationmentor.com (http://animationmentor.com/)

Good luck with your learning experience.

[Littleberu]

That's it. I have sent my application this afternoon, since I've now have enough money for the two coming terms.

It's better late than never.

[Shreds]

Sweet Carl! It's a fun program and you'll learn a TON!

[Littleberu]

Sweet Carl! It's a fun program and you'll learn a TON!

WELL I BETTER LEARN A TON YOU ...

*cough*

Yeah! :P I'm super-excited, and I hope I'll be accepted. Now's the waiting game, and Ô how I hate playing it. ;)

[mmkelly011881]

Could I get a list of all the assignments you guys get for all the classes as well as a the deadlines for each assignment?

thanks
Jason


sign up bro.. it's worth it

[Vespers]

I did it. I finally applied. I've been holding off because I wasn't sure I'd have the money. I'm so stoked. I'm already halfway through Illusion of Life. I love this book. It had a little section about Freddie Moore, who is one of my favorite animators of all time. Can't wait to see if I am accepted and to meet you guys and my mentor. Whoever said Sept 25 is so far away wasn't kidding.

[tobdog485]

Hey Everyone!

My name is Toby Cochran, and I went to Siggraph this year and went to the AM party. I'm currently at AIC, right now. But after learning and meeting a lot of students like, Matthew Garward and Aja Bogdanoff just to name a few was the best experience.

Everyone had such great excitement in their eyes about what they were learning. And Meeting Bobby Beck topped the night. Then sitting in on the class the next morning with my friends from school, just blew us away. I along with other from my school are suppose to graduate in a year, maybe less. But I learned more in the first 20mins listening to Bobby, then I have in the past 3 years of school about animation!

A lot of us now, are quiting school and are all signed up. I plan on startring in Jan, with the others if I get everything taken care of. We went back to school on Monday and totally rocked the boat their! We just told people what we learned and a lot of people are upset and now the school is going to be making changes.

Anyway!!! I'm super excited to get started on what I love to do, along with my buddies and can't wait to meet everyone else!

-Toby

[My Fault]

Yeah, Bobby has that effect on people. It is his infectious personality... now MattG and Aja are just infectious. I know for a fact that Matt had keyframitis and Aja needs hip replacement after that case of asian gimbal lock flu.

You will definitely love AM. The people, the mentors... the cookies, what more can you say.

[Shreds]

Very cool to hear Toby! Yeah man, I'm not sure what they don't teach at other schools that claim to teach animation but I do know what they do teach at AM and haven't been let down yet. As I mentioned to Carl earlier, there is so much to learn and they definitely supply you with a wealth of knowledge. And Matt DeBeul, hope everything goes well and see ya around if you start in the Fall!

[anthea]

Hi Toby!

Yeah, I know it's a hard pill to swallow when you realize your current school isn't teaching you what you need to know, it's a big let down, I went through the same thing myself. Just be thankful that you've now found AM, and the animation learnin' can begin! Congrats!

[StefanStavrev]

Hey guys

I wanna hear from the ones that have already been in animationmentor, what do they think?

Does it worth it for the money? Are they sorry for spending so much money on it?

Cheers :)

[mgarward]

Hey guys

I wanna hear from the ones that have already been in animationmentor, what do they think?

Does it worth it for the money? Are they sorry for spending so much money on it?

Is it worth it? Yes! Am I sorry? NO! :)

I mean, I guess it depends really, doesn't it? With the $14,000 or whatever I've spent on AM, I could have bought a lot of Lego, or taken the family for a couple of trips home to Australia, or had a great party. Or I could have paid for about one year (or less) at a different animation school. But for the money I am paying, I am getting a chance to change my career into something that I LOVE doing. So for me, yes it's totally worth it... quality of life and happiness are worth almost any amount of money.

AM has taught me how to bring characters to life. It's hard to explain all the details, and I think a lot of the students come across as cult-like evangelists when we talk about AM, but the teaching is so solid and the community so enthusiastic that it's hard not to be excited. :) And I think the results will speak for themselves when some classes start graduating.

It's not great, but if you want to see what AM can do for someone who had never animated before, my demo reel is at http://mattg.weavo.net/demoreel.html and my blog & gallery are linked from there. If you have any specific questions about the course I'll be happy to answer if I can.

[Shreds]

Hey guys

I wanna hear from the ones that have already been in animationmentor, what do they think?

Does it worth it for the money? Are they sorry for spending so much money on it?

Cheers :)

Hey Stefan, I'm currently in term 5 of 6 in Animation Mentor and I couldn't be happier with the experience. As fas as money goes, it's one of the cheapest animation schools to go to and one of the best, so you've got the best of both worlds there. What other schools are you thinking of that are cheaper or as cheap? If I were to go to one of my other choice schools it would have meant at least $20,000, which is a pretty low ball number, per yer for school plus I'd have to move. So you're looking to spend anywhere between say $80,000-$120,000 for a 4 year program to learn some animation and most of the time it's not taught by industry professionals compared to a program that properly teaches you animation with teachers criticizing your work to the standards that they are held up to in the film industry every day for work. Of course, you have to remember that they are working on their shots completely full time and have been animating for a certain amount of years already, so just because they are giving you those crits, it still comes down to you being able to execute them. So they are supplying you with the knowledge to making your animation high quality work but every student's situation is different, which is why you'll end up with a variation in quality of work at every school you go to. But like I say, 18 months costing less than $15,000 is a pretty sweet deal. Other 2 year programs out there can cost around $30,000 or more. Some might be a little less but I have yet to see an animation program as enticing and concentrated on animation as Animation Mentor does. It all comes down to doing the research man! How much do other schools cost, what are the teachers like, what do they teach, what does the student work look like, where have graduates gone, etc. Since AM is still young without any graduates I can see that some of these questions can't be answered but in about 6 weeks the last question will begin to be supplied with an answer. And I understand that these questions are all a part of the research, so feel free to ask anytime. Good luck with your choice!:)

[AjaBogdanoff]

You guys are awesome. :)

[Kimotion]

Hi Toby!

Yeah, I know it's a hard pill to swallow when you realize your current school isn't teaching you what you need to know, it's a big let down, I went through the same thing myself. Just be thankful that you've now found AM, and the animation learnin' can begin! Congrats!

A very big ditto there.

OK, just 7 more weeks left. And I'm done!

[Fede]

I, for one am extremely grateful for this course, and doubt I would have any other option in South Africa to learn the craft from a reputable institution (I do stand to be corrected). I'm not talking about the Maya interface by the way but actual focused character animation.

Converting to my currency makes the total amount rather hefty, however, if I were to travel abroad for the amount of time required to complete any such course the capital required would sky rocket. From what I’ve seen in people's work, my current animations and work will benefit from the get go and by the third semester the course will probably pay for it's self.

i just wish the 25th of September would get here already.

Got my copy of 'The Illusion of Life' today, didn't realize how thick it is:buttrock: so much reading goodness.

Can't wait to start

[anthea]

You guys are awesome. :)

hey pretty lady!

no, you are awesome jaja boo!

does anyone else think that aja is the scarlett johanssen of animation?

[Kimotion]

For those who went, how was Siggraph?

[My Fault]

hey pretty lady!

no, you are awesome jaja boo!

does anyone else think that aja is the scarlett johanssen of animation?

Funny, I always thought she was the Jake Johannsen of animation. :D

Jaja is so going to slap me for that one.... and this time I will have to actually duck!

[AjaBogdanoff]

...and this time I will have to actually duck!

*resists*

;)

Can't wait to see you all this week. I've already started losing my voice. This school rocks. :)

[mttjss]

so I am still considering AM - I was actually selected but then had to back out for $$ reasons (I would be heading into the short film quarter -ugh!)

my question is this - its not who teaches you (mostly) or what school (mostly), but more of how much effort, time and heart you put into it. Do you still see other classmates that have a hard time with animation? They are pulling through, but you know deep-down that it might just not happen for them.

I have graduated with a BA in computer animation. I know modeling, rigging, animation, some compositing and some other stuff too. But I know that my stuff is no where near the level I need to make it in a studio. So I am seeing if I should take this huge tuition on top of the other school loans I will start having to pay back in 2007.

Thanks for the input. I got to see some of the stuff a student was working on at Siggraph from AM, and I was in more awe! The level of skill just rubs off on everyone that goes there!

Matt -

[Shreds]

so I am still considering AM - I was actually selected but then had to back out for $$ reasons (I would be heading into the short film quarter -ugh!)

my question is this - its not who teaches you (mostly) or what school (mostly), but more of how much effort, time and heart you put into it. Do you still see other classmates that have a hard time with animation? They are pulling through, but you know deep-down that it might just not happen for them.

I have graduated with a BA in computer animation. I know modeling, rigging, animation, some compositing and some other stuff too. But I know that my stuff is no where near the level I need to make it in a studio. So I am seeing if I should take this huge tuition on top of the other school loans I will start having to pay back in 2007.

Thanks for the input. I got to see some of the stuff a student was working on at Siggraph from AM, and I was in more awe! The level of skill just rubs off on everyone that goes there!

Matt -

Hey Matt, good questions. First off you do have a great point-"...but more of how much effort, time and heart you put into it." I personally agree quite a bit with that kind of a statement.

"Do you still see other classmates that have a hard time with animation?"
-The truth is yes. There are students that seem to be having a tough time animating and there are students that are repeating terms. My first mentor actually made the comment that with something like timing, some animation students just kind of have that ability to see and feel it while others it can take a very long time to pick it up and apply it into their work, if ever. So you've got the students that are definitely in the top of the field, the middle, and lower just like any other school. Although it is something that is very tough to say if it's more of a problem with putting the time in for those students or a matter of comprehension. Personally from my own experience out of AM there have only been about 2 or 3 cases where I felt a student just was not comprehending the material being presented. So that's from my own experience. Like one of the mentors put it though, you really need to check out the work around you and kind of evaluate yourself against it, to a point. If everyone else's work is at a much higher level than your own, then you really need to put in more time than you have been so it might be possible to level that out if the people have the time. It's kind of an oppinionated topic though, as far as being able to learn it or not, so take what I say as a grain of salt and evaluate it to your own standards. :) Hopefully this helps!

[achavero]

As Adam said, there are all kind of students in AM. But one thing that I've seen is that some people that seems to struggle in their last animations when they start a new one they sometimes pull out a very strong and fun animation.

So, I think you're as good as the time and effort you put in your work. The advantage of AM, is that you have top noch animators checking your stuff and making sure you don't go out of the right path.

That in combination with amazing classmates and the AM staff create an environment where you really want to learn and be the best animator you can.

I think AM is worth every penny you pay.

Last week in the Sigg, we had a dinner with a hundred students of AM, Bobby Beck and Monique and I can tell you it was amazing.

[mttjss]

well it didnt take long, but I decided to really do this. I am gonna take on AM.

I had planned last year to join, but $$ problems. But now I am just gonna work through them and do this. My love for animation and storytelling is far too great to pass this up.

I hope to hear back from them soon and take the little test again and then hopefully I will be in the fall term.

cant wait to get my hands on those videos and lectures :thumbsup:

Matt -

[Rye]

So I keep looking at this massive thread and the AM website, and I just need to stop making excuses and do it, or I'll beat myself up when I'm 50. Filled out the ap, wrote the essay, and now I wait for the test. I hope I'll see you all in the fall!

[Vespers]

hey, I know I read this somewhere befor but I can't remember and looking for it in this monster thread is daunting. Anyways, I filled the ap and took the test. I was wondering how long after that I need to wait before they let me know if I am accepted or not.

[AjaBogdanoff]

You guys are going to love it. Being out here in SF, and getting to hang out with all the amazing people that make it happen, I'll tell you that I've never seen a school that cares so much about its students. What an awesome experience this has been. :)

[xixax]

hey, I know I read this somewhere befor but I can't remember and looking for it in this monster thread is daunting. Anyways, I filled the ap and took the test. I was wondering how long after that I need to wait before they let me know if I am accepted or not.

I heard from them in around two weeks time. Had a friend that I think was closer to three (will also be in the fall semester!)

[My Fault]

You guys are going to love it. Being out here in SF, and getting to hang out with all the amazing people that make it happen, I'll tell you that I've never seen a school that cares so much about its students. What an awesome experience this has been. :)

You do realize we aren't letting you go home right? I almost have my Aja impression down, then all I need to do is call the airline to cancel your tickets and BAM, you are staying!

Now we just need to find you guys a place to live, a couple of sweet jobs and woohooo, party night will be every night in old San Francisco! :thumbsup:

[mttjss]

Hey Aja and Brian N. and all you other AM vets. If you still have a cubie on the AM portal, I hope you guys will stop in every once in a while and critique some of our work. I am sure I can use all the critiques I can get!


man I havent gotten that fun little test yet and I know I did it fairly well last time.
if I am ever in San Fran we gotta hit up some bars - talk AM till the wee hours of the morning (that is if I have no AM assignments to do at the time!)
:D

Matt -

[SkyZero]

Congrats on getting in! See you guys on the other side! :thumbsup:

[storyForge]

AJA AND BRIAN!

I can't wait to hang out with you guys this week. Its going to be so great!!! Haha... to bad I can't slug back a few with you guys, but I'm sure I won't need it to have fun with you. And all the people coming sound awesome... Can't wait to see everyone in person.

and to all wondering, the school is absolutely jaw droppingly take your breath away good. NOt without its own very very small issues, but on the whole a 9.99999/10.

-Jonathan

[mttjss]

well I took the test they sent me. Now I guess its just a little wait till I hear anything. Hopefully I made it into the Fall Session. Look forward to meeting all of the new faces and mentors.


BTW - Is anyone that is in AM or will be attending AM in Florida or a state close by? That way if we ever decide to meet up or something.

Matt -

[My Fault]

AJA AND BRIAN!

I can't wait to hang out with you guys this week. Its going to be so great!!! Haha... to bad I can't slug back a few with you guys, but I'm sure I won't need it to have fun with you. And all the people coming sound awesome... Can't wait to see everyone in person.

and to all wondering, the school is absolutely jaw droppingly take your breath away good. NOt without its own very very small issues, but on the whole a 9.99999/10.

-Jonathan

Should be a blast. Wife-olucci and son-olucci will be coming as well. Looking forward to hanging with some AM homeys again. And if all goes well I will be back in class next quarter, ripping it up with everybody. Woooo!!


Hey Aja and Brian N. and all you other AM vets. If you still have a cubie on the AM portal, I hope you guys will stop in every once in a while and critique some of our work. I am sure I can use all the critiques I can get!

Definitely. See you on the inside soon!

[fluffybunny]

Should be a blast. Wife-olucci and son-olucci will be coming as well. Looking forward to hanging with some AM homeys again. And if all goes well I will be back in class next quarter, ripping it up with everybody. Woooo!!


Definitely. See you on the inside soon!

Holy Smokes, Dr. Jones!

Yes, Captain, if my calculations are correct that means there is a 99% chance we will be in the same class as Nicolucci, and approximately a 15% chance that we will have the same mentor!

Unfortunately there's a 0% chance of hanging out with AM homeys for me this week.

There's also a 0% chance that I'd get to pop-up on cam with a special group Q&A and join Brian in a hearty chorus of "Noooooooooooooooooooo!"

Oh well, not all of us can be that cool :scream:

hey wait...am I too over the top, this can't be animation excitement can it?

"Runt, my friend, an Alien fleet is about to invade Earth. Civilization as we know it depends on ME...........................and to a lesser extent, you."

okay, I'll stop now :D

cheers!

eric

[mttjss]

ok - last question for a while (like a day or two:D )

In the AM catalog it says you might spend around 20 hrs a week working on your stuff. Can any of you vouche for that? Just curious how much time you usually spent on your projects.

NOTE: I know it is all of matter of what you put into it that really shows your passion and all that. I also know that the earlier classes are not as time consuming because the projects are a little less involved at first - so no bashing :scream: !!

Just trying to get an idea of what some of you have put into this.

Thanks.

Matt -

[molson67]

Hey Matt,

I found that through terms 1 to 3 I have spent between 10 to 15 hours per week. And in class 4 I have spent at least 20 hours per week. This included lectures.
I should have spent more time in class 2 though.

Mark

[mgarward]

In the AM catalog it says you might spend around 20 hrs a week working on your stuff. Can any of you vouche for that? Just curious how much time you usually spent on your projects.

NOTE: I know it is all of matter of what you put into it that really shows your passion and all that. I also know that the earlier classes are not as time consuming because the projects are a little less involved at first - so no bashing :scream: !!

Just trying to get an idea of what some of you have put into this.

Hi Matt. :)

It used to say "10 hours a week" but they changed it, and I've said 20 hours a week for a while. I'm probably putting in between 2 and 4 hours each night. BUT REALLY... I think AM could take up as much time as you have, and then some. You could get by with less than 20 hours, especially if you have some experience and/or you work fast, but you will probably always wish you had more time.

A typical week has at least 1 hour for the lecture, at least 1 hour for the Q&A, 15 minutes for your eCritique, and the rest is assignment work. But even in the first class, in the first few weeks, there are tutorial videos to watch, guest speakers, you can watch the lecture again and take notes, and of course a campus full of other people's work and eCritiques to watch and learn from. And if you're like me, you'll have Maya to learn as well. :) The more time you can devote to AM, the better, really. But 20 hours a week is a good average.

[mike33]

Hi,

What are AM students planning on doing once they are done with their courses?

Is anyone planning on staying independent and working on their own projects?

I'm considering applying to AM in the future, but I don't think my family and I will be
living in any areas close to the major animation studios.

Is anyone out there freelancing from home as a character animator, do major studios even work that way?

Thanks,

mike

[sternio]

Hi,

What are AM students planning on doing once they are done with their courses?

Is anyone planning on staying independent and working on their own projects?

I'm considering applying to AM in the future, but I don't think my family and I will be
living in any areas close to the major animation studios.

Is anyone out there freelancing from home as a character animator, do major studios even work that way?

Thanks,

mike

Wow this thread refuses to die!!

I know what I am doing after AM...re-balancing my life :)

There are a few studios I have heard of that hire animators to work remotely. The pay is by approved footage so it would help to have your chops down before hopping on one of those gigs. There are also some commercial shops that farm work out to remote contractors.

As far as the time put into the class work I agree with Matt G that it could take up as much time as you have. It also depends on how complex your choices are for your assignments. During the first four classes I found that I spent around 3-4 hours a day during the work week and a full day on Sat so around 25 a week give or take. During class 5 the workload eased up a bit and I found that I only spent around 15-20 hours a week, but now that we are in production on our short films I am finding things really pouring overboard and that I am working about 4-5 hours during the work week and both weekend days which brings it up around 40 hours a week.

The smart thing to do is to plan your animation for the amount of time that you have available. You can learn just as much about animation (sometimes more) in a 6 second clip than you can in a 20 second clip.

[camjam26]

I'm considering applying to AM in the future, but I don't think my family and I will be
living in any areas close to the major animation studios.

I will be starting AM this fall so I don't have a lot of feedback on most of your questions. However, I live in Manhattan, Kansas so I am most definitely not near a major animation studio as well! I would truly love to work for a major studio but understand how difficult it is. At the same time, there are so many companies out there (even teeny, tiny ones) that use animation in some form. The Animation World Network (www.awn.com (http://www.awn.com)) has a pretty good database of companies in the animation industry. You may be surprised to see what all is near you.

For me, I just want to be an animator. It would bring me no greater joy (excluding my wife and baby girl) than to do this. If I can't work at Pixar, Weta, etc., I won't let it stop me. If I have to start with a smaller company to gain experience and put together a better resume to move on to somewhere bigger, that's the path that I'll take. I think it's about doing what you love though. I would be completely satisfied and happy knowing I got to do what I loved in a van down by the river than not ever have been able to do it at all.

-Chris

[Nitefyre]

The smart thing to do is to plan your animation for the amount of time that you have available. You can learn just as much about animation (sometimes more) in a 6 second clip than you can in a 20 second clip.

Quoted for agreement! Its a pretty much a guarantee you will learn time management at AM (and thats not a bad thing at all!)

[Vespers]

Ahhh, all this waiting to find out if I am accepted business is quite maddening.

[achavero]

For all the people that still have questions about AM and the quality of the teaching, i invite you to see the Student Showcase that today premiere at the AM website.

http://www.animationmentor.com/index.cfm (http://www.animationmentor.com/index.cfm)

It's just amazing! Congratulations to AM!

[storyForge]

Even after seeing some of these shots b4, they are all incredible. Bravo to the upper classman!

[My Fault]

Ya know, I think the performance enhancing supplements that Bobby has been putting in the students AnimationMentor brand Gruel has realllly paid off. Bee-yooo-teeful!!

[mttjss]

very nice! I was actually suprised I hadn't seen a few of those. The one by David Sloss interrogating the teddy bear - CLASSIC!

Man - I think Bobby and his crew just watches this thread. And every time it starts to quieten down, something "unexpected" comes out of that school.

September better get here fast!

Matt -

[save often]

nice, very nice indeed. hoping to join at some point, when i get the cash together.

[anthea]

I saw this at comicon and couldn't take my eyes off the screen. The work the current students are doing is just amazing and so inspiring to me.

[Fede]

September 25, September 25, September 25.

Are we there yet?

[SePu]

really neat stuff from that showcase .....
congrats to everyone in AM !

Im looking forward to apply ... hopefully pretty soon !

[corneliu]

Good news drives fast :bounce:

Here is a News post about AM:

www.3dm3.com (http://www.3dm3.com)


Quiet cool site overall

[meta87]

Has anyone gotten the registration packet for the fall semester yet? The email said it would come as an email around August 14th and I haven't seen anything yet.

Can't wait !!!

[Fede]

I haven't received any thing yet either.

Never been so keen to pay any one before!

[liquidik]

Hi guys,

I just want to tell you that the time you'll spend at AM is just unbelievable. Even though my physical energy are about to leave me :) the only thing I can do is animate.

You'll learn a lot, and the program is really optimized now and works at the best (the quality of the showcase is just awesome !), but you really had to learn to manage your time...

@Anthea: wooooo...long time no see...we miss you!

Gian

[mttjss]

Anthea -
I came across THIS (http://antheakerou.blogspot.com/2005_08_01_antheakerou_archive.html) post in your blog about your streamlined approach to your work ethic. It does seem like you do not get a lot of time between projects, especially if you have to find pieces to work on, ideas, thumbnails, and then the actual 3d animation.

Do you guys see it as a real obstacle getting through the lessons. I work a FT job and also have a wife. When I get in here in Sept., I want to be able to spend as much time as needed to get the assignments done, but I have other things that need my attention during the week.

I guess I am just worried about running into the same problems as I did in college with no time to really push my animations and then I had to turn in stuff I was not pleased with. (I dont have to worry about the gen-eds and all the other classes that were in no relation to animation though!)

Just looking to prepare myself to do the best animation I can.:D

Matt -

[rcronin]

I was just taking a peek at the face rig in the AM trailer. I like the simplicity of it. Anyone know if it's blend shapes driven by the controllers or clusters moved by controllers?
Ryan

[mttjss]

rcronin -

I was just taking a peek at your website. Pretty amazing stuff there.
Are you in AM or thinking about joining. Would be really cool to have some talent like yours chatting and giving critiques to us every week.

Matt -

[rcronin]

I hadn't thought about it Matt. I haven't had the opportunity to work on a full cg project that would require the animation style of AM so I've kind of just whipped up my own projects to try and teach myself.
From what I see in the student showcase though, this course is focussed! The advanced acting skits are stellar and even the body exercizes are mint. You guys have really learned to break up your timing, rip the 'computer' out of your inbetweens, lose your fear of putting holds into your work and your poses are readable and nicely silhouetted. I was seriously locked into the eyes of some of the acting bits. These are the kind of demo reel pieces that show a recruiter that you have spent a good amount of time refining your skills and that you know the fundamentals. Congrats!
I don't know if I have time to take the course, but I'm always available to chat animation and share my brains. ryan@cronimation.com
Cheers and keep up the killer keys!
Ryan

[mmkelly011881]

Ryan,

I'm pretty sure Taylor said it was all blendshapes driven by controllers.
Though all of that is completely hidden from us :)
We only really see what we need to see.

-Mattk

[poly-phobic]

rcronin -

I was just taking a peek at your website. Pretty amazing stuff there.


amazing indeed.

i just got my daily dose of inspiration

--

is anyone else having problems viewing the students reels movie?

i can see the other 2 but not the student showcase one. in school and at home [firefox].

[mttjss]

yeah same with me. probably an overload to the AM website. Its been posted in so many places now that the school probably has an influx of visitors. I did notice the rest of the website seemed pretty fast though.Matt -

[achavero]

During some hours, AM is putting the Showcase reel offline because there are too many people trying to see it and the school classes, assignments, forums are being impacted.

So try again, i suggest during daytime hours

[DigitalToon2]

I was having trouble watching my critique from my mentor a few days ago I watched it on Sunday and than tried to rewatch it on tuesday and that's when the AM video came online and every couple seconds my critique would pause, but at first I thought it was my internet connection, but I think now it's that video. But everything seems to be running smoothly again and I did get to watch the video and it's totally awesome and I love being apart of AM.

[Kimotion]

September 25, September 25, September 25.

Are we there yet?

Oh no, don't say that! I'm OUT of AM on that day!

*one tear*

[rasamaya]

Wow thats a lot of posts.. I feel out of the loop.

Great student reel. I will seriously keep this school in mind.

It is expensive for me, and Im just buyin my house... so maybe next year!

Glad to see you guys are having so much fun, and the variety of animation...

Poof!

[Fede]

Sorry Kimotion but it's time to move on buddy, just let go ;)

[mmkelly011881]

*one tear*

one tear? PSSHH.. OPEN THE FLOODGATES BUDDY!... we won't judge!

[Vespers]

Got my acceptance e-mail today!

[mttjss]

Got my acceptance e-mail today!

same here! September 25! Lookin forward to roamin those halls. :thumbsup:

Matt -

[My Fault]

same here! September 25! Lookin forward to roamin those halls. :thumbsup:

Matt -

Be back haunting the halls again soon. Woooooo-woooooooo.....

[ttesla]

first of all, welcome to the all newcomers!! you'll surely enjoy the community in the school and all the resources that will be at your disposal. it really is an amazing place with a super-positive vibe all around. :)

as in regard to the news item "Mentor Reel (http://features.cgsociety.org/story.php?story_id=3704)", i just want to inform everybody reading this thread, that the first AnimationMentor.com Student Showcase (http://www.animationmentor.com/student_showcase/2006_Summer/) is now available for download in quicktime format.

http://www.ttesla.com/AM/AnimationMentor_StudentShowcase.jpg (http://www.animationmentor.com/student_showcase/2006_Summer/)

click, click, enjoy!! :)
-t.

[sternio]

Can this thread possibly get to 500 pages and half a million pageviews? It's pretty close.

[Vespers]

Haha. Probably will.

Hey, did anyone notice the news on the AM site? They signed a deal with creativeheads.net to have the graduate reels sent out in the websites newsletter to like 20000 potential employers. That's such a great idea.

[mttjss]

Be back haunting the halls again soon. Woooooo-woooooooo.....

Awesome Brian - hope to get your input and humor a few times. Will be good seeing all those faces we have grown to love from this thread. You vets better stop through once in a while.

Haha. Probably will.
Hey, did anyone notice the news on the AM site? They signed a deal with creativeheads.net to have the graduate reels sent out in the websites newsletter to like 20000 potential employers. That's such a great idea.

CreativeHeads is a cool website - will be good having that kind of backing when we get done.


Enough talk - I wanna animate some bouncing balls!!

Matt -

[Littleberu]

Who just got accepted baby? No, it is NOT my half-brazilian, half-japanese, 7 feet tall boxing neighbor! IT'S ME! Yeah baby, YEAH!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4b/Austin3b.jpg/250px-Austin3b.jpg

See you on the other side!

[anthea]

Anthea -
I came across THIS (http://antheakerou.blogspot.com/2005_08_01_antheakerou_archive.html) post in your blog about your streamlined approach to your work ethic. It does seem like you do not get a lot of time between projects, especially if you have to find pieces to work on, ideas, thumbnails, and then the actual 3d animation.

Do you guys see it as a real obstacle getting through the lessons. I work a FT job and also have a wife. When I get in here in Sept., I want to be able to spend as much time as needed to get the assignments done, but I have other things that need my attention during the week.

I guess I am just worried about running into the same problems as I did in college with no time to really push my animations and then I had to turn in stuff I was not pleased with. (I dont have to worry about the gen-eds and all the other classes that were in no relation to animation though!)

Just looking to prepare myself to do the best animation I can.:D

Matt -


Hi Matt!
Wow can you believe that post was from a year ago! Gosh how time flies. Yeah I am still working out my workflow and making changes as need be. Workflow is always a work in progress because you are constantly learning tips from other artists on how to improve. At the time I wrote that I was full swing into AM full time, and just starting to get a handle on how to manage my time with all the amazing resources AM has to offer. It helped to have a schedule.

Actually thinking of the ideas, thumbnailing, watching reference and planning IS animating, in a weird way. In some ways I feel like putting in the homework is just as important as the hands on maya time. So all these things together makeup your assignment, so you must find time for them. I think this particular week was during class 2 at the end of the term when we had a pretty short 1 or 2 week "single idea" assignment, it was only 100 frames and we had to get it done fast, so a schedule was important to manage time.

this quote is so me!:
"I guess I am just worried about running into the same problems as I did in college with no time to really push my animations and then I had to turn in stuff I was not pleased with."

- I feel like you took the words right out of my mouth. I had to work full time during my college and grad school and I think my work suffered because of it. When AM started I was also working full time and doing really poorly on assignments, I knew I had to give it my full attention to see if I could actually learn this stuff, and I am so happy I decided to quit my job and focus on AM full time. Of course there are students who are able to handle it all, but I wasn't one of them. And I didn't want to have any regrets and resentments I had felt after finishing my previous schools with nothing to show for myself.

Good luck in AM, you're going to have a blast!

[corneliu]

For all those curious to see some AM snapshots here is a link to an older review on www.xsibase.com :

http://www.xsibase.com/articles.php?detail=107

Maybe this was posted before in this galactic long thread...

I hope this helps

[mttjss]

For all those curious to see some AM snapshots here is a link to an older review on www.xsibase.com (http://www.xsibase.com/) :

http://www.xsibase.com/articles.php?detail=107

Maybe this was posted before in this galactic long thread...

I hope this helps


after never have reading that before - and knowing that I am actually going to be doing this...
NO - NO - NO! That did not help! You only made the craving more intense!

Wow - I have never been so excited/anxious/nervous of doing something than I am of AM.

Matt -

[corneliu]

after never have reading that before - and knowing that I am actually going to be doing this...
NO - NO - NO! That did not help! You only made the craving more intense!

Wow - I have never been so excited/anxious/nervous of doing something than I am of AM.

Matt -

Matt ... relax ... there is a huge amount of work waiting for you.
The risk is, after al the great stuff part, the work is hard and it depends only on you how much stamina you got there.
It came up earlier that some students still struggle and get left behind. I think the most important part is the moment you have to carve some canyons in your brain.
It's sometimes like beeing a 1 year old kid again. You just need to have the same brainless wish to repeat and repeat and repeat until you get it.
Some do not have it and get left behind... some do it more or faster and so on... and you look at their work and feel you may have been a little lazy that or that week.

... so if you want to eas in to this... draw thumbnails ... search the internet for "thumbnail drawing" and draw zillions of them until September.

Take Richard Williams "Animation Survival Kit" and make anything you can with a bouncing ball in Maya.
That simple up and down ... a key there another there is nothing.
Study every little thing in the Graph Editor... which is the Brain ... the tangents there give the move everything and make a huge amount of difference.

Always think ... what kind of ball you wanna drop and make react ... and after you are dead tired with one type ... just change to a complete different one.

So if you want to put some real value in your time until AM starts ... there is plenty of stuff you could do.

I do not wanna scare anybody ... maybe my brain is simply slower some times ... but the results are awesome and worth all the time you spend

[mttjss]

corneliu -

thanks man. never thought of it that way. I really liked the comment about thumbnails. I always thought thumbnails were cake, but I could seriously invest some time and I am sure they would help.

I have quite a bit of experience in Maya, but I will take some balls and animate them to keep me fresh and on par.

Thanks man. I am just anxious to truly learn some good animation techniques that I dont feel I got in the school I was at.:D

Matt -

[corneliu]

corneliu -

thanks man. never thought of it that way. I really liked the comment about thumbnails. I always thought thumbnails were cake, but I could seriously invest some time and I am sure they would help.

I have quite a bit of experience in Maya, but I will take some balls and animate them to keep me fresh and on par.

Thanks man. I am just anxious to truly learn some good animation techniques that I dont feel I got in the school I was at.:D

Matt -

you will ... you will ... be (Yoda talking to Luke on Dantooine... today I feel like Luke jumping around like crazy through the jungle)

[csprance]

Well I just put in my application from what I've seen and heard the school is top notch. Can't wit to be accepted was going to westwood but I am going to switch to AM because westwood doesn't seem like it is going the way I want it to.

[Rye]

ahhhh im getting so anxious to hear back from AM about my acceptance!!! especially after reading that review from xsibase. DUUUUUDE! Its gonna be sweet!

[AjaBogdanoff]

I'm idly browsing through the AM forum at the moment as I wait for a playblast, and man, there is just way too much awesome information getting posted for one person to possibly hope to keep up with it all. :) You folks starting soon, you've got a whole year and a half to soak it up, so no hurry.... but by the time you hit class 6, you'll be wishing you could go back and take the course all over again. :)

[liquidik]

I'm idly browsing through the AM forum at the moment as I wait for a playblast, and man, there is just way too much awesome information getting posted for one person to possibly hope to keep up with it all. :) You folks starting soon, you've got a whole year and a half to soak it up, so no hurry.... but by the time you hit class 6, you'll be wishing you could go back and take the course all over again. :)


Sniff sniff Aja, that's exacly what I was thinking the last 2 days...damn I'll be sad, really sad...but then thought that I'll be happy if I'll meet all you maybe at some work place :D


Gian

[mttjss]

I'm idly browsing through the AM forum at the moment as I wait for a playblast, and man, there is just way too much awesome information getting posted for one person to possibly hope to keep up with it all. :) You folks starting soon, you've got a whole year and a half to soak it up, so no hurry.... but by the time you hit class 6, you'll be wishing you could go back and take the course all over again. :)

Good post Aja -
havent talked to you in a while (btw).
so lets do this. seeing as how you guys will be done soon.
1.) What are some of the things you can say that you took away that were really good.
2.) What are some things you wished you had done different/ better?
3.) What are some things we should really focus on and not take lightly, so we get the best out of it.

Matt -

[Kimotion]

Good post Aja -
havent talked to you in a while (btw).
so lets do this. seeing as how you guys will be done soon.
1.) What are some of the things you can say that you took away that were really good.
2.) What are some things you wished you had done different/ better?
3.) What are some things we should really focus on and not take lightly, so we get the best out of it.

Matt -

1.)
It's a cliche that Maya is just a tool and not the art. There is a reason why it's cliche, because it is so true. They will drill into your head that the computer is the worst in-betweener and surprisingly it took me a while to wrap my head around it.

The main good thing I got out of the program is realizing home much material everyone actually already has in terms of ideas for stories, emotions, characterizations, etc. There are lectures and mentors who seem to have a knack for getting it out of you and place them onto your characters. The program really stresses observations--which ironically leads to a lot of self introspection, so you can sift out all the stuff inside you that you never knew you had.

2.)
I wished I sketched more. :-o

Also, I wish I paid more attention to ecritiques of other students because there is so much to learn from the critiques of others.

I also wished I streamlined those who I watched. Because there so so many students, I never figured out what was the best way to choose who to watch and who to keep track of. By the time I figured out how to do this, it's already class 6. This doens't mean to pick out "favorites," because there are some weeks I randomly pick people to watch. However, since there is an alumni site/community, there's never gonna be a time where anyone would lose opportuntities to connect with another.

3.)
Really focus on your instincts and your own experiences. And never ever copy. You have so much material. Everything that happened in your past is fodder for your art. I moped that for a decade I had a directionless career trapped in a cubicle. The conversations over the years with coworkers, the quirky characters, etc have all become material for the animation pieces.

[mttjss]

Thanks Jeff -

I really remember when you first started AM. You had some animation experience but were "young" at character animation. You have definitely grown with your talent and became a lot more out going. Thanks for the input and keep up the good work.

Anyone else?

Matt -

[lutonomy]

I'm idly browsing through the AM forum at the moment as I wait for a playblast, and man, there is just way too much awesome information getting posted for one person to possibly hope to keep up with it all. :) You folks starting soon, you've got a whole year and a half to soak it up, so no hurry.... but by the time you hit class 6, you'll be wishing you could go back and take the course all over again. :)

That's for sure. I'm almost halfway through now but it feels like I started a couple weeks ago. I remember aching for doing acting and dialogue shots and now they're here! Time flies so fast and it's astounding how quickly everyone is growing as animators. I mean, I think about the fact that I'll be starting my short in 4 months and it freaks me out. When I started AM that seemed eons away. And now all the big kids are finishing up!

It's downright creepy really. Creepy time.


Originally Posted by mttjss
1.) What are some of the things you can say that you took away that were really good.
2.) What are some things you wished you had done different/ better?
3.) What are some things we should really focus on and not take lightly, so we get the best out of it.


I think one of the best things about AM is you're surrounded by so many students who are so good. It's mindboggling, not to mention every single mentor is a badass ninja. Surrounding yourself with people who kick your ass down the street is hands down the best way to progress quickly. It's how I learned to play jazz and now I'm thrilled that it's the same for learning animation. And at the same time, it's not cutthroat competitive like the 'ol music school days. AM is a very nuturing environment and everyone shares so much information and wants everyone else to succeed. God I love this school, FO REAL YO.

My advice for what to focus on: everything! The lectures are truly phenomenal. Don't gloss over them or watch them once. Watch them numerous times and take detailed notes, and read those notes regularly and things will start to sink in quickly. AM is really giving us all the information we're going to need to solve animation problems and start thinking about how WE want to animate.

What will help immensely is getting things second nature on anything technical, both in terms of software and in terms of body mechanics. Start framing through sports footage and movie clips over and over and really analyzing what the body is doing, how its balancing, where the weight is, etc. Redraw every frame with stickfigures showing the hips and shoulders directions. I think that will really help out to be used to studying reference.

[SePu]

hey guys I got a quick question ....
has anyone ever got denied at AM ?
if so do you know or heard any reason why this people got denied ?

thx

[achavero]

hey guys I got a quick question ....
has anyone ever got denied at AM ?
if so do you know or heard any reason why this people got denied ?

thx

There's a reply post from Aja saying that yes... there's some rejected people. I think is in the last 10 pages more or less.

Also I don't remember the reasons, but I know that AM wants people that are pretty sure that they want to be animators.

[mttjss]

lutonomy -

thanks for the advice. I am just hoping to have a leg up on some of the basic stuff so I dont get behind. Its hard to catch up when you are behind.

year and a half to soak it up, so no hurry.... but by the time you hit class 6, you'll be wishing you could go back and take the course all over again. :)

actually - I hope I don't. I have learned that after not applying myself in college, I now have a degree and not too much to show for it. I hope I really have a good grasp of the animation principles and foundations so I can concentrate completely on the animation to put out some good stuff.

Matt -

[Rye]

thanks lutonomy and kimotion for your answers! and thanks matt for asking the questions :)

matt you're gonna love it, i'm not even a student (yet, i hope i hope i hope), but i just know you'll put a lot of work into it.

the anticipation is killing me!!! everytime i check my inbox i get my hopes up.

do you stick with your same classmates the entire 18 months, just with a new mentor, or do you get new classmates as well every quarter?

[Delucubus]

Just sent off my final enrollment packet, starting to get excited :thumbsup:

[anthea]

lutonomy -

thanks for the advice. I am just hoping to have a leg up on some of the basic stuff so I dont get behind. Its hard to catch up when you are behind.



actually - I hope I don't. I have learned that after not applying myself in college, I now have a degree and not too much to show for it. I hope I really have a good grasp of the animation principles and foundations so I can concentrate completely on the animation to put out some good stuff.

Matt -

Hi Matt!

I think what Aja is meaning is that you would want to take it over again simply because it's so FUN!!! Believe me, I am wishing I was still part of this school, it's just that great. Don't worry, there is such a wealth of information to soak up that if you apply yourself you will improve, there will be no regrets. You would want to do it all over again for the great experience it was, and like me, you will miss it when it's gone. *sniffle*

[AjaBogdanoff]

Anthea is correct! :D Looking back on my nearly 18 months in the school, I know that I've worked about as hard as I could possibly work and learned faster than I ever have before... but that doesn't mean there isn't more I could learn, or more fun to be had! :D Shoot, even some of the mentors have said that teaching the introductory classes has been a great refresher for their own work.

I mean, just thinking about what 4 emotion test I'd do knowing what I know now... it'd be a blast. :)

[mmkelly011881]

matt no want leave AM :( 25 days

[mttjss]

haha - thanks guys(gals)

I know that she meant because of the fun. Thats the whole reason I am getting in there.
I just want to feel like I learned and pushed myself as much as possible so that I got what I wanted out of the school for my benefit and future.

I am sure in 18 months I will be saying the same thing as you guys.

I TRULY feel that you guys have made it the experience and why so many of us are so excited about this school. It might have a good learning curve and awesome mentors, but I believe you guys really helped to put AM on the map. I hope the new Fall class will have that much connection between our class.

Matt -

[mmkelly011881]

yeah, it was a fantastic experience... and the best part about it is the people

the friends you make don't end with school

of course.. neither does the learning... or the stress :)

[mttjss]

so I heard another one of you guys landed a job - with ILM.

Just seein who it was so we could all wish them the best.

Man you guys are landin all the jobs. Save some for us who havent gotten through 4 classes yet!

Congrats to whoever it was.

Matt -

[My Fault]

Yeah, huge congrats to the new ILMer, he is a heck of an animator. Hmm, that means he will now be living in the Bay Area. Part-ay!! :)

[rblitz7]

Wait who got into ILM?

[Kimotion]

"Well that makes him kind of a tease doesn't it?"

[mgarward]

I think it's important for my job to understand the inner workings of the work that we do... well not that I do...

...not until November anyway. :)

[SePu]

I just sent my application for AM, waiting exciting for the next step. hopefully isnt too late to start on the fall !

[AjaBogdanoff]

"Empty... the opposite of full. This... box... is supposed to be FULL!"

Wait, that doesn't make sense, does it. :D

Congratulations to all the recent hires! I don't know how many are public yet, so I won't list them, but wow you guys, this is getting exciting! :)

[mttjss]

I think it's important for my job to understand the inner workings of the work that we do... well not that I do...

...not until November anyway. :)

Matt - once again congrats! (Hope I didn't jump the gun there :D )
Nice to know that there are a lot of you from the first class already working. Really is showing what this school is capable of.

Matt -

[mmkelly011881]

*knocks over a box... head rolls out*

[mttjss]

*knocks over a box... head rolls out*

ok guys these little hints are mean to us wanna be mentees!

I have my wife on the edge with AM - having some good people getting jobs would help sell this for me!:D

Matt -

[mmkelly011881]

ok guys these little hints are mean to us wanna be mentees!


Brotha don't make me break out the paella and peeps and jeff's fuschia body suit!

- The Other Other Matt

[ThePredator42]

Biiiiig congrats ILM freshman! You´re making us all proud!

Go watch some Deadwood with those mentor folks :)

[AjaBogdanoff]

Woo! So I think they're all offical, so huuuge congratulations are in order for Sean Burgoon (http://www.seanburgoon.com/movies/DemoReel.html), currently in Class 3, and and now an animator at Cryptic Studios, Shahbaaz Shah (http://www.warriorartz.com/shah_reel_sor3_update.mov), in Class 4 and all-around awesome fellow, now at High Moon Studios, and to Greg Rizzi and Matt Garward ( http://mattg.weavo.net/demoreel.html), c5 and c6, who will be animating at ILM this Novembarrr! :D

Congratulations guys, you've earned it! :applause:

And we've still got a month before the first class even graduates! :)

[reb3D]

It's only the begining for these kinds of announcements!
Congratulations to ALL!
~reb

[mttjss]

congrats again guys! awesome - awesome!

1 month for us new attendees. ugh. I don't wanna wait any longer!

Matt -

[NeilMarriott]

Congrats to all! I really wanna do AM at some point, but i'm currently doing an Animation degree already. Although I could do AM as well, my bank account and manager would scream.

Sometime in the future maybe, continued learning and all that :D

Grats all again!

[anthea]

Awesome news! I'm so excited to hear it! Everyone has been working so hard, and it's great to hear of all the hard work paying off.


****way to go Matt G****