www.animationmentor.com

[Mechis]

I'm also a little curious on how much is covered in Maya.
Not a ton... they just review stuff like how to use the curve editor

Is it a separate class BEFORE the term starts?
There is no class before the term starts. For everyone, there are a few videos. For those who want to pay, there is a separate class that starts mid-term and that costs money

Also, I know most have said that it covers the bare basics, but for someone with NO Maya experience, would it be considered very informative?
Do you have 3d experience? I didn't know maya beforehand and I was able to learn the animation parts easily from their videos b/c I know other 3d programs. I've heard the separate class is good too.

These questions were asked before..... reading this thread will answer a lot of your questions.
~Mechis

[^Abe^]

Hey I've been thinking.
Originally because I'd heard a lot of emphasis on how important having a 'traditional education' is to learning animation that I thought to myself- "I should focus on drawing before I dip in to 3D animation" But I've been thinking recently- maybe I could do it the other way round! Studying at Animation Mentor certainly wouldn't damage my ability to be a good hand drawn animator later on would it? I could learn how to animate well at Animation Mentor and then later on come back around to hand drawn. Possibly it might even speed my ability to do hand drawn animation along. I would already have a good understanding of animation and could focus on my drawing abilities. What do you think?

[JohnWest]

@Abe:
I don' know if you know that, but you can do AM with pen and paper as well ... or even a mixture! The principles, the art is the same! They always emphasize that they won't teach you the tool, they will teach you how to become an animator (u can't become an animator in 18 months).
So if you really are into 2D, make AM with a pen and paper! I've seen amazing 2D work and everyone really apreciates the extra time efforts! It's up to you!

@others:
Don't care too much about the tool, dudes! It is definitly an advantage to know what a graph editor is or how to do certain stuff in maya, but you will just have to put some more time on the technical side of the studies if you DO NOT know anything. (Sure, some are more talented then others).

[factorblank]

HI Guys

Just curious if anyone thats attending this summer at AM, has heard anything yet about orientation. I have been learning what i can with maya ple edition as far as the overall program goes, but was wondering from everyone thats already been attending the school how much does the school cover as far as the animation module is concerned for classes. Is it more or less just the basics, or will we go further into the overall module to know the IN's and OUT's of it for the future. Just curious???????

Other than that, how's everyone else doing with getting ready to start?

Talk later :thumbsup:

From what I've been told, the orientation should be about a week before class starts.

I'm doing some reading and practicing, while waiting for class to start.

[Kimotion]

Hey I've been thinking.
Originally because I'd heard a lot of emphasis on how important having a 'traditional education' is to learning animation that I thought to myself- "I should focus on drawing before I dip in to 3D animation" But I've been thinking recently- maybe I could do it the other way round! Studying at Animation Mentor certainly wouldn't damage my ability to be a good hand drawn animator later on would it? I could learn how to animate well at Animation Mentor and then later on come back around to hand drawn. Possibly it might even speed my ability to do hand drawn animation along. I would already have a good understanding of animation and could focus on my drawing abilities. What do you think?

Both animation and hand drawing are skills that need to be practiced over and over, where there really is no limit, IMO. Therefore, I really believe there is no correct "order" of what you should learn first, since both are lifelong goals. I had some formal hand drawn training before AM, but I'm certainly not confident at it. I'm also no condident with animation yet either; but my goal is to practice and learn concurrently as long as I have functioning eyes and hands. There are even times when learning in 3D can actually help with hand drawing: both can feed off of each other, especially posing characters.

[Reflexx]

Hey I've been thinking.
Originally because I'd heard a lot of emphasis on how important having a 'traditional education' is to learning animation that I thought to myself- "I should focus on drawing before I dip in to 3D animation" But I've been thinking recently- maybe I could do it the other way round! Studying at Animation Mentor certainly wouldn't damage my ability to be a good hand drawn animator later on would it? I could learn how to animate well at Animation Mentor and then later on come back around to hand drawn. Possibly it might even speed my ability to do hand drawn animation along. I would already have a good understanding of animation and could focus on my drawing abilities. What do you think?

How much drawing do you know? I would guess that you don't have to be an awesome illustrator to be a good animator. However, I would assume that you should know basic anatomy and how joints and muscles work. Drawing simple stick drawings and positioning them should suffice.

[Reflexx]

Both animation and hand drawing are skills that need to be practiced over and over, where there really is no limit, IMO. Therefore, I really believe there is no correct "order" of what you should learn first, since both are lifelong goals. I had some formal hand drawn training before AM, but I'm certainly not confident at it. I'm also no condident with animation yet either; but my goal is to practice and learn concurrently as long as I have functioning eyes and hands. There are even times when learning in 3D can actually help with hand drawing: both can feed off of each other, especially posing characters.

I see what you mean here. A friend of mine introduced me to sculpting, and I found that playing around with that actually helped my hand drawing.

Everything seems to build on each other.

[timeless3d]

Just to clarify, 2d is no longer supported by AM. You can check the post from Jay (of AM Student Services) a few pages back. Basically, AM realized that the technical hurdles of 2d are just too great to honestly say you can master it in 18 months. Not so with 3d.

If your draftsmanship is already up to snuff, you made be able to slide some 2d work in and no one will say anything against it, but I know of some current students who have tried and were asked to redo the assignment in 3d.

And, I haven't read anything about stop-mo specifically, but would assume it is the same issue (strong learning curve)

Good luck, the new term is just around the corner :)

[peglegpeet13]

Hello,

I am 26 years old, I work at a bank and I am currently engaged. I have been looking at the Animation Mentor program for a few weeks trying to gather as much info as possible on it. Is anyone else in the same boat as me with a full time job and trying to learn animation on the side? I apologize if it has already been answered, but I would really appreciate any feedback possible. I have a love of animation and I am always willing to spend hours after or during work learning animation.

Anyone else with a full time job taking the program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. There really isn't too much here in New Orleans:)

Thanks for any help,

David.

[ravvy]

Hello,

I am 26 years old, I work at a bank and I am currently engaged. I have been looking at the Animation Mentor program for a few weeks trying to gather as much info as possible on it. Is anyone else in the same boat as me with a full time job and trying to learn animation on the side? I apologize if it has already been answered, but I would really appreciate any feedback possible. I have a love of animation and I am always willing to spend hours after or during work learning animation.

Anyone else with a full time job taking the program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. There really isn't too much here in New Orleans:)

Thanks for any help,

David.
I work fulltime and also do the course - it can be a bit of a struggle finding time sometimes (fulltime work, girlfriend and then the course can be rough on a guy) but I've never regretted taking the course.

They have videos on alumni students workflow and how they managed - there are workflows from people who became incredibly good animators but also had fulltime jobs, wives and kids - so it's very very possible to work and do the course :)

I envy people who can take the course and work fulltime on it though :)

[factorblank]

I haven't actually started class yet, but I do have a full-time job, so I it will be interesting to see how that works out. Luckily, my work schedule is fairly flexible, so I should be able to manage it all.

And I don't get to see my wife much now anyways, due to her leaving for work just before I get home. :( But that what weekends are for! (Wait a minute, not anymore once class starts :scream: )

[Reflexx]

Hello,

I am 26 years old, I work at a bank and I am currently engaged. I have been looking at the Animation Mentor program for a few weeks trying to gather as much info as possible on it. Is anyone else in the same boat as me with a full time job and trying to learn animation on the side? I apologize if it has already been answered, but I would really appreciate any feedback possible. I have a love of animation and I am always willing to spend hours after or during work learning animation.

Anyone else with a full time job taking the program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. There really isn't too much here in New Orleans:)

Thanks for any help,

David.

Hey David. I think I might be in a situation CLOSE to yours.

I work at a bank (as a field rep for loans).
I'm not engaged, but I am a newlywed.

I also just recently changed banks. So I have a new job that is requiring me to put in extra hours so that I can build my client base. Of course my wife wants attention. There's also the regular day to day stuff.

There are guys that have successfully completed the course with KIDS, so you should be fine as long as you are disciplined enough.

[hiasakite]

And as far as notifications for the new term go: nothing yet. From what I hear we will get the info about a week before.

As half the parts for the new PC I am planning to use are still in the mail, I don't mind :)

[MadMax]

some of these "can you work full time blah blah blah..." questions have been commented on dozens of times, if not a couple hundred times in the course of this thread.

Yes, you can work full time. Best I can tell, most of the students are working full time jobs and doing AM. A few people save their money then quit jobs near the end so they can concentrate on AM in class 5 and 6, or only work part time.

The key is time management. Doesn't get much simpler an answer than that. Allow yourself a couple of hours per night to work on your assignments, and time to watch the weekly lecture at least once during the week and you should be just fine.

Soem people have murderous jobs, work 50-70 hours per week AND manage to do their AM homework.

[peglegpeet13]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate it.


After I posted, I saw that my question had been answered many times in the thread, so my apologies for offending anyone:)

I am going through the application process now and am waiting to hear back.

[MadMax]

one thing about the Sallie Mae, i have heard the interest is very high and the $15,000 will cost you closer to $30,000 if you finance the whole thing for the whole term of the loan. that might be an exaggeration, but i'm just telling you what i've heard (gap girls jeopardy, snl).



um.....actually it is more like 38k is the total charge. I know, I have the loan papers to prove it.

Unfortunately Sallie Mae is really pissed at me right now, I sent them a check for 7500.00 last term and paid for everything up to date at the time, so they couldn't rape me financially.

[MadMax]

I'm also a little curious on how much is covered in Maya. Is it a separate class BEFORE the term starts? Also, I know most have said that it covers the bare basics, but for someone with NO Maya experience, would it be considered very informative?

EXTREMELY little Maya is covered at AM.

There are some basics videos in the library to get you started, but they are very limited in scope and are just quick tips on how to get started in the right direction. Very little tehnique of any depth is covered.

I know a few people who got into trouble in class 1 due to lack of Maya experience. They got through it, but it can be a real pain.

If you've aleady purchased your student license of Maya, I'd suggest lots of practice and get used to the interface, menus and Graph Editor. You will be in it a lot.

AM does have Maya training available, but honestly, I don't really recommend it. For the 300.00 you spend at AM, you would probably be better off buying Digital Tutors training CD's that cover many of the topics you will be covering at AM in a lot more depth.

[yapyap]

AM does have Maya training available, but honestly, I don't really recommend it. For the 300.00 you spend at AM, you would probably be better off buying Digital Tutors training CD's that cover many of the topics you will be covering at AM in a lot more depth.


Hi MadMax,

seems to be a good idea to buy some DT training. Can you recommend particular
CDs and a logical sequence to work through? I can't find any hints on the DT website
about that. For instance, I have absolutely no idea if I'll need the Maya Trax at AM.

Thank you for any help ...

[MadMax]

Some of their videos are VERY close to what the assignment structure is in class 2, 3 and 4

They have a basic walk cycle video, matching class 1 towards the end, and class 2 materials.

They have a couple different Push Heavy Object/ pull heavy object/lift heqavy object, again matching AM curriculum.

and they have faical animation and lip sync.

All very close to the assignments........

For what it's worth.




Hi MadMax,

seems to be a good idea to buy some DT training. Can you recommend particular
CDs and a logical sequence to work through? I can't find any hints on the DT website
about that. For instance, I have absolutely no idea if I'll need the Maya Trax at AM.

Thank you for any help ...

[Bentagon]

Hey everyone! This is Jay, the student advisor at Animation Mentor, and I have an announcement regarding 2-D animation in our program:

We've done a lot of soul searching at Animation Mentor and found our program works best for people who want to be 3D animators. Doing 2D animation takes a complete understanding of anatomy and drastmanship. Our program focuses on the core of acting and to add what it takes to make it a full fledged 2D animation program would add another 2 - 3 years, easily.

We still encourage students to experiment with different mediums as it helps further one's understanding of the execution and process. However, it would be a disservice to say that Animation Mentor could take someone with no experience and make them a great 2D animator in 18 months. However, we do feel we can take someone with ambition who has little or no experience and make them a pretty darn good 3D animator in our program.

Drawing at animation mentor is still part of every assignment and will continue to be. We will keep the elements that help further the understanding of quick sketch drawing to help get ideas out of the head and down on paper. Some of our classes focus specifically on techniques for people animating in the computer. We do not focus on the software aspects, instead we focus 100% on the art and craft of character animation. We hope this makes sense as it is to your benefit that we be 100% honest with our students and future students. We want to give the best education to our students with the hopes that they will be solid candidates for studio jobs upon graduation. Our focus will continue to be on creating the best quality animation program, if that means we lose students who want to do 2D then we feel better to be honest with them, than to set a false expectations.

-The Animation Mentor Crew

Just so people know, this is a good thing. It's sad that if you really want to do 2D, you have to kind of "sell out" for a little while (at least for school), or else you can't get all this amazing training, but in essence, it's a good thing.

I'm one of the few 2D students at the program. I actually hadn't intended on doing so, to be honest. After having read the Illusion of Life, I realized handdrawn animation appealed to me even more, even though I came from a computer 3D background. And, as AnimationMentor was being promoted as a part-time program, and I was doing it full-time, I thought why not? So I started drawing again (I had dropped out of drawing class because of a teacher when I was 12, six years earlier, and had hardly drawn since), and with each assignment, I loved 2D more and more, so I never completely backed out (just did one assignment in 3D, as practice, and kind of a professional safety net).

However, during the program, a lot of problems arose. Even though AM has one small 2D video, it's hardly sufficient for those who really want to pursue it professionally. I had to look to books and internet for workflow and drawing. As I've only had one mentor with 2D experience in my time at AM up till now, I usually had to contact mentors that weren't my own for help. Often my own mentors didn't quite know what to say or critique simply because they didn't have that type of knowledge. As a result, I think I didn't get as much out of my critiques as most students. Then, I was fortunate enough to have the great Sergio Pablos as a mentor, who of course did have 2D experience up to the point of being one of the best 2D animators in the world. Unfortunately, the critique tool failed us. It was too small, and too inconvenient to give any real drawing or 2D animation advice. At one time, he really tried to give it his all and recorded his whole animation process, exactly how he would animate my assignment step-by-step-by-step, and spent over an hour and half on that. Due to a problem with the critique tool, it failed to record. He did it again. And it failed to record. I ended up getting a critique around 3.30 am (I happened to be still awake, working on my assignment), of about 10 min where he told me about this and then gave me some more advice, but hardly what I (and other students) would have been able to learn from the version he just spent 3 hours on. Fortunately, I got lucky and met Disney veteran AM mentor Randy Haycock at Siggraph, and was able to talk with him for a few hours, and he helped me out quite a bit (I still have the rough ballpointpen-on-napkin sketches he did as inspiration).

All this resulted in quite a bit of frustration and even anger at times, and was really difficult on me. Once or twice, I really let AM know how I felt about it (which is probably how I got Sergio Pablos as a mentor). This, along with the problem of postponing, caused me to fail Sergio's class (which definitly ended up being the right thing for me) and to take a break to focus on drawing. Right now, I'm just finishing class 5, yet I don't have a single reel-worthy piece in my past work. I passed classes with some good assignments, but none of them got near to being finished. While AM really works on giving you that opportunity to have some reel-pieces. That's why I'm once again taking a break. To once more have more time to work on draftsmanship, and to do some animation that I could put on a reel. And as practice/preperation time for animating my shortfilm, which hopefully WILL become something that's reel-worthy.

Now, I don't hold anything against AM for this. They've taught me so much, and have given me so many opportunities, that I couldn't be anything but grateful. I knew it was going to be harder than 3D going in, and after a while I definitly started to get that 2D would be one difficult road to take, but it was my conscious decision to take that road. I'm still glad I did. But the fact of the matter is, that AM wasn't able to do for me what they hoped they could, and therefor it's the best decision not to let people do this anymore. Now, if they'd ever start doing that "2nd pace", and they'd try to give 2D students as much mentors with the right experience as possible, I'm absolutely sure AM could be a fantastic 2D animation school, if not the best. But as of now, I think this decision is the best thing for everyone.

But if you want to do 2D, you should definitly consider taking this course. Sure you'll have to do some 3D animation, but you could still do some 2D tests in your own time. And you'll be able to get all this tremendous knowledge from the school. Besides, being a 2D animator that knows how to work in 3D gives you one heck of an advantage in your jobsearch.

Hope this helps a few people out,

- Benjamin

[yapyap]

Thanks for your answer, MadMax.

Will I need/learn Maya Trax for nonlinear animation at AM?

[timeless3d]

...I'm one of the few 2D students at the program...

Thanks for sharing your experience. I admire your ambition and dedication, it's an inspiration. It's cool to hear someone with drawing experience still struggles with making it work in this fast-paced curriculum. In my first class, 2d was something that turned into a debate every other Q&A or so. I basically felt the same as what Jay describes in his post: there is just too much more you have to overcome with 2d to get to the comprehension and application of the principles. Sounds like you have the right idea: making the school work better for you by basically extending your enrollment beyond the 18 months. Since 2d is what you want to develop, you are being very smart in doing so. Others should expect to do the same if they want to pursue 2d or stop-mo. Like you said, on their own time.

I look forward to AM growing and this topic being revisited. I am sure AM isn't giving up on it, and they have a game plan for how to offer it again (it's just been "back-burnered" for now :) . Perhaps it will just be an extended curriculum beyond the 18 months, or something more hands on in a brick-n-mortar. Maybe they are just waiting to get more 2d mentors on staff. Who knows, but so far they have always acted in the best interest of the students and there isn't any reason to think they will do anything outside of that interest in the future.

Good luck in class 6, I look forward to seeing you back!

[DigitalToon2]

Just turned in my last very last AM assignment!

[IestynRoberts]

Yeah thanks a lot for sharing your experience Benjamin, I keep looking at your workspace everynow and again, I feel really inspired to do 2D animations, and it's really great to see someone doing it - it really makes a nice change. You're doing a fantastic job so far!

[^Abe^]

Hi MadMax,

seems to be a good idea to buy some DT training. Can you recommend particular
CDs and a logical sequence to work through? I can't find any hints on the DT website
about that. For instance, I have absolutely no idea if I'll need the Maya Trax at AM.

Thank you for any help ...

Hi yap yap.
There is some really in depth training in Maya at 3dbuzz.com
They have 82 hours of training for $99. When it first came out it was $250 and even then it was a really good deal. I have to say the 3dbuzz people are not great animators but they are experts in Maya software usage. They also make their lessons really fun to watch. The course is so in depth that it tends towards overkill for someone who simply wants to do animation. They say they are going to do an in depth course on animating in Maya in the future. That probably will not be coming out for at least a year though. I used to follow the 3dbuzz community for a long time and can vouch for the quality of their products. The guy who runs the place tends to underprice his products because he seems to really cares about giving the 3d community excellent training at an affordable price. Definitely *do not* go to 3d buzz to learn how to animate but if you want to learn how understand the Maya *software* works (to such a depth that it might be overkill animators) then 3dBuzz is the place to go.

3dBuzz Class FAQ (http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=126292)

Description of Maya Fundamentals DVDs (http://www.3dbuzz.com/vbforum/sv_info_mfc.php) (Old description, the price is now $99 not $250. If you click on the 'buy' link it will take you to the 3dBuzz store where you can get the tutorials on DVD for $99.)

[^Abe^]

Thanks Bentagon and everyone else for what you've said on the topic of 2d animation at AM.

Hey Bentagon do you know if there are any plans in the future to bring 2d animation training back in to AM in a more full fleged manner?

Thanks everyone for your replies!
:scream:

[Bentagon]

No idea. First time I heard they weren't supporting 2D anymore was about 3 weeks ago, so I don't know anything more than you... I know that Sergio's problems with the critique tool were things they really were going to pay attention to when updating the critique tool, so I'd imagine that when they're working on new tools, they'd at least keep other mediums in mind for a little bit. And once 2D is "back", I'm pretty sure they'll want to be able to teach animators in that field too. And besides, AM's only 2 years old, and look how far they've gotten... I'm pretty sure that over the next few years, many things will happen and evolve that would make it easier to include other mediums as well. I mean, what's technology going to bring us? Better tools or computer/internet advancements might give them the opportunity to develop new and better stuff for the different media, or 2D could evolve to an all digital thing with tablets like the Cintiq, or things might happen we can't even imagine right now.

Of course, I'm no mindreader, so I can't KNOW they'll bring it back, but knowing how excited those guys are about teaching, I'm pretty convinced they'll keep thinking about it and start teaching it again the moment they feel they really can. Could be sooner, later, or never. Who knows?

[^Abe^]

Thanks Benti.
:)

[wodagone]

Helpppp.. Im waiting anxoiusly to start AM on July 2nd .Ive just been hit with bombshell,
I have to go away to work on monday 2nd July for one week. I cant believe it. Can anybody tell me what workload is like during 1st week ie will i have to submit assignments etc. Im onsite at a festival so hope there might be a cafe with some sort of access but doubt if will be able to interact via webcam/scanners etc. I will have time to do plenty of sketching/ observation but my laptop doesnt work unless plugged in ...Damm It. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

[Bentagon]

Only assignment in week 1 is introducing yourself to your mentor, preferably in the Q&A through webcam.

[ravvy]

Only assignment in week 1 is introducing yourself to your mentor, preferably in the Q&A through webcam.
As Bentagon said, the first week is just an introduction. The best way to do this is simply turn up to the live Q&A and introduce yourself on webcam, but if you are away it is acceptable to just send an email out to the entire class telling them a little bit about yourself (what you do for a living, where you come from, why you want to get into animation etc)

[wodagone]

Great, thanks for that guys, i knew i would be quite busy over july and august. Rest of year quieter for me to concentrate on the real work. Cant wait to start. :thumbsup:
cheers, Dan

[timeless3d]

be sure to commuicate to your mentor what is going on, especially if you miss your QA.

[JayEpperhart]

Just turned in my last very last AM assignment!

Feels weird, doesn't it? I can't believe that technically I've finished the course. I'll be retaking Class 6 for more polishing on my short, but officially I have graduated. Congrats to you on finshing the course as well! Hope you had a great time at AM and I'm sure I will see you on the Alumni site!

[Reflexx]

Feels weird, doesn't it? I can't believe that technically I've finished the course. I'll be retaking Class 6 for more polishing on my short, but officially I have graduated. Congrats to you on finshing the course as well! Hope you had a great time at AM and I'm sure I will see you on the Alumni site!

I'd like to know what the alumni site is like. The fact that there is an alumni site was a major selling point for me.

What is available to alumni? Can they still post and critique? Chat via cam? etc...

[yapyap]

Hi yap yap.
There is some really in depth training in Maya at 3dbuzz.com ...


Hi Abe,

thank you very much for this recommendation! I have ordered my copy five
minutes after reading your posting. :)

[^Abe^]

No problem.
I hope you find it helpful.

:thumbsup:

[yapyap]

No problem.
I hope you find it helpful.

:thumbsup:

And I hope it will arrive very soon! :applause:

[bliip-n-bloop]

@Bentagon: It was nice to hear another opinion about AM. If you really want to persue 2D animation, why dont you follow one in Belgium? There many good 2D animation courses in our country. Such as the Rits in Brussels, KASK in Gent, there's another good one in Genk...

[Bentagon]

KASK is very independent based, with very few focus on character animation. RITS has more character animation, and I went to see a show of them, but honestly, what I saw wasn't very good. Some stuff I've seen online now isn't very good either. Besides, nothing beats the kind of teaching and connections I've got through animationmentor. Everyone working at Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, etc. will be able to teach it better than a teacher in Belgium, who I presume have never worked on that level. Don't know about Genk, and honestly, don't really care. Wouldn't trade my AM experience for the world.

The only school that could rival it is Gobelins in Paris. But I hardly have a chance of getting accepted to that amongst the many accomplished artists applying.

- Benjamin

[tobdog485]

Bentagon did you check out the Gobelins Summer Studio Classes? I just heard about it this year actually, it’s just a 2 week long course strictly on character animation. They accept students and professionals.


I was fortunate enough to actually be selected for the summer studio and will be leaving in a few weeks! I'm super excited, and I was going to be starting Animation Mentor in July but I've pushed back starting AM till the fall. I can't wait to start AM either!!!


Here is a link to the summer school program: http://www.gobelins.fr/actualite/info-summer2007.htm

anyway, just thought I would share that with ya, and it could be something maybe worth looking into later on.

[Bentagon]

Wow! If I had known, I would've gone for that. I might actually go to Paris this summer and stop by there. I've heard they sometimes do exhibitions, but if there actually are teachers and animators there in the summer, it might be a good place for me to visit. Too bad I'm too late for the actual course. What are the dates of the course? That way, if I decide to go to Paris, I can make sure I go within that timeframe.

Cheers!

[Littleberu]

KASK is very independent based, with very few focus on character animation. RITS has more character animation, and I went to see a show of them, but honestly, what I saw wasn't very good. Some stuff I've seen online now isn't very good either. Besides, nothing beats the kind of teaching and connections I've got through animationmentor. Everyone working at Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, etc. will be able to teach it better than a teacher in Belgium, who I presume have never worked on that level. Don't know about Genk, and honestly, don't really care. Wouldn't trade my AM experience for the world.

The only school that could rival it is Gobelins in Paris. But I hardly have a chance of getting accepted to that amongst the many accomplished artists applying.

- Benjamin

This argument about A-M is irrelevant and tired. A good animator isn't necessarely a good teacher, and vice-versa.

I have encountered many of these kind of problems and workflow issue at A-M, where one Mentor will show you his way of working, and another will show their. While at the end of the day the difference won't matter if you mastered body mechanics and acting, it did confuse me and many students. Some mentor will also skip some steps, etc...

Even though people like to say that Animation-mentor is the best place for connections and everything like that, you've got to remember that it's also pretty new and un-proved. It's like selling a brand new car saying it hasn't broken yet.

[Bentagon]

Looking at all the places former students have been hired, and how it's looked upon by the biggest studios, I'm pretty certain it's already proven itself fairly well.

Everyone working at Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, etc. will be able to teach it better than a teacher in Belgium, who I presume have never worked on that level.With this I'm not talking about teaching skills, I'm talking about knowledge. I'd rather learn from someone who knows his stuff really well that, if their teaching skills aren't the greatest, I can ask specific questions to, of which I will get specific answers, than from a great teacher, who doesn't know as much about it. I remember that at that screening at the RITS school, they told me their character animation teacher was fairly new, but really really good (especially compared to the one they had before). But honestly, I didn't see it in the work presented.

I don't understand how you can fault mentors for showing you their workflow? I've always seen it emphasized that workflow is different for everyone, and my mentors always mentioned that this is the way they do it, and you are free to pick and choose ideas from that. And you can always ask questions to them too, so if they do skip steps, you can ask questions about things you don't understand. Seriously, I'm the first one to say that none of the mentors are perfect, and most clearly aren't teachers per se, but I'd rather have to do this than to have everything clearly spelled out for me on a less proficient level. There's a reason why animation students at AAU all want to get into their "Pixar-class".

Seriously, when I first heard I was going to get Sergio Pablos as a mentor, I felt like I was going to be taught basketball by Michael Jordan... if you had the choice between learning from Jordan or from a local basketball coach, who would you pick?

I too have had tons of confusion with workflow, etc. All the mentors and websites I approached about how to work in 2D (something AM hardly had any info about, unlike CG) all had different advice and approaches. Part of the whole experience for me was to just try different things out and see what works best for me. And honestly, I STILL don't have a real set way of working. If you'd expected that learning a workflow would be easy, well, you were wrong. It's a continuous thing, which will evolve in what works best for you. And I bet even that will evolve over the years. I'd say be glad that you're getting access to all these different types of workflows, so you don't have to figure EVERYTHING out by yourself, or be forced to work in one way and find out years later that this other approach works better for you.

So in short, no, I don't think this argument is irrelevant nor tired.

PS: I re-read this post and noticed it might come accross as a bit aggresive. If you perceived it that way, I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention.

[Reflexx]

Who's going to the picnic?

[Littleberu]

Looking at all the places former students have been hired, and how it's looked upon by the biggest studios, I'm pretty certain it's already proven itself fairly well.

Everyone working at Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, etc. will be able to teach it better than a teacher in Belgium, who I presume have never worked on that level.With this I'm not talking about teaching skills, I'm talking about knowledge. I'd rather learn from someone who knows his stuff really well that, if their teaching skills aren't the greatest, I can ask specific questions to, of which I will get specific answers, than from a great teacher, who doesn't know as much about it. I remember that at that screening at the RITS school, they told me their character animation teacher was fairly new, but really really good (especially compared to the one they had before). But honestly, I didn't see it in the work presented.

I don't understand how you can fault mentors for showing you their workflow? I've always seen it emphasized that workflow is different for everyone, and my mentors always mentioned that this is the way they do it, and you are free to pick and choose ideas from that. And you can always ask questions to them too, so if they do skip steps, you can ask questions about things you don't understand. Seriously, I'm the first one to say that none of the mentors are perfect, and most clearly aren't teachers per se, but I'd rather have to do this than to have everything clearly spelled out for me on a less proficient level. There's a reason why animation students at AAU all want to get into their "Pixar-class".

Seriously, when I first heard I was going to get Sergio Pablos as a mentor, I felt like I was going to be taught basketball by Michael Jordan... if you had the choice between learning from Jordan or from a local basketball coach, who would you pick?

I too have had tons of confusion with workflow, etc. All the mentors and websites I approached about how to work in 2D (something AM hardly had any info about, unlike CG) all had different advice and approaches. Part of the whole experience for me was to just try different things out and see what works best for me. And honestly, I STILL don't have a real set way of working. If you'd expected that learning a workflow would be easy, well, you were wrong. It's a continuous thing, which will evolve in what works best for you. And I bet even that will evolve over the years. I'd say be glad that you're getting access to all these different types of workflows, so you don't have to figure EVERYTHING out by yourself, or be forced to work in one way and find out years later that this other approach works better for you.

So in short, no, I don't think this argument is irrelevant nor tired.

PS: I re-read this post and noticed it might come accross as a bit aggresive. If you perceived it that way, I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention.

To be honest, the points you're making are good enough for everyone that haven't tried A-M, and probably some gifted students, but you do know that animation isn't about Workflow, right? When I was talking about the different workflow tought by different mentor, I was talking about how "street wise" (the mentor) isn't better than "book wise" (a teacher, for example).

Right now, I'm working in a aluminium shop, where a couple of regular guys taught me their workflow and how they work. However, they'll rarely teach you why you do certain thing, but how you do it, clearly confusing the "student", or me, in that case. What I did is I went to the source and read about how the shop want me to do these things, and made my own workflow. While this is ideal for a technical job, a creative job like animation where most fundations were made by animators, where there are 3 school of taughts, it can be a MASSIVE headbuster.

I might be stupid ,as it was one of the most crucial term I needed to know in animation, but Ì never really knew what was the difference between a breakdown and a contact pose. I placed them around, because my mentor told me to do so, but I never knew what was the goal of a breakdown. Nor did I know what the heck was a contact pose. Now I know, but that's 3 class too late.

The reason is quite simple : It like telling a kid how to tie their shoes. While most people will have to think about it, think about a kindergarten responsable who's done this thousand of time. He'll obviously have a way to explain it that's quick, easy and that most kids will understand.

Mentor at A-M don't have the same formation, and will often use terms that A-M itself doesn't use, and vice-versa. While many veterans that come from animation background (really, most of the work you see on the highlight reel are from the experimented students, while some, like Matthew Garward, were exceptionnal, but anyway), they seem to have a better grasp at how to work out these different terms and adapt them to their own sauce, most new students that already struggle with the graph editor, the rig and Maya are completely confused by the non-standartization of the said word.

Anyway, I had a pleasant time at A-M when everything was rolling along, but I could see where things went wrong for me, and if obviously it's my own fault, I can't really take all the blame when I paid 2700$. Somehow, somewhere, the program is relatively new and unproved, like a young teacher without teaching experience.

[Reflexx]

To be honest, the points you're making are good enough for everyone that haven't tried A-M, and probably some gifted students, but you do know that animation isn't about Workflow, right? When I was talking about the different workflow tought by different mentor, I was talking about how "street wise" (the mentor) isn't better than "book wise" (a teacher, for example).

Right now, I'm working in a aluminium shop, where a couple of regular guys taught me their workflow and how they work. However, they'll rarely teach you why you do certain thing, but how you do it, clearly confusing the "student", or me, in that case. What I did is I went to the source and read about how the shop want me to do these things, and made my own workflow. While this is ideal for a technical job, a creative job like animation where most fundations were made by animators, where there are 3 school of taughts, it can be a MASSIVE headbuster.

I might be stupid ,as it was one of the most crucial term I needed to know in animation, but Ì never really knew what was the difference between a breakdown and a contact pose. I placed them around, because my mentor told me to do so, but I never knew what was the goal of a breakdown. Nor did I know what the heck was a contact pose. Now I know, but that's 3 class too late.

The reason is quite simple : It like telling a kid how to tie their shoes. While most people will have to think about it, think about a kindergarten responsable who's done this thousand of time. He'll obviously have a way to explain it that's quick, easy and that most kids will understand.

Mentor at A-M don't have the same formation, and will often use terms that A-M itself doesn't use, and vice-versa. While many veterans that come from animation background (really, most of the work you see on the highlight reel are from the experimented students, while some, like Matthew Garward, were exceptionnal, but anyway), they seem to have a better grasp at how to work out these different terms and adapt them to their own sauce, most new students that already struggle with the graph editor, the rig and Maya are completely confused by the non-standartization of the said word.

Anyway, I had a pleasant time at A-M when everything was rolling along, but I could see where things went wrong for me, and if obviously it's my own fault, I can't really take all the blame when I paid 2700$. Somehow, somewhere, the program is relatively new and unproved, like a young teacher without teaching experience.

I can see where you're coming from. However, I wouldn't necessarily state that a teacher is better than a mentor. They both bring their plusses and minuses. While an experienced teacher may be better at conveying thoughts, many don't have the experience or knowledge to get you to the next level. To tell you the difference between good work and great work.

Mentors can give you industry know-how, experience, tips, etc... that most teachers cannot give you because they haven't experienced it. (or haven't experienced it any time recently)

My thought would be to speak up and ask about anything that is confusing. People come from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, and sometimes the only way that you will figure something out is by asking. Ask your mentor and/or fellow students. You stated yourself that there was some pretty experienced students there. Ask away! You're spending a lot of money for everything Animation Mentor has to offer, not just the mentors themselves. Part of the package is the community of like minded individuals who are there to all help each other become better animators.

I realize that many artists are used to being introverts for the most part, but this is a time when that will hurt you more than help you.

[ShifterPark]

While many veterans that come from animation background (really, most of the work you see on the highlight reel are from the experimented students, while some, like Matthew Garward, were exceptionnal, but anyway), they seem to have a better grasp at how to work out these different terms and adapt them to their own sauce, most new students that already struggle with the graph editor, the rig and Maya are completely confused by the non-standartization of the said word.


There is a chance I will be starting AM in the Fall, and I asked a question a while back asking if the curriculum favored experienced students rather than the ones just starting out, and I also asked if the highlight reels (which in most people's minds conveys the talent and accomplishments of all the individuals in the program, not just a select few of experienced animators ) and the answer I got was that most of the highlight reels are actually by the ones with no prior experience before AM.

Now you are saying that it is the reverse. I'm not saying you are wrong. I value your honesty. What I would like is for someone else who has taken the program to elaborate more with no BS please. One guy says the highlight reels are mainly by the experienced people, the other says they are by those with no prior experience...

Could someone please also tell me their thoughts on the curriculum, and who exactly it favors. I have got so far two very different answers so to everyone else in the program, please give me your thoughts before I end up signing that student loan contract.

[Reflexx]

From what I've gathered from reading blogs and this thread, Animation Mentor does favor a particular type of student. The one that is willing to work hard and make use of the resources available to them. It doesn't come easy. Being proactive as opposed to reactive is necessary for you to grow when faced with road blocks or other adversity.

[Littleberu]

There is a chance I will be starting AM in the Fall, and I asked a question a while back asking if the curriculum favored experienced students rather than the ones just starting out, and I also asked if the highlight reels (which in most people's minds conveys the talent and accomplishments of all the individuals in the program, not just a select few of experienced animators ) and the answer I got was that most of the highlight reels are actually by the ones with no prior experience before AM.

Now you are saying that it is the reverse. I'm not saying you are wrong. I value your honesty. What I would like is for someone else who has taken the program to elaborate more with no BS please. One guy says the highlight reels are mainly by the experienced people, the other says they are by those with no prior experience...

Could someone please also tell me their thoughts on the curriculum, and who exactly it favors. I have got so far two very different answers so to everyone else in the program, please give me your thoughts before I end up signing that student loan contract.

Huh, AnimationMentor is THE school to go if you have no other choice (i.e. : you live in a country other than USA and/or live in USA and are unable to move to go to school or go to school again), but I won't sell A-M to anyone that have the possibility to go somewhere else.

I saw and asked around demo reel from many students that are in the highlight, and most of them have background (be it with Maya, animation or computer in general). Just knowing Maya and the graph editor will get you ahead in the first weeks. However, some like Matthew Garward (is he still working for ILM?) proved to some that A-M was a school that could teach Animation to beginners. But Matthew was exceptionnal, as are everybody in the Highlight ; it's not called that for nothing.

In the end, A-M is a business. Right now, in my class, there is approximately 4 people that need to retake Class 2. I heard that same thing from many other mentors. I still passed my Class 3, but I'm no way ready for the next according to my mentor. Retaking Class 2 means money, money I already spent on it. A-M is a fastboat, and If you miss it one time, you're guaranteed to miss it again in the future. Many students at Class 6 just woke up and realized that their skill lacked, seeing that the end was approaching and all.

Even though the classical "The one that is willing to work hard and make use of the resources available to them." phrase is pretty easy to say and to drop around, it's not all. There's a clear understandement that A-M isn't for everybody. I, for one, need more input on my work, and even though it would be easy to ask around for experienced mentee, most of them work during the week, making them hard to contact. I could go on and on about the limitation of A-M right now, but I won't. It cleary depends on your aptitude to work on your own more than working within a community.

A-M is a good school, like I said, but it IS new. There are downfalls, and people that will say otherwise are delusional folks or just blind fanboys. But A-M is also growing more and more each semester, and is full of good intention and adds a lot of users asked stuff in each update.


Could someone please also tell me their thoughts on the curriculum, and who exactly it favors. I have got so far two very different answers so to everyone else in the program, please give me your thoughts before I end up signing that student loan contract.

Everyone is favored in the curriculum, and it's obvious that veterans are slowed down in the beginning, that's why you'll see many crazy things done by them in the beginning.

However, new students will catch up very very quickly and you'll often see the same quality in the latter quarter.

[Bentagon]

Shifterpark: they favor both. Really, it isn't as easy as making the difference between experienced and non-experienced. Besides the fact the "experience" comes in different ways (eg. one student was I believe animation lead on Halo 2, while others had years moving some models around in commercials), I have seen absolute rookies do amazing work, and I've seen experienced animators not improving that much and being passed by new ones. Some people have more talent than others, or a different frame of mind, or some are single and rich, while others have a job and a family to support (and Matthew is an amazing example of still being able to shine even with that). I didn't break it down, but I'm sure the reels have a mixture of both. I doubt the experienced/non-experienced ratio is far from 1.

Remember too that this is an artform, and not an easy one at that. AM never claimed to be able to make anyone a feature level animator. But they can make sure that you at least grow as an animator. I've definitly seen a few that simply didn't get "it", had tons of difficulty, and as a result dropped out. Will they ever be back? Will they ever get "it"? Will they ever work for an animation studio? Who knows? I think it depends on them, for a large part. But I do know that I saw a progression with those people... Definitly not as much as they'd hoped, but a growth nontheless. Is it a risk? Art always is... But I have heard more than one mentor (coming from CalArts and other well-reputated schools) say inside that AM is the best school in the world for animation. I, for one, trust them to be speaking the truth.

Littleberu, I have to agree with Reflexx... I hope this doens't sound judgemental, but, if you had problems, concerns, questions, did you ask?
A mentor is a mentor, not a mindreader, nor even a classical teacher. With the mentors, AM is trying to continue the tradition of the new learning from the veteran, not trying to emulate a classical school environment. Mentors are there to guide you, but they're not perfect. Especially over the internet, there's a difficulty in "reading" someone, finding out what the problems are. Lack of practice, of understanding, of I don't know what. So especially with an internet course, it should be a back and forth thing. Maybe the school didn't emphasize this enough? I don't know.

Oh, and I only used workflow as the main example because you brought it up. With the last big paragraph, I was just trying to help out with a problem you seemed to have. In the rest of my post "workflow" was only an example. As is this: the reason why AM can't teach you the "standard" terms is because there are no standard terms. Almost everybody or every studio uses it differently. Yes, it's confusing, but to me, the way they explained the terms they use in the beginning of the course made it easy for me to adapt. I tried not paying attention to the terms in itself, but to what they meant. And in most cases, when people used terms differently, I could find out what they mean through context (or asking).

- Benjamin

[mgarward]

Could someone please also tell me their thoughts on the curriculum, and who exactly it favors. I have got so far two very different answers so to everyone else in the program, please give me your thoughts before I end up signing that student loan contract.

This is kind-of a trick question. If I enroll in a beginner-level drawing class, but I have a few years of experience, somenoe watching the class' progress would think that the class favors people with previous experience. However, I would probably think that I already know most things being taught, and therefore that it doesn't favor me. But experience in any subject being taught will help you.

The AnimationMentor curriculum starts at the beginning, the basics. I'd imagine anyone coming in to AM with experience would feel that Class 1 is a waste of their time... bouncing balls? Where is the dialogue and the characters?? Someone starting with no experience may also want something more advanced than a bouncing ball (I know I did), but would probably be learning more NEW things than the experienced student.

Everyone is still doing the same course, though, and so I think it really comes down to attitude. Reflexx is right in saying that AM favors the student "that is willing to work hard and make use of the resources available to them." Take notes, work hard, and take advantage of as much as yuo can.

Littleberu is ALSO right in saying that AM isn't for everybody. You do need to be disciplined, and able to work on your own. You also have to accept that not everyone will come out the course a brilliant, eployable animator. But everyone will have access to the knowledge and resources that could make them one, given enough time. You have access to comments and critiques from your mentor and every student, if you ask for them. You also have the ability to ask for comments after graduation, when furthering your skills. Lecture, lecture notes, and feedback from industry professionals are all great resources you have access to. But no two people are the same, and no school will guarantee results because of that.

The showreels ARE advertising reels, so obviously the best work has been chosen for them. They may be from experienced people, they may not. Many of the people I knew who were in the Summer '06 reel did not have industry experience, though some may have had some prior education. Check any blogs, google "Animation Mentor assignment" or something, see how students are doing. But remember that neither the awesome work shown in the showreel, nor the worst assignment you may find online, is an indication of how YOU will do in the course.

Sorry I can't be more helpful. AM helped me change careers while working and supporting my family, so understand that I will help sell the school to anyone. :) But it is not perfect, and will not turn out 100% brilliant employable animators. Every mentor is different (though all are good enough to be currently employed, with is a big selling point to me), and every student is different. So AM is not for everyone. Ultimately what you get out of the school is what you put into it, and that's up to you.

(A last side note since Littleberu keeps mentioning me... I finished my contract at ILM, and have moved next door to LucasArts. I disagree with being called 'exceptional'... I never see myself that way, just sleep-deprived and lucky to be animating for a living now. :) )

[Bentagon]

Littleberu: if you pass the class, but get the advice to retake it from your mentor, a good idea might be to take a break from the school, and practice on your own. That's another reason I'm going to take a break now: my (2nd!) class 4 mentor told me I was still not quite ready to animate a good short, but I definitly couldn't afford to retake that class, especially since I already had to do that once. That's (part of) why I decided to go ahead with the storyclass and then take a break after that, before starting animation.

[AjaBogdanoff]

I saw and asked around demo reel from many students that are in the highlight, and most of them have background (be it with Maya, animation or computer in general).

It really depends on your definition of "experienced animator". If you define it as "anyone who's used Maya before", then yes, most of the students on the highlight reels fit that description. But if you define it as "someone who gets paid to animate", then I think the numbers are really very small. Here, I went through and counted. :) In the Summer Showcase (the first one, I don't know the students in the new one very well), there are 27 different students featured. Of those, only about 7 were professional animators before taking AM, mostly in games or TV. What's cool is that out of those 27, I believe all of them have since gotten jobs as character animators, 16 of them at feature film studios (Dreamworks, Framestore CFC, ILM, Tippett, R&H, and Blue Sky). :)

[Littleberu]

Littleberu: if you pass the class, but get the advice to retake it from your mentor, a good idea might be to take a break from the school, and practice on your own. That's another reason I'm going to take a break now: my (2nd!) class 4 mentor told me I was still not quite ready to animate a good short, but I definitly couldn't afford to retake that class, especially since I already had to do that once. That's (part of) why I decided to go ahead with the storyclass and then take a break after that, before starting animation.

Yeah that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I might go back in Fall if everything goes smooth in my wallet. I already miss animating, but animating for fun, you know? I've been kind of discouraged thorought Class 3 about how my skills lacked, so I've lost ton of confidence.


It really depends, then, on your definition of "experienced animator". If you define it as "anyone who's used Maya before", then yes, most of the students on the highlight reels fit that description. But if you define it as "someone who gets paid to animate", then I think the numbers are really very small.

Yeah I meant "background", sorry If I confused people with "animator". I could've made the mistake. But most exceptionnal work you see are clearly from someone experienced with the program or animation.

[fluffybunny]

Yeah that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I might go back in Fall if everything goes smooth in my wallet. I already miss animating, but animating for fun, you know? I've been kind of discouraged thorought Class 3 about how my skills lacked, so I've lost ton of confidence.
I've found that's the toughest thing to struggle with personally, but don't ever give up...dig deep inside and figure out how to be positive and enthusiastic about animation. It has been maybe a little tougher for me at times because I never fully commited to a career change(even now :eek: ). Although I did just spend alot of money on a commercial license of maya...but all that means is that I shoud be 'committed' (in both senses of the word :scream: )
I just finished the course myself, but I've still got tons of work still to do. Much of that's due to prioritization and motivation on my part.
One thing I seemed to notice for myself was that I only felt like I had a good grasp of the concepts and key points of assignments after I had finished them...and thus while I have okay animations, they're not as good of a representation of what sort of animation I could do now. What it does mean, though, is that the assignments worked great for me in that they taught me well.
Just as an FYI, my primary reason for being non-commital about a career change is location. I really like where I live.
That's my 2 cents, hope it makes sense as I'm kinda tired...and maybe a bit pre-occupied thinking about spending 6 hours alone in an airplane tomorrow:buttrock:.

eric

[timeless3d]

Who's going to the picnic?

not me, had to choose that or siggraph, i went with siggraph :)

[achavero]

Tomorrow I will be officially done with class 06 in AM. =D

Reading through the last posts one thing that catch my eye was the comments about the mentor is not a teacher and a teacher doesn't have industry experience. I voluntary decided to retake class 06 to have a more solid short film. I felt that I battle a lot trying to understand exactly what my mentor wanted me to do in the first class 06 and in the second I felt that I quickly catch the ideas of my new mentor.

I feel everybody learns different and understands things different so there could be people that will learn more with a teacher and others that will learn more from a professional. But the important lesson about dealing with somebody you quite don't get his teaching methods is that in live you will have to deal with them all the time in different aspects of your life. Sometimes it will be at work (most commonly) and sometimes inside family, sport teams, associations, bla bla bla.

Surviving this kind of "problems" will make you better, even if by the time it happens you don't feel that way. So returning to AM, I can tell you that the people that are teaching there wants to give you the best possible advices and techniques so you can become a better animator... what is a "better" animator that is theme that we can talk about forever and never reach an agreement (I don't agree that a good animator is the one people talk about him all the time, there can be other kind of great animators). So what you will receive in return from spending long nights animating and trying to understand a software will not exactly be what you had in mind, but it will give you the maturity to confront the "problems" that life will put in your way.

So AM is just another school with good and bad things, for you it will be what you want it to be. Greatness come and go in a second, so don't be fool with the word because it doesn't mean anything; you are what you want.

For me is an GREAT school full of great people that gave me the gift of learning the "basics of animation" so now I can live and enjoy my dream every single moment.

[Reflexx]

Littleberu: if you pass the class, but get the advice to retake it from your mentor, a good idea might be to take a break from the school, and practice on your own. That's another reason I'm going to take a break now: my (2nd!) class 4 mentor told me I was still not quite ready to animate a good short, but I definitly couldn't afford to retake that class, especially since I already had to do that once. That's (part of) why I decided to go ahead with the storyclass and then take a break after that, before starting animation.

That seems like a good idea for some. Not everyone learns at the same pace, and for some, they may just need more time to truly grasp everything.

Just make sure you take good notes!

[Reflexx]

Yeah that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I might go back in Fall if everything goes smooth in my wallet. I already miss animating, but animating for fun, you know? I've been kind of discouraged thorought Class 3 about how my skills lacked, so I've lost ton of confidence.

This is a very tough industry to strive for, since for many of us, our artisitc talent is something that is very personal to us. Try not to be discouraged. I know it sounds cliche', but where there's a will there's a way. There is no shame in taking some personal time to hone your skills and talents. Not everyone learns at the same pace, especially if you had to play catch up since the beginning because of challenges with software knowledge.

Yeah I meant "background", sorry If I confused people with "animator". I could've made the mistake. But most exceptionnal work you see are clearly from someone experienced with the program or animation.

I could definitely see how having no knowledge at all with the software could give someone trouble. While everyone is learning to animate, you'd have to learn to animate AND learn a new software program.

I personally have no experience at all with Maya, so I'm a little nervous. I've used 3D Studio MAX 2.5 before, but that's pretty much it. I'm sure that things are VERY different now.

[Xing3d]

Its always good to hear opinions and information about AM. I thank you all.
I am in for the Summer term and I'm very excited. When you really throw all
all the opinions out the window and look at what the facts are, you can see
that it really is an opportunity of a lifetime. Sure they are taking my money, so aren't
tons of other people.

I'm just going to share my opinion. I will try to make it semi-informative.

Going through a Fine Arts school I learned the community formed by the students and
teachers(mentors) is where all the learning takes place. The critiques, the concepts, and
sharing of ideas is where you find out most of your information so you can become better.

Any type of art takes a self-driven discipline to learn your craft. Many people never
complete their first year of school because of this. Nobody is there to make you drive
yourself 12 hours a day to complete your work. Art is about pushing yourself beyond
yourself. I would expect that Animation Mentor is very similar to an Art School in this
way.

I would say that this is not like a conventional (tech) school where things are
memorized, formula's computed, and specs are improved on. I know many schools
teach 3D animation as a tech field. Maybe it works for some but that may be why
many are left a little disappointed.

Its seems that Animation Mentor is fashioned more as an (animation) art school and
community than a conventional tech school. 3D apps are the tool so inevitably there
is going to be some tech involved. I feel most of the work will be done with artistic
principles, imagination, and dedication.

Thanks for listening to my rant. It's just my opinion, which can change daily.
Sometimes hourly, about less serious subjects like what i want to eat for dinner.

[Mechis]

Regarding recent posts... just realize that different people learn at different rates. Think back to when you were in an academic school. For example, two people can pass the same math class, but maybe one person received a C, while another received and A. Do you think they have the same skill set? Why did one person do better than the other?-- motivation? natural talent? work ethic? Maybe all three. It's the same at Animation Mentor... different people learn at different rates.

~Mechis

[Reflexx]

Just a little over a week to go. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I don't know Maya and I've been busy lately trying to get things done that I don't think I'll have time for when school starts.

I think I'll download the PLE tonight since I haven't received anything about how to get the educational version.

[DigitalToon2]

Just a little over a week to go. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I don't know Maya and I've been busy lately trying to get things done that I don't think I'll have time for when school starts.

I think I'll download the PLE tonight since I haven't received anything about how to get the educational version.

Messing around with the PLE is a good idea. Don't worry you'll have time to order it, I didn't order my student copy of maya till the first week of school. Good luck!

Congrats to all the grads. I know it's going to be strange now for me not having to turn in an assignment every week.

[Reflexx]

Messing around with the PLE is a good idea. Don't worry you'll have time to order it, I didn't order my student copy of maya till the first week of school. Good luck!

Congrats to all the grads. I know it's going to be strange now for me not having to turn in an assignment every week.

Be sure to still hang around! Is the alumni site connected to the regular student sites in any way? Will we be able to get feedback from alumni? Will alumni be able to get feedback from students currently in class? I could see how it could be extremely beneficial for both.

[Bill_nuts]

Just a little over a week to go. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I don't know Maya and I've been busy lately trying to get things done that I don't think I'll have time for when school starts.

I think I'll download the PLE tonight since I haven't received anything about how to get the educational version.

Just received my log in details. Looks great.
Now I can order Maya academic and get it on its way.
I see they also offer a discount on the Anamie drawing book I recently bought. Bummer!!

I am really excited and can't wait to start. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I have been working my way through 3D Buzz Maya fundamentals and getting my head around some of Maya's inner workings. Also trying to learn how to sketch a bit too.

Now back to watching the orientation video.

[timeless3d]

Is the alumni site connected to the regular student sites in any way? Will we be able to get feedback from alumni? Will alumni be able to get feedback from students currently in class? I could see how it could be extremely beneficial for both.

I agree, but it's not the case right now. I'd imagine in the future they will decide to combine some part of the sites, like maybe the forums. But, as if now, they are separate sites.

The recent news items on the student site hint towards a lot of changes to come, but nothing specific. So, it sounds like the sky is the limit :)

[Reflexx]

Just received my log in details. Looks great.
Now I can order Maya academic and get it on its way.
I see they also offer a discount on the Anamie drawing book I recently bought. Bummer!!

I am really excited and can't wait to start. I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I have been working my way through 3D Buzz Maya fundamentals and getting my head around some of Maya's inner workings. Also trying to learn how to sketch a bit too.

Now back to watching the orientation video.

Cool. Got my login details too.

My giddy in anticipation.

[Reflexx]

I agree, but it's not the case right now. I'd imagine in the future they will decide to combine some part of the sites, like maybe the forums. But, as if now, they are separate sites.

The recent news items on the student site hint towards a lot of changes to come, but nothing specific. So, it sounds like the sky is the limit :)

So, how are things working for you? I haven't seen you update your blog lately.... then again, I see that in a lot of the blogs as they start getting into the bigger assignments. Time is scarce I suppose.

[timeless3d]

i don't want to hijack the thread, i'll send you a PM.

thanks for asking :)

[edit]
i will say this, since it's on topic: assigments are fewer and longer in class 2, there were only 3 for the whole term. next term it looks like there are only 2.

[Bentagon]

Hijack the thread? How do you hijack a 3-year old thread of 550 pages of which 50 was people talking about pressing F5? ;-)

[peglegpeet13]

Hello everyone,

I applied, took the test and am now waiting to hear back from them. I figured that since there will be some time to wait, I went ahead and purchased The Illusion of Life and the Animators Survival kit. I figured that it couldn't hurt to read up on it. I also have downloaded the Maya PLE. I am so excited and anxious to hear back from them. I just want to say how nice it is to have a thread like this with people offering a variety of opinions. This thread has been very helpful to me. Looking forward to the challenges that are ahead.

[lutonomy]

Just to add my .02 to the current conversation...take it or leave it... ;)

I agree that mentors and teachers are not the same, nor should they be. At AM the "teachers" are really the various lecturers, in a sense. The mentor is just someone with crazy experience that you're showing what you're working on, and they're giving advice. The unparalleled line-up of mentors at AM is possible because they're responding to what you give them, rather than relying on them for the full-time job of teaching and overseeing what you learn and how to present the material, etc.

So what this means is you have this fantastic source to take your work to and its on you to make the most of it. It's also why there is a QA. This isn't so much for a mentor to "lecture" on the week's topic (though some do), but for you to use that time to get the most out of your time and their feedback, knowledge, and experience.

Like others have said, this way of learning isn't for everyone. I think people who like to learn by having guidance every step of the way are going to stuggle more. Not that they couldn't do it, but it's probably going to be an uncomfortable style of learning for awhile. Personally, I like to be given the information necessary to do something, and go off on my own and figure it out for myself, while having someone to ask questions if I get in a bind. So I loved every minute of it.

AM is a school for self starters. If you have passion and discipline, you will get a truly astounding amount of skill for the time invested.

Other stuff:

For the tuition, I think AM is an incredible value. And I wasted 60 grand and 2.5 years at a fancy CG school where I got probably 7% of the animation education AM gave me in 6 months, so I speak from experience. Hell, even if you retook the entire program over again, it's still comparable to a single year of tuition/living at a lot of other schools. Some people have to retake classes at AM. If you have to retake them, then do it. It's a means to an end, do what you have to do to get the knowledge and skills to click. We're talking about something that can sustain you the rest of your life. I've been a starving musician the past 10 years, so I know 2 grand for a class retake isn't a drop in the bucket, but looking at the big picture, the argument holds little water.

And finally, workflow... In hindsight, I guess it's just one of those rite-of-passage gripes we all go through. I made it myself a few times...I wanted to understand how to get a handle on the technique of computer animation and I never got a black and white answer.
That's because there isn't one. People can show you stuff, their approach, little tricks, etc, etc. But in the end, it's something you just have to figure out for yourself, end of story. Fall flat on your face, totally screw up your shot, gimbal lock stuff to hell, make your spline curves into a diabolical spaghetti, get frustrated, pout, get pissed, think you'll never get it, kick your computer, start over. It sucks that that's the case, but that's how it works and the silver lining is the effort is worth it. So there isn't anyone to blame for not getting the workflow down yet, except the fact that you need to keep doing it.

At AM I did a lot of little side animations. That seemed to help me understand things better. They talked about the wave principle in class 1, I made a chain of joints and tried it 5 or 6 times until it kind of made sense. Did that with everything they talked about. The projects alone weren't enough for me, even though they are for plenty. Again, you do what you gotta do to get it for yourself.

Alright, that's all. Just my blathering, make of it what you will. And yeah, Matt Garward is awesome. :thumbsup:

[timeless3d]

I went ahead and purchased The Illusion of Life and the Animators Survival kit.

Don't forget Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation:
http://www.anamie.com/bookintro.html

You will get a small discount through AM once you have access to the site. For class 1, this was more helpful to me then the Illusion of Life. The Illusion is a must have, don't get me wrong, but for class 1 they tell you everything you need to know out of it in the lectures.

I had more trouble in class 1 with my sketches then anything else. Simplified Drawing helped me a lot.

Get The Illusion as soon as you can, but if you have to pick, get Simplified Drawing and The 'Kit first if you have any hesitations about your sketching abilities. I don't want to sound like I am assuming you will, I am just sharing my experience.

Good luck in class 1!

[peglegpeet13]

Don't forget Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation:
http://www.anamie.com/bookintro.html

You will get a small discount through AM once you have access to the site. For class 1, this was more helpful to me then the Illusion of Life. The Illusion is a must have, don't get me wrong, but for class 1 they tell you everything you need to know out of it in the lectures.

I had more trouble in class 1 with my sketches then anything else. Simplified Drawing helped me a lot.

Get The Illusion as soon as you can, but if you have to pick, get Simplified Drawing and The 'Kit first if you have any hesitations about your sketching abilities. I don't want to sound like I am assuming you will, I am just sharing my experience.

Good luck in class 1!

Thanks for the tip. I will check it out. I could use some help with my sketching:)

[Reflexx]

I just ordered Maya Complete (student version).

I plan on getting a Wacom Intuos 3, but I'm not sure how much it will help me.

Anyone here have any input on how much a graphics tablet actually helps in effeciency? I would assume that it would be loads of help in sketching, but I have no idea if it would offer any more control and ease in Maya.

[Bill_nuts]

I just ordered Maya Complete (student version).

I plan on getting a Wacom Intuos 3, but I'm not sure how much it will help me.

Anyone here have any input on how much a graphics tablet actually helps in effeciency? I would assume that it would be loads of help in sketching, but I have no idea if it would offer any more control and ease in Maya.

Yeah I'm just deciding where to order Maya from too.
I need it shipped down under here to Australia.

I have a tablet but I only really use it with zbrush.
PlasticAnimationPaper looks like it would be good with a tablet.
I wonder who else here uses PAP at AM??

[Project813]

Can someone remind me how long the student site will be down for between sessions?

Rich

[achavero]

I bought a Wacom intuos 3 after my first AM term and I can say it was a little bit difficult the first week but after that... I will never ever touch a mouse. I started to had pain in my wrist and arm with the mouse (carpian tunnel). But now with my tablet all pain is gone and my fist feels strong again. So my best advice is buy a tablet your health is the most important thing in the world.

BTW it works smoothly with Maya.


The site will be down until july 2, but don't expect to get up and log in.. you will have access around 12pm EST.

Good luck to all the new students you will have an awesome time in AM.

[Reflexx]

I bought a Wacom intuos 3 after my first AM term and I can say it was a little bit difficult the first week but after that... I will never ever touch a mouse. I started to had pain in my wrist and arm with the mouse (carpian tunnel). But now with my tablet all pain is gone and my fist feels strong again. So my best advice is buy a tablet your health is the most important thing in the world.

BTW it works smoothly with Maya.


The site will be down until july 2, but don't expect to get up and log in.. you will have access around 12pm EST.

Good luck to all the new students you will have an awesome time in AM.

Thanks for the advice. I just ordered my Wacom and it should get here this week. I've used a graphire for fiddling around before, so I hope the transition will be smooth.

[MadMax]

I had more trouble in class 1 with my sketches then anything else. Simplified Drawing helped me a lot.

Get The Illusion as soon as you can, but if you have to pick, get Simplified Drawing and The 'Kit first if you have any hesitations about your sketching abilities. I don't want to sound like I am assuming you will, I am just sharing my experience.



I don't know if I would say the lectures really replaced Illusion of Life, the sketches and reference were invaluable assistance. They do compliment each other though.

FYI, for anyone looking, I found a great deal on Illusion of Life on eBay, so look there first. I have a copy of the original printing, signed by Frank and Ollie and includes a filmstrip on the inside cover. Naturally I didn't want to handle that one for reference. So I went looking on eBay.

I ended up bidding on an interesting copy of illusion, the vendor had several copies of the original first printing of the Abbeville Press edition, still wrapped in it's original wrapping. 10.00 Yes, I will type it again, 10.00 TEN DOLLARS.

perfectly mint condition.

There are like 3 different versions of Illusion, and some are considerably chopped down and missing interesting materials, so be careful.

[rizlarood]

As far as I remember and still know... the first week is just orientation.. so lots of video's to watch and getting to know every one etc...so no assignments to worry about.

Cheers... enjoy :-)

[yapyap]

There are like 3 different versions of Illusion, and some are considerably chopped down and missing interesting materials, so be careful.

How can I tell if mine is complete? I have bought this one with 576 pages:
http://www.amazon.de/Illusion-Life-Disney-Animation-Engl/dp/0786860707/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/028-0977226-4962930?ie=UTF8&s=books-intl-de&qid=1182796159&sr=8-1

[JayEpperhart]

I plan on getting a Wacom Intuos 3, but I'm not sure how much it will help me.

Anyone here have any input on how much a graphics tablet actually helps in effeciency? I would assume that it would be loads of help in sketching, but I have no idea if it would offer any more control and ease in Maya.

I've used a wacom tablet since Class 1 and it made maya so much easier. Maya uses the "middle mouse button" (MMB) for many important tasks. Every current mouse uses the wheel as the MMB which is very annoying. By using a tablet pen, you can bind the MMB to a simple pen button and make Maya use much, much easier. Plus it helps take pressure off of your wrist!

I highly recommend getting a tablet if you are able, and there are a number of tutorials in the AM forums (and probably CGTalk) that can teach you how to use the tablet effectively!

[timeless3d]

I don't know if I would say the lectures really replaced Illusion of Life, the sketches and reference were invaluable assistance.

I didn't say it replaced the book, in fact I said the illusion is a must have. However, I personally feel I could have waited to purchase it. For class 1, I didn't hear about the sketching book untill after I ordered the other books and, for me, I could have started with the kit and the skeching book and waited to get the illusion later.

[Reflexx]

What are the Animation Mentor forums like?

[timeless3d]

full of awesome content on a variety of subjects, but, technically not as featured as most other forums like cgsociety.

one thing that really annoys me is i get and email EVERY TIME someone replies to a thread I am subscribed. most other forums just email you once until you visit and then again the next time someone posts.

and, the subject is always "NAME has replied to the thread called THREAD" or something along those lines. so, the subject is different so gmail can't even group them as a conversation.

and, the link goes to the top of the thread, not the first unread.

seems like such a small thing to improve, but i am sure they have bigger things on their plate. still, that hasn't stopped me from mentioning it in every survey :)


-rant over-

the forums are one of the most useful aspects of the site for me, they are one of the few features i can access at work. if you have a software question (maya, or even other software) it is usually answered by a quick search. if you need to ask a new question, it will probably be answered relatively quickly. i asked a lighting question 10 mins before the deadline (stupid me) but got a response in enough time to implement before the cut off.

there seems to be a trend lately (or perhaps i just didn't notice it before) of people using their comments as mini threads. i've seen a range of stuff posted there that has nothing to do with the assignment or what is posted on the page. usually it starts with a youtube video and goes from there.

fun stuff, you will see soon enough :)

[Reflexx]

Ok, I've ordered Maya.

I ordered a Wacom Intuos3.

I bought The Animator's Toolkit.

I upgraded to Quicktime Pro v7

I will be getting The Illusion of Life

I have a sketchbook

I bought a web cam

I bought headphones

Am I forgetting anything?

[rag-man]

Ok, I've ordered Maya.

I ordered a Wacom Intuos3.

I bought The Animator's Toolkit.

I upgraded to Quicktime Pro v7

I will be getting The Illusion of Life

I have a sketchbook

I bought a web cam

I bought headphones

Am I forgetting anything?

- take your family/girlfriend and spend some time in the sun with them until your weekends turn into a 18 month crunch time ;-)

- think about a backup solution for your AM data

** My work is on the latest reel – and talking about experience ... I had no idea that there is a job called "character animator" before I found this thread ;-)

[ravvy]

I just ordered Maya Complete (student version).

I plan on getting a Wacom Intuos 3, but I'm not sure how much it will help me.

Anyone here have any input on how much a graphics tablet actually helps in effeciency? I would assume that it would be loads of help in sketching, but I have no idea if it would offer any more control and ease in Maya.
I have a Wacom Intuos 2, and also a TabletPC Laptop (laptop where you can draw on the screen like a tablet) but to be honest, I really can't get to grips with using a pen for animating - I just find it much easier and quicker to use the mouse.

I'm probably in the minority for that though, if you can I would suggest trying to borrow someones tablet for a day or so if you have any friends with one - and just see what works best for you :)

[Project813]

I am the same way, I just can't get used to it. I never seem to have the time to slow down to adjust even if I tried.

[Reflexx]

Hmmm... maybe I'll mainly use the Wacom for sketching.

[ravvy]

Hmmm... maybe I'll mainly use the Wacom for sketching.
For sketching it's awesome :)

My tabletpc is mainly used for doing my thumbnails or using greasepencil :)

[yapyap]

Ok, I've ordered Maya.

I ordered a Wacom Intuos3.

I bought The Animator's Toolkit.

I upgraded to Quicktime Pro v7

I will be getting The Illusion of Life

I have a sketchbook

I bought a web cam

I bought headphones

Am I forgetting anything?

Hi Reflexx,

I also checked my list today and I think a decent stopwatch can be very useful.
And I have bought a cheap Painter IX on Ebay for sketching. Looks much more
like real pencil drawings than Photoshop can. I don't want to deal with paper,
pencils, rubbers and a scanner to end up with JPGs anyway. :)
I'd like to have an Intuos3, too, but first I will give my Graphire 4x5 a try.
And I think I should buy a big external harddisc in due time.

BTW: I have received my 3DBuzz Maya Training yesterday and it's really more worth
than 99 dollars. As far as I can judge now, it's the best and most entertaining
video training I've ever seen. You could call it "entertraining"! :) And above all it deals
with a lot of animation stuff.

[DigitalToon2]

Alias Sketchbook pro is a nice program for sketching in as well. I tend to use it more than photoshop for thumbnailing. I have a wacom Intus 2 and I love it, but like ravvy I'm one of those people who still prefer a mouse for maya, I've tried using my pen, but I haven't had the patients to get used to it. Maybe now that I have more time, I'll try using it again with maya.

[Bigalpimp]

Guys anybody applied recently and got accepted? I applied like a month ago and haven't heard anything from them :( the lady from admissions said that due to the high volumw of applicants it willl take a while but isn't more than a month too much?

[Project813]

I can't speak on exact time tables, but I spoke with one of their admins recently and she said it could be up to 8 weeks. :(

All I can say is hold tight and be patient, its worth the wait, believe me.

[Reflexx]

Guys anybody applied recently and got accepted? I applied like a month ago and haven't heard anything from them :( the lady from admissions said that due to the high volumw of applicants it willl take a while but isn't more than a month too much?

It probably took around that long for me to hear something.

A new term is starting on Monday, so I'm assuming that most of their time right now is being spent getting things ready for that. Add to that the fact that there's an event going on this Saturday that they are doing and you can see why they might be late to get back to you.

[Bigalpimp]

Yea I guess ill just be patient....I'm in no rush I just wanna know if I'm in or not so I can prepare for it.

[Reflexx]

Looks like UPS has my copy of Maya scheduled for delivery on July 5th!

Will we be needing to use Maya in the first week?

[factorblank]

My copy of Maya is on the UPS truck too! I don't think we will need it the first week. See you on "campus".

[DigitalToon2]

Looks like UPS has my copy of Maya scheduled for delivery on July 5th!

Will we be needing to use Maya in the first week?

Nope, you won't need it the first week of class. First week is all about introducing yourself and learning how things on the site work and you don't even have an assignment due.

[yapyap]

I am currently assigned to mentor Dana Boadway. The mentor list on the AM site says
she's an animator at "Killer Jelly Bean", don't know what it is but it sounds very funny. :)
Does anybody know about her or the company?

[Bill_nuts]

Yeah. My Mentor is Mike Walling. Awesome!!!

Looks like he is a senior animator at Sony Imageworks.
This is exciting! Can't wait to get started.

[Bill_nuts]

Looking on the AM web site, I see their past mentors is now more than their current mentors including Shawn Kelly, one of the founders.

Is this significant?? It seems they have a fairly high turnover of mentors. I know the mentors have full time jobs and lives as well.

Just an observation that's all.

[Reflexx]

Looking on the AM web site, I see their past mentors is now more than their current mentors including Shawn Kelly, one of the founders.

Is this significant?? It seems they have a fairly high turnover of mentors. I know the mentors have full time jobs and lives as well.

Just an observation that's all.

Just taking a stab in the dark...

I don't think many animators who have full-time jobs plan to be mentor's for long periods of time. During the time that they are mentors they basically have no other life. It's almost like being a student and working full-time. Sure, you can do it for 18 months, but would you want to do it for a few years?

[Reflexx]

Looks like my mentor is Elliot Roberts, currently of Pixar. Formerly of ILM , Blue Sky Studios and Tippett studios.

Wow.:thumbsup:

[Reflexx]

I am currently assigned to mentor Dana Boadway. The mentor list on the AM site says
she's an animator at "Killer Jelly Bean", don't know what it is but it sounds very funny. :)
Does anybody know about her or the company?

On IMDB it looks like she's done a lot of TV work. She also worked on The Wild.

I'm not sure about Killer Jelly Bean as a company though. I guess you'll have to ask her!

[Xing3d]

Im pretty excited I got Nicole Herr as a Mentor. She is a very accomplished animator.
Now I have to go see Surf's up. I haven't gone to the movies in a long time cause I
have a 10 month old baby.

Congrats to all you guys going in this summer. The wait is almost over. Let the long
nights begin!

[T.S. Cosky]

Hey Xing3d, It looks like we might be in the same class. I also have Nicole Herr. She certaintly is the accomplished animator according to Imbd. Looks like she really knows her stuff. Heh hope she doesn't get offended that I haven't seen Surf's up yet ;)

[sergeantT]

Just taking a stab in the dark...

I don't think many animators who have full-time jobs plan to be mentor's for long periods of time. During the time that they are mentors they basically have no other life. It's almost like being a student and working full-time. Sure, you can do it for 18 months, but would you want to do it for a few years?

AM mentors are the some of the best animators in the world and are in high demand. This means they are not always available to mentor.

During the time they are mentors they DO have other things going on in their lives. They're not your full-time mentor. They mentor at night and on weekends. The live Q&As are scheduled at times to suit the mentor's availability. The feedback given to you is recorded on the mentor's time and then you can view it on your time.

Some of the past mentors come back to mentor again. Some are too busy or are on vacation or have crunch-time at their studios. Or just want to take some time away. Y'know?

[MadMax]

how are you guys finding out who your mentors are?

[factorblank]

Should be on the Welcome page when you log-in to the website. I have Mike Walling as my mentor.

I'm really looking forward to next week!

[Zephyrpower]

Should be on the Welcome page when you log-in to the website. I have Mike Walling as my mentor.

I'm really looking forward to next week!

Can you actually get onto the website? I can't get on the website right now because it seems to be down since we're between terms.

This is really strange if some people can get on and others cannot. Perhaps class 1 students get on early to watch the orientation videos and such

[achavero]

You're right Barnabas, the new kids on the block can have a glimpse before the older ones. I figured it out in the fourth class =D, because everybody was talking about their mentors but the above classes couldn't login until monday mid-day.

Have a great term everybody

[FatFatFatty]

Can any of the newbies tell me who my mentor is? You should be able to find it in the cruise the campus section.

My info:

Danny Southard
Class 5

Thanks!

[Bill_nuts]

Can any of the newbies tell me who my mentor is? You should be able to find it in the cruise the campus section.

My info:

Danny Southard
Class 5

Thanks!

Us newbies can only look at our own orientation material, we can;t cruise the campus yet either.

Hey Factorblank! We have the same Mentor. Nice to meet someone else in the same group.
My Q & A is Tuesday evening about 6pm.

Excitement factor is definately building here

[factorblank]

Yup!

It's at 8PM for me, but that's my local time. Plenty of time to get home from work, walk the dog, make dinner, and prepare for the Q&A. See you there!

[BishopLynx]

I have Nicole Herr as well. Looking forward to the next 18 months. I currently work at a small studio, so good by sleep.

[FatFatFatty]

Us newbies can only look at our own orientation material, we can;t cruise the campus yet either.

Hey Factorblank! We have the same Mentor. Nice to meet someone else in the same group.
My Q & A is Tuesday evening about 6pm.

Excitement factor is definately building here


Doh! Thanks anyway!

[d_jnaneswar]

Is the site open for login yet? or is it just me not being able to log in?

DJ (class 5)

[Garrimation]

Hey Guys I too am having log in problems, anyone know anything or hear something about issues to get in

[Zephyrpower]

I have Nicole Herr as well. Looking forward to the next 18 months. I currently work at a small studio, so good by sleep.

Not nessecarily,

I work a full time job, typically 40 + hours a week, in addition to taking care of a dog and occasionally working on home improvement projects....and for the most part, I've managed my time well, got all of my assigments done on time and never really lost any sleep. I typically get about 8 hours a night. Granted there were a few weeks were I slacked off a little, but I was doing other activities that I didn't need to do. Basically wasting time on hobbies and games.

If you get a good workflow going and manage your time well, you should be alright.

Also, when you get on the site, there are lots of workflow videos that should be able to help you.

[timeless3d]

i seem to remember reading or hearing somewhere that the site wouldn't be up till monday, probably after 12 PM PST.

[Garrimation]

Hey Timeless


Thanks for the heads up, I probably did read the same thing like on the the invitation e-mail about it. Sorry for the stuped question. I just re-read it as well and now remember this information.

Either way thanks for the response

[professorx00]

i'll be in class one as soon as the campus opens i will see you all on there


professorx00

ps feel free to add me to your friend's list once it's up

pss Excitment is way past built over here!!! a nuclear plant has 1/4 of the energy i have built up

[d_jnaneswar]

cant wait cant wait cant wait..

I didnt finish my shot four multi-shot.. got fed up with it a bit.. i will wait a few more days before going back.. but cant wait for the short film class to begin.. I know its going to rock!

On a sidenote, I hope we see a lot more participation in the forums this term, as well as around workspaces. Never before it happened, but last term, I didnt see much activity and buzz like the previous two terms.

Anyways, all the newcomers! good luck! be sure to attend the "Honouring the senior students" party on AM and dont forget to bring cookies and nuggets for us all.. If you dont bring them.. u will get gimbal locked. :p

[ravvy]

I'm looking forward to starting class3, I think my work really went up a few notches in the last class and my mentor (Keith Sintay) was easily the best I've had so far.

Good luck to all the people joining class1, I know you'll all love it :)

[AkaKico]

3 hours to go I think!

[MadMax]

3 hours to go I think!


plan it being more like sometime between noon and 4 or so Pacific time if past terms have been any indication.

[AkaKico]

Just in case you didn't notice, WE'RE IN!

[MadMax]

Just in case you didn't notice, WE'RE IN!

you sure about that?

I just checked and it will occasionally get to the home screen, but try to click anything and it gets error messages

[mattam]

It's working now here :)

[MadMax]

It's working now here :)



Still only getting the home page. Everything else is an error screen.

[binz]

Sorry to more or less hijack this thread, since I see some of you are just starting out (which is very exciting and makes me jealous) but I'm seeking some advice!

I've been seriously looking into this school for a while now (as opposed to one of the jack of all trade schools in Vancouver) and I'm wondering if I should just jump into it with little experience, or hold off and get some other education/learn on my own first.

I haven't had time to read all 500 posts, but I did obsessively go through and google every person in the highlight reels on the AM website, and it seems like almost of them had some sort of experience, whether it was paid industry experience, a media degree, or just several years of self-taught work.

Personally I have completed 2 years of a Joint Major in Computer Science and Visual Art, and have dabbled in CG art in my free time (mostly in Painter, a little in Photoshop). I used to draw a lot when I was younger, but I have been terrible the last couple years and haven't made much time for it.

If I do take the AM program I plan to work around 20-30 hrs a week, but I don't have a family (unless you count my boyfriend and puppy Enzo, who seems to think he should have all my attention 100% of the day).

I have very little 3D experience, which is what concerns me, since I don't want to ruin the program for myself by getting overwhelmed and not doing as well as I could.

Currently I am working my way through some Maya PLE tutorials and feel like I'm learning a lot, but am still worried about getting in over my head.

Besides advice specific to me, I would love to hear any inspiring tales of people who have started the program with little experience and done well for themselves (besides Matthew Garward!). I also would really like to hear back from you people who are just starting the program. If you could let us know your impressions as you progress I am sure that many people besides myself would appreciate it!

I just realized how long this post is, and feel horribly guilty since it's my first post and I'm expecting you people to read it in the midst of a 500+ post thread, but here's hopin!

[AjaBogdanoff]

Hey Lyndsey, the answer is going to vary so much from person to person, it's impossible to give you any specific advice. Your post strikes me as coming from someone who would do well at AM, you're curious and seek out answers to questions, and you do seem to be comfortable learning software and techniques, even if you haven't done much with Maya or animation before. AM is designed to work for people with no experience with either, though there have been a good number of posts on this thread expressing concern about starting without having used Maya before, so it's worth considering for sure.

Personally, I like to throw myself into a challenge, and just trust myself to find a way to swim. :) I started AM with a good amount of Maya experience, but no artistic skills, acting skills, or real understanding of animation, and while I struggled a lot in all the classes after the 6th week of the first semester, I also improved WAY (way!) faster than I would have if I'd waited till I'd taken more drawing classes or something before starting. And if I'd waited, I wouldn't be starting at Blue Sky in a couple of days! ;)

But yeah, at the same time, if there's a real concern that you might be in too far over your head learning Maya in class 1, then by all means take the time to prepare yourself. Just don't be afraid of being in a little over your head. :)

[Reflexx]

I just started and have absolutely no Maya experience. I fiddled with 3D Studio MAX a few years ago, but that's it. In fact, my copy of Maya just came in today! So I still have no Maya experience!

But I will say this, as I looked through the free beginner Maya tutorials it looked pretty easy.

If I were you, I'd keep playing with the PLE and go ahead and register with AM. Focus more on the tools in Maya that will help you in animation, since all the characters and rigs will be provided for you in AM. Once you know the tools, then it's just up to learning the art of animation. It's not about how well you draw, but more about how well you observe and act.

If you really want to be an animator, my opinion is that it's best to focus on animation. While many schools will teach you the whole shibang, their focus on animation is often not as strong. You can learn to do a lot of the other software things through books and online tutorials if you want to be generally well rounded. But to be really good you probably should put your real focus and commitment on one thing at a time. If that one thing is animation, then AM just might be the place for you.

[binz]

Wow, you guys are great; you actually read my post AND replied quickly!

I've always actually wished that there was a school that was focused on animation alone, which is why I think AM is the school for me, but I just want to make sure I make the most of it! I guess my main fear is that I'll finish the program unemployable and in debt, and wish that I had prepared myself better.

That being said, my initial post here was basically a cry for encouragement to get my butt through the door, and you guys have already helped a huge amount! In the back of my mind I know I shouldn't worry since I've always been the over-achieving perfectionist nerd at the top of every class, but I think I must have developed some sort of school commitment issue after dropping out of university.

I wont be able to start until late 2007/early 2008 anyways, so that should be plenty of time to get comfortable with Maya right? If any of you have any recommondations on how best to prepare myself, whether it be rigs to dowload, books to read, movies to watch, or...whatever! I would really really appreciate it.

Thanks again for the responses guys. Grats Aja on the awesome new job, and grats Reflexx on starting AM! Keep us updated and let us know how it goes (if you have time of course) :)

[Reflexx]

binz,

Looks like you have plenty of time to be proficient with the software before starting AM.

I know what you mean about worrying about investing time and money in school and worrying about a job afterwards. One thing that sold me on AM is that there is the option of subscribing to an alumni site where you can collaborate and get feedback from a bunch of the alumni students.

I've already found that the community is very supportive and the students are really intent on helping each other improve. A few years ago I took a 6 month course on 3D Studio MAX 2.5. The teacher had no industry experience and no animation experience. However, back then the programs and computers were so expensive that I thought the money I was paying was justified just so I could use the software and hardware. Well, in 3 months I was already beyond what my teacher knew, so he was unable to help me. No other students in class were able to help me because they didn't know either. As a result, I just did some animation exercises from books and the teacher would refer students to me if they needed help with animation... which I was still barely learning. So yeah... I really appreciate that the student network in AM is vast, passionate, and talented.

Good luck!

[solarflare]

Hey,

I am doing animation mentor now (in my 4th quarter), and I don't think you should worry about lack of experience. I did know a bit about Maya prior to starting (from my recommendation further down this post), but you really don't need to know much. I mean, all an animator really does is alters a parameter, sets keys, and adjusts handles in the graph editor. Later you might need constraints, but they have video tutorials on how to do that. Just get used to the interface, figure out how to alter parameters in your channel editor, learn how to set keys and deal with autokey, and get VERY familiar with the graph editor and you will be ahead of 25% of the class going into the program.

The best way to get familiar with Maya is to purchase the "Mastering Maya: The Fundamentals" from www.3dbuzz.com (http://www.3dbuzz.com). Its only $150 now, and is basically an entire semester (maybe year) of training over Maya. I would say it thoroughly covers around 50% of Maya, and at least gives overviews of 90-95% of the program (certainly enough to do just about anything). As for Animation Mentor, I don't know the best advice. I mean, you could go in really prepared, but then you might be bored to death your first quarter while you are animating bouncing balls. It's great, don't get me wrong...but I felt bad for a few of the people who had professional experience who probably could have skipped the first course (I think with mentor feedback though, they still got a lot out of it).

With that said, here are the two things that you should be able to do prior to starting to make sure you will have an easy time: animate a bouncing ball, and draw a stick figure in a variety of poses. The first I'm sure you can find a tutorial for, and you don't need a rig. Just create a sphere, set key frames on its x and y translation, and make it look like it realistically bounces. It's very similar to one of AMs first assignments that a lot of people seem to struggle with. I was surprised at the number of people who had bouncing balls that didn't look particularly good (basically they failed to adjust the tangents in the graph editor), so if you can do that coming in you will be off to a good start. The drawing was my biggest hurdle, since I don't draw much. I really have had no lessons, and drawing someone from a perspective still gives me problems (as opposed to facing directly at the camera). Since you have a visual arts background, I assume you will be better off than me but its definately something to practice.

There is no particular reason not to download your own rigs and play with them, but I personally don't see a huge advantage. Animation Mentor steadily increases the power of the rigs you are given access to throughout the program so that you can ease your way into focusing on more complex things. Playing with a rig shouldn't hurt that, but you will get there eventually in animation mentor (that's the point and part of the money you are investing). I would spend more time getting very used to Maya and comfortable animating spheres bouncing around :) (and going through that 3dbuzz course). Then maybe play with some rendering and lighting just so you can create nice demo reel material when you get to classes 4 and later (prior to that its mainly learning, I suppose I assume people wouldn't put that stuff on their demo reel but a lot of them have spent time making nice renders of that). That would also help you feel more comfortable with Maya. Oh yeah, and The Animators Survival Kit by Richard Williams is considered a "must have" by many. I probably should go back over it, but its a good way to start learning about animation. The Illusion of Life by Ollie Johnston is also recommended. I haven't found it that helpful for animation (of course, I am only 60% through it), but it is very inspiring.

Hope that helps.

[binz]

Thanks for the tips! It's nice to have a clear idea of what to focus on. I'm working my way through the Autodesk tutorials that just come along with PLE, and coincidentally the next one is animating a bouncing ball! I'm glad you mentioned it, because I'll be sure to spend more time on it now and do a bunch of related stuff on my own as well.

The books you mentioned are already on my "to buy" list, but I'm seriously tempted to get that Mastering Maya bundle too (I just checked the website and it's already gone down to $99 since you posted lol).

As far as my drawing goes, I think I'll be ok, but I forced myself today to start the regime of drawing stick men in random poses (I only got side tracked and drew a cartoony creature once!). It's definitely a struggle to draw certain poses at certain angles off the top of my head, so I'm glad you motivated me to do it.

Anyways, thanks again for the replies guys; hope to hear more insights as you progress :)

[AdFont]

Hey guys.. I'm having trouble getting the AM page to even load on my computer? Anyone else having the same problem??

[IestynRoberts]

Hey Font! Yeah same problem here, I think the server's down or somehting?

[AdFont]

That sucks.... I need to hand in my assignment!!

[IestynRoberts]

Yeah, I hope they dont de-grade you for server issues - I dont think they will?

[AdFont]

Lol... let's hope not

[Opelfruits]

That sucks.... I need to hand in my assignment!!


Me 2 :sad:

[AjaBogdanoff]

Alumni site's down too.... we've had record heat all across the US this weekend, I wouldn't be surprised if the hosting company lost power.

[Bentagon]

Don't worry about the grades. Just make sure you send a notice to support.

[AdFont]

Don't worry about the grades. Just make sure you send a notice to support.

Will do!

@Aja
Yeah its been quite hot! Could be a likely cause.

[Zephyrpower]

Yeah, don't worry about the grade deduction. If it's a technical issue like this, especially when it's their site that went down, they will remove the grade deduction sometime later this week

But remember, it will show up as one letter grade less for a few days, but don't panic. The machine automatically puts that mark on there, and I'm sure they're going to swamped with late grade requests. Just be patient.

That being said, I hope the site comes back online soon, I was hoping to browse there and give comments while I'm at work, as well as turn in my planning sketches

[AdFont]

It's back!! Whoooooooo!

[Bigalpimp]

Hey guys I'm (Still) waiting for acceptance into the program so I'm messing around in maya. I have 2 "learning maya" books (foundatiion and modeling and animation) I also have the animators survival kit. Is this a good start to begin AM? Also do any of you guys use laptops in the program? I'm deciding whether to use my desktop or my laptop for animating. Thanks in advance :)

[achavero]

Hey guys I'm (Still) waiting for acceptance into the program so I'm messing around in maya. I have 2 "learning maya" books (foundatiion and modeling and animation) I also have the animators survival kit. Is this a good start to begin AM? Also do any of you guys use laptops in the program? I'm deciding whether to use my desktop or my laptop for animating. Thanks in advance :)

My advice is just focus on animation in maya (no modeling or rendering); get used to the graph editor and keyframing. Learn a lot from the "Illusion of life", the animation survival kit is also great. I used a laptop the whole program and didn't have any problems... but use whatever you feel more comfortable. I remember in last year siggraph most of us were hanging around a laptop to attend our weekly Q&A and worked on our assignments.

[Bigalpimp]

My advice is just focus on animation in maya (no modeling or rendering); get used to the graph editor and keyframing. Learn a lot from the "Illusion of life", the animation survival kit is also great. I used a laptop the whole program and didn't have any problems... but use whatever you feel more comfortable. I remember in last year siggraph most of us were hanging around a laptop to attend our weekly Q&A and worked on our assignments.
Thanks a lot man!

[Chris Bacon]

Todays a good day, I oficialy have enough money to cover the course.....

[binz]

Hey guys! Just have a quick question that popped into my head...

Does AM supply any models besides the various character models? I spied a couple pieces of furniture etc that have been in more than one reel, and my curiosity is piqued!

[!Chucky!]

Binz - I know they have a few props that you are able to use for classes... Im not sure which ones exactly only because im still in Class 1 ( WHOOOO GO CLASS 1!) Hahahaha...But ummm Hope that shines some light to your question...



- Chucky

[DigitalToon2]

There is a prop library that you have access to once your in class 3 or 4. Basically it's props that students have bulit and donated.

[JavierLoredo]

Hello! My name is F. Javier Loredo, I recently applyed for the Fall 07 semester and like other students in my same position, we all waiting for the acceptance letter.

I had a few questions reggarding to post-production in the last clases. Does Animation Mentor helps you out with the modeling and rigging precess of the characters for you short or you have to do everything your self with the given time?

My other question was... Do they help you with the rendering or you have to render everything in you own computer?

Also, what would be the time length of the shorts made in the last class? I'm guessing 30secs to a minute!

Ok guys have a great day and hope to see you guys there soon.
Javier Loredo.

[TheOnlyWoj]

Hey guys! Just have a quick question that popped into my head...

Does AM supply any models besides the various character models? I spied a couple pieces of furniture etc that have been in more than one reel, and my curiosity is piqued!

I'm not in AM, considering it, but to answer your question as best I can, it appears they do supply a few models. If you watch the AM reels, there is one rig used for nearly all of the acting character assignments (anything with dialogue).

[DigitalToon2]

Hello! My name is F. Javier Loredo, I recently applyed for the Fall 07 semester and like other students in my same position, we all waiting for the acceptance letter.

I had a few questions reggarding to post-production in the last clases. Does Animation Mentor helps you out with the modeling and rigging precess of the characters for you short or you have to do everything your self with the given time?

My other question was... Do they help you with the rendering or you have to render everything in you own computer?

Also, what would be the time length of the shorts made in the last class? I'm guessing 30secs to a minute!

Ok guys have a great day and hope to see you guys there soon.
Javier Loredo.

For the Short film classes there's about 5 new characters to choose from. But any modeling you have to do on your, people that don't know how to model usually buy models off of turbo squid, especially if they need a particular prop. Towards the end of class 5 you do layout and any modeling your going to do should be done by the end of that class. Some people have built their own characters and rigged them and have been succesful but your also taking a chance, because if something breaks or goes wrong with the rig, your going to have to fix it on your own because AM only supports the characters/rigs they have built. Remember it's not Modeling Mentor or Rigging Mentor. Class 6 is only about animating your short film, that's all you should be worring about. Everyone just turns in playblasts and if people choose to render their short film, it's usually done after class 6 is over and you need to do that on your own as well.

My recommenedation is to make sure you have a decent computer. I know not everyone can go out and buy a new computer, but for the next 18 months you want the fewest headachs and/or glitches possable.

Good Luck.

[JavierLoredo]

Hello DigitalToon2!

First, thanks for taking the time to explain me a little bit more in detail how Animation Mentor works in regards to the last clases of the program. From what you explain, it sounds like you graduated from Animator or still attending.

One thing I strongly agree with you is the fact that I wouldn't want to get stock with the modeling or rigging for my character, I would like to spend the mayority of the time animating. Which is why you go there, to animate...

In regards the final product you hand in as your final project, you said that students hand in playblasts. I thought that for the final class you would have a final render animation. It would be nice if they can help you have a nice final render short ready to show to employers.

Thanks again for your advice!

Have a nice day!
F. Javier Loredo

[ravvy]

You don't really need fancy lighting or rendering for applying for an animation position though, my showreel is made up entirely of playblasts and I never had any problems with it (some of the anims didn't even have a proper model attached to it, just the biped from character studio)

[binz]

Well guys, I've officially applied for October! Logically speaking I think January would've been a better choice (so I could actually afford to go) but I couldn't stand to wait. Anyways, thanks for all the replies and such; hopefully I'll be seeing some of you in the fall :D

[Reflexx]

Well guys, I've officially applied for October! Logically speaking I think January would've been a better choice (so I could actually afford to go) but I couldn't stand to wait. Anyways, thanks for all the replies and such; hopefully I'll be seeing some of you in the fall :D

You won't regret it. I'm having a great time!

[Bigalpimp]

Guys anybody applied in the last month or so and got accepted? I've applied maybe a month and a half ago (may be longer) and haven't heard a word from AM. I'm sure its popular so they have hundreds of applications but come on this wait is horriable I neeed to know whether or no ill be in or not.

[binz]

Guys anybody applied in the last month or so and got accepted? I've applied maybe a month and a half ago (may be longer) and haven't heard a word from AM. I'm sure its popular so they have hundreds of applications but come on this wait is horriable I neeed to know whether or no ill be in or not.

I'm not sure when you last phoned the AM office, but I think a month and a half is long enough to justify another phone call since they say it's only supposed to take a couple of weeks. I just applied two days ago so I don't except to hear from them any time soon, but I'll let you know if I do!

[Reflexx]

FYI for you guys...

If you use a hotmail email address, you may not be getting mail from them because for some reason it sometimes goes directly to the junk folder.

When they first sent me an acceptance, it got lost in my hotmail junk folder. They had to resend it again.

So if it's been a long time, you might want to give them a call. They are very friendly and helpful.

[ShifterPark]

Guys anybody applied in the last month or so and got accepted? I've applied maybe a month and a half ago (may be longer) and haven't heard a word from AM. I'm sure its popular so they have hundreds of applications but come on this wait is horriable I neeed to know whether or no ill be in or not.

I applied back in April and still haven't heard anything. Since I don't have time to wait around with my tuition deposit due in a week, I have decided to finish up school and get my degree, putting AM on hold for awhile. What gets me too is that I called numerous times and told the advisor there ( I won't say their name ) my situation and supposedly I was put to the "top of the list" and would know within a week....that was a month ago. So if I were you, I wouldn't expect a reply until late September. Maybe later.

And for the record, the AM admissions staff really need to get their act together.

[JavierLoredo]

Hello guys!

I know for a fact that like 3 weeks ago, their phone and emails services were down for awhile and they were not able to get in touch with anybody. So, I would recommend you to give them a call today or by the end of this week.

Don't let any stop you from reaching your dreams. If animation mentor it's one of your dreams, keep calling them in a way that you don't sound annoying or disrespectful, and let them know your situation and that you're very interested to know because you really really want to attend to the school. I'm sure they will do something!

I should be getting my response by this week for the Fall Semester. I wish you the best luck to all. I hope to see you guys in the Fall. Have a nice day!

Francisco J. Loredo

[Staff-Victoria]

Hi--this is Victoria from the Admissions Department at Animation Mentor.

We are aware that some of you have been waiting far longer than the promised timeframe. The program is growing by leaps and bounds and as a result, the admissions staff is trying to keep up as quickly as possible.

We hear your frustration and are working on expanding the department to keep up with the demand.

You all have been more than patient with our growing pains. I appreciate your enthusiasm for the program as we continue to get bigger and better.

Thank you--sincerely,
Victoria
Admissions Advisor

[Xing3d]

I can understand all of your excitement about getting in to AM. I'm still only new to it and I can tell you it is everything and more than I expected! The staff really works for you and your education. I remember calling about my application and they had stacks to go through. Don't Worry they are on your side and trying to get you in as hard as your trying to get in.

It really is a great learning enviroment. Everyone has a great intensity about learning Animation. Really makes you push yourself harder than you would on your own. There is good feedback from students trying to do the same assignments as you. Mentors and other professional in Q&A and Lectures give you so much good info that the only worry have is to retain all of it.

After all the Classes are done will you get a good job? -probably.

Will you be on the way to being the best animator you can be? - Absolutely, I have no doubt of that.

So in short, It is worth the wait and investment! See you guys there!

[binz]

Woot! I'm in! Looks like they're burning through that stack of applications pretty quick now :D

[Bigalpimp]

I applied back in April and still haven't heard anything. Since I don't have time to wait around with my tuition deposit due in a week, I have decided to finish up school and get my degree, putting AM on hold for awhile. What gets me too is that I called numerous times and told the advisor there ( I won't say their name ) my situation and supposedly I was put to the "top of the list" and would know within a week....that was a month ago. So if I were you, I wouldn't expect a reply until late September. Maybe later.

And for the record, the AM admissions staff really need to get their act together.

Sucks I'm not in :( I recently was denied in the email. I was bummed out at first but figured it was beacuse I'm new to 3d. I passed the wonderlic,am 18,graduated high school and others so that has to be it it. The most I've done yet in 3d is make a bouncy ball. But I'm not discouraged I'm gonna keep working on my own and maybe head out to the dave school or reapply

[binz]

Sucks I'm not in :( I recently was denied in the email. I was bummed out at first but figured it was beacuse I'm new to 3d. I passed the wonderlic,am 18,graduated high school and others so that has to be it it. The most I've done yet in 3d is make a bouncy ball. But I'm not discouraged I'm gonna keep working on my own and maybe head out to the dave school or reapply

I'm sorry to hear that :( Don't give up though! I encourage you to reapply for next year if this is something you seriously want to do. I don't think you necessarily need more 3D specific experience to get in (although it won't hurt) but I would recommend doing some studies of your own over the next few months. Sketch from life, watch animation, read some books, and seriously think about what is you want from the program, and what your goals are. It would probably be a good idea to reflect on some of the application essay questions, and think over your answers and why you chose to answer as you did.

Anyways, I'm glad to hear that you're not letting yourself get discouraged! You are young and fresh out of highschool from the sounds of it, so there is no reason to fret! If you are truely devoted to animation I'm sure that even half a year from now you will be much better prepared to take the program on, once you have more experience under your belt. Good luck :)

[Ben-Richards]

I applied 2 days ago, so we will see how long it takes them to get back to me.

[Bigalpimp]

I'm sorry to hear that :( Don't give up though! I encourage you to reapply for next year if this is something you seriously want to do. I don't think you necessarily need more 3D specific experience to get in (although it won't hurt) but I would recommend doing some studies of your own over the next few months. Sketch from life, watch animation, read some books, and seriously think about what is you want from the program, and what your goals are. It would probably be a good idea to reflect on some of the application essay questions, and think over your answers and why you chose to answer as you did.

Anyways, I'm glad to hear that you're not letting yourself get discouraged! You are young and fresh out of highschool from the sounds of it, so there is no reason to fret! If you are truely devoted to animation I'm sure that even half a year from now you will be much better prepared to take the program on, once you have more experience under your belt. Good luck :)

Thanks alot for the words of encouragement! :)

I think I have good plans for a nice start I have the animators survival kit and 2 learning maya books so I'm just gonna dig into all of those and try to become more educating in 3D

[Meike]

hey guys :)

I just registered here, and I plan to apply for AM!

I have a question though..

I heard that AM people will do their best to help you find a job after you graduate..
how is this for people outside the US? I live in the Netherlands for example.. would (could) they help me find a job here aswell?

xox

[Reflexx]

Sucks I'm not in :( I recently was denied in the email. I was bummed out at first but figured it was beacuse I'm new to 3d. I passed the wonderlic,am 18,graduated high school and others so that has to be it it. The most I've done yet in 3d is make a bouncy ball. But I'm not discouraged I'm gonna keep working on my own and maybe head out to the dave school or reapply

Don't give up man!

The most important things to them appear to be passion and commitment. If you don't give up your dream and continue to push to improve it will show that you are passionate.

If I were you, I'd apply again next term. Then again the term after that. Then the term after that. Etc...

Every time, convey how much you want to get in and how you want animation to not just be your job, but your life long passion! If they see that polite persistence then I'm sure you'll eventually get in.

[Chris Bacon]

Sucks I'm not in :( I recently was denied in the email. I was bummed out at first but figured it was beacuse I'm new to 3d. I passed the wonderlic,am 18,graduated high school and others so that has to be it it. The most I've done yet in 3d is make a bouncy ball. But I'm not discouraged I'm gonna keep working on my own and maybe head out to the dave school or reapply

Ouch!!, dont let it get you down, you can always re-apply and also remember people where getting animation jobs before AM so its not the end of the world, heck I passed the online test but havnt been told if Ive acctualy been accepted onto the course, and that was 7 months ago, lol

chin up mate

chris

[Ben-Richards]

heck I passed the online test but havnt been told if Ive acctualy been accepted onto the course, and that was 7 months agochris

7 Months? Its supposed to take two weeks... Maybe you got lost in the shuffle. Have you called them back and asked about your status?

[JavierLoredo]

Hello guys!

Last week I received the great news that I was accepted to Animation Mentor for the Fall Term. I'm really happy and excited to start the program and learn from the real Pros. Right now I'm in the process of getting my financial aid going and the supplies I will be needing for the program.

Anybody starting Fall 07 Term? Sorry, if I missed anybody that got accepted and posted their great news, but it takes time to read all those posts. hehehe! :)

I wish the best luck to everybody that applyed recently to the program.

Have a nice day!

F. Javier Loredo

[binz]

Hello guys!

Last week I received the great news that I was accepted to Animation Mentor for the Fall Term. I'm really happy and excited to start the program and learn from the real Pros. Right now I'm in the process of getting my financial aid going and the supplies I will be needing for the program.

Anybody starting Fall 07 Term? Sorry, if I missed anybody that got accepted and posted their great news, but it takes time to read all those posts. hehehe! :)

I wish the best luck to everybody that applyed recently to the program.

Have a nice day!

F. Javier Loredo


Hi Javier

I'll be starting in the fall too!! I see you have some modelling experience, have you animated as well? I basically have no experience besides some visual arts and some computer science, so I'm a little nervous!

Anyways, I look forward to seeing you in October. Feel free to email me or send a pm :)

[arconti]

Hi Javier

I'll be starting in the fall too!! I see you have some modelling experience, have you animated as well? I basically have no experience besides some visual arts and some computer science, so I'm a little nervous!

Anyways, I look forward to seeing you in October. Feel free to email me or send a pm :)

I applied a while back, passed the Wonderlic, and still haven't heard anything. If, after not hearing from them by tomorrow, I'm going to assume the worst and turn the page. Oh well, at least I can keep my bad assssss FD3S that I was going to sell.

Guys, good luck in your future animation career.

[binz]

I applied a while back, passed the Wonderlic, and still haven't heard anything. If, after not hearing from them by tomorrow, I'm going to assume the worst and turn the page. Oh well, at least I can keep my bad assssss FD3S that I was going to sell.

Guys, good luck in your future animation career.

You were gonna sell your Rx-7?? That's so tragic, such a pretty car :(

Anyways, don't give up just like that! It's that sort of attitude that will hold you back. I think to be successful as an animator you need to be passionate about it and really want to do it, but if you DO really want to do it, then keep trying! I don't think you need to assume the worst either. You'll hear back either way, but if the wait is killing you then you should try giving them a call. Even if you don't get in, why not try for next semester? If being an animator is your dream, won't you regret it if you just let it slide?

Who knows, having to wait until next year could be a blessing in disguise. Then you could save more money and not have to sell your awesome car! I would hate to sell a 1st-gen, never mind an FD :)

[arconti]

You were gonna sell your Rx-7?? That's so tragic, such a pretty car :(

Anyways, don't give up just like that! It's that sort of attitude that will hold you back. I think to be successful as an animator you need to be passionate about it and really want to do it, but if you DO really want to do it, then keep trying! I don't think you need to assume the worst either. You'll hear back either way, but if the wait is killing you then you should try giving them a call. Even if you don't get in, why not try for next semester? If being an animator is your dream, won't you regret it if you just let it slide?

Who knows, having to wait until next year could be a blessing in disguise. Then you could save more money and not have to sell your awesome car! I would hate to sell a 1st-gen, never mind an FD :)

Thanks for the encouragement but I don't have any ideas how to proceed now. AAU (too expensive) and Gnomeworkshop (too far) are not feasible. Sigh...

I will take out my low-mileage 94 RX-7 tonight, have fun, and dream about what could have been. Yes, that tells you what little hope I have.

Anybody wanna buy any Maya books? I own a lot :-)

[timeless3d]

arconti - have you tried calling them?

[arconti]

arconti - have you tried calling them?

I e-mailed them. They said they'd let me know by this week. There's only tomorrow remaining in this week.

[Ben-Richards]

I will take out my low-mileage 94 RX-7 tonight, have fun, and dream about what could have been. Yes, that tells you what little hope I have.

If you don't get in, its only 3 months till the next class starts. In the meantime you can be brushing up on your skills so that you get even more out of the AM classes.

If you just don't give up, there is always a chance you can make it. But if you give up, you are garanteed to fail.

So don't give up.

"Never, never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

[Reflexx]

I applied a while back, passed the Wonderlic, and still haven't heard anything. If, after not hearing from them by tomorrow, I'm going to assume the worst and turn the page. Oh well, at least I can keep my bad assssss FD3S that I was going to sell.

Guys, good luck in your future animation career.

I'm going to be honest with you, and I don't mean to sound harsh.

Is animation really your dream? I mean, REALLY? If it is, you can't have that attitude.

That kind of attitude will destroy your dreams. If you really are passionate about being an animator, don't give up. You can learn little things on your own. Sure, it may be that much tougher to reach professional skill levels, but consistent effort shows commitment. That commitment and drive is what will help you get into a school like Animation Mentor and succeed.

Honestly, if you give up that easily, you wouldn't be able to hack the school.

Many of us gave up on our dreams years ago, and regret it. If I stayed focused and didn't let things get me down I'd already be working in the industry as an animator instead of going to school right now. I wasted years doing things I didn't enjoy because I didn't have the fortitude to face adversity when I was younger. Eventually I got fed up with doing something I don't love and it finally got me off of my butt.

Don't let this happen to you. Stay focused now. Keep trying. Work on your animation and observation skills. Keep those Maya books and download the free Personal Learning Edition from the Autodesk website. Grow. Don't waste years for your life doing something that you don't love because you gave up, like I did. Trust me, you can't get those years back.

Look forward and pick yourself up whenever you are feeling down.

[arconti]

I'm going to be honest with you, and I don't mean to sound harsh.

Is animation really your dream? I mean, REALLY? If it is, you can't have that attitude.

That kind of attitude will destroy your dreams. If you really are passionate about being an animator, don't give up. You can learn little things on your own. Sure, it may be that much tougher to reach professional skill levels, but consistent effort shows commitment. That commitment and drive is what will help you get into a school like Animation Mentor and succeed.

Honestly, if you give up that easily, you wouldn't be able to hack the school.

Many of us gave up on our dreams years ago, and regret it. If I stayed focused and didn't let things get me down I'd already be working in the industry as an animator instead of going to school right now. I wasted years doing things I didn't enjoy because I didn't have the fortitude to face adversity when I was younger. Eventually I got fed up with doing something I don't love and it finally got me off of my butt.

Don't let this happen to you. Stay focused now. Keep trying. Work on your animation and observation skills. Keep those Maya books and download the free Personal Learning Edition from the Autodesk website. Grow. Don't waste years for your life doing something that you don't love because you gave up, like I did. Trust me, you can't get those years back.

Look forward and pick yourself up whenever you are feeling down.

Is animation my dream? I had quit my job that was paying me six figures (if you include bonus) in order to pursue animation because (A) I realized I wasn't getting any younger (B) I realized that I live in a good spot on Earth with access to the great studios and (C) I've always felt that I had the aptitude to be an great animator. For eleven years I wrote software and in every white board in the office you'd find drawings of Pegleg Pete, Homer Simpson, Superman, Donald Duck, Montgomery Burns. (The office manage would erase them and I'd re-draw them). It's in my blood. Back in college I'd read "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" over and over again. I know all the old skool terminology like squash and stretch, tween, key, etc. My fellow programmers thought I was crazy since all they wanted to talk about was Java Beans and Connection Pooling--boring!

I just don't know what to do right now. I've already taken story boarding and two Maya classes. Studios don't want to interview self-taught animators/modelers with scant animation training. Maybe I can look into getting an MFA at AAU.

Anyway, thanks for the words of encouragement. You're right. I won't give up the dream.

And I do own the academic version of Maya. Thanks again.

[Ben-Richards]

Many of us gave up on our dreams years ago, and regret it. If I stayed focused and didn't let things get me down I'd already be working in the industry as an animator instead of going to school right now. I wasted years doing things I didn't enjoy because I didn't have the fortitude to face adversity when I was younger. Eventually I got fed up with doing something I don't love and it finally got me off of my butt.

I couldn't have said it any better...my life in a paragraph. I have only recently begun on this journey of chasing my dreams instead of just going to work everyday like a zombie and hating it.

I don't take pleasure in other peoples mistakes or misfortune, but it is still comforting to know that other people have and are going through the same things that I am.

[arconti]

This just in: I have been accepted! :-D

[Ben-Richards]

Arconti -

How long did it take? (From the time you took the test till today) Just wondering as I am waiting too.

[binz]

Arconti -

How long did it take? (From the time you took the test till today) Just wondering as I am waiting too.

It seems to vary quite a bit...some people have had to wait a couple months, but after I took my test I heard back in only a week. I think that in general they're starting to get back to people pretty quick now. Payments for the fall term are due at the end of August I believe, so I imagine that no one is going to have to wait much longer to hear back.

Arconti - Grats on getting in! I hope you see now that there was no reason for such a defeatist attitude! I think that you were probably just down in the dumps about it, and in truth would've applied again and decided against selling your Maya books and all that. Anyways, i'm glad you didn't have to go through the trouble :)

You're starting in the fall too right? Enjoy your car while you still have it!

[peglegpeet13]

I have been waiting for about a month and I contacted them and was told that I should hear from them very soon. I have been patient, so whats a few more days:)

[Reflexx]

Is animation my dream? I had quit my job that was paying me six figures (if you include bonus) in order to pursue animation because (A) I realized I wasn't getting any younger (B) I realized that I live in a good spot on Earth with access to the great studios and (C) I've always felt that I had the aptitude to be an great animator. For eleven years I wrote software and in every white board in the office you'd find drawings of Pegleg Pete, Homer Simpson, Superman, Donald Duck, Montgomery Burns. (The office manage would erase them and I'd re-draw them). It's in my blood. Back in college I'd read "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" over and over again. I know all the old skool terminology like squash and stretch, tween, key, etc. My fellow programmers thought I was crazy since all they wanted to talk about was Java Beans and Connection Pooling--boring!

I just don't know what to do right now. I've already taken story boarding and two Maya classes. Studios don't want to interview self-taught animators/modelers with scant animation training. Maybe I can look into getting an MFA at AAU.

Anyway, thanks for the words of encouragement. You're right. I won't give up the dream.

And I do own the academic version of Maya. Thanks again.

Wow. You sound almost exactly like me. Except I wasn't a programmer. I'm in banking.

Congratulations on being accepted!

[Kimotion]

Wow. You sound almost exactly like me. Except I wasn't a programmer. I'm in banking.

Congratulations on being accepted!

Hey I was in banking too. Bankcards industry, to be more specific.

[tobdog485]

Hey Binz and Javier,


I will also be starting AM in the fall! Looking forward to meeting you two! I was suppose to be starting AM in July but cancelled because I was studying at Gobelins for a couple weeks.

Are any of you going to be at Siggraph ??

-Toby

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Toby!

Same here... Look forward to meet you and binz as well. Thats good that you will be attending to AM. I haven't been so excited about my education since I applyed to AM.

About Siggraph... I won't be able to attend this year, but I will be saving money for Siggraph 2008. Right know I live in Miami, so it's pretty spensive the trip and stay over there. If you're going, please share it with us when you come back. I know people from AM will be there. Thats awesome!!!

For everybody that applyed, I wish the best luck to all.

Have a good one!

F. Javier Loredo

[binz]

No Siggraph for me either :( I'm far away in the land of Canada, so I can't afford to go since I need to save for AM. I plan to go in 2008 and 2009 however, which makes more sense anyways since I'll actually have some experience under my belt by then :)

Anyways, let us know how Siggraph goes Toby; I'm sure it'll be awesome!

[Reflexx]

Hey I was in banking too. Bankcards industry, to be more specific.

I do auto financing.

I guess Victoria from admissions was in banking too.

You wouldn't think of banking as a profession housing hidden creative talent, huh?

[tobdog485]

Binz and Javier I will for sure let you know!

I am going to be going to some of the AM classes they are hosting, last year I went and those classes opened my eyes and realized I wasn't really learning squat at my school. And my buddies and I told are fellow class mates and some jumped ship to AM, I ended up staying and will be graduating in Sept.

I've been keeping an eye on Bobby Becks blog and we are in for a big treat!! and I just can't wait!

I think I might skip Siggraph in 08 but go in 09 since it will be in New Orleans.

[Meike]

hey guys :)

I just registered here, and I plan to apply for AM!

I have a question though..

I heard that AM people will do their best to help you find a job after you graduate..
how is this for people outside the US? I live in the Netherlands for example.. would (could) they help me find a job here aswell?

xox

[tobdog485]

Hey Meike,

I would go ahead and call up the admissions people and ask them about that, I'm sure they would. When I spoke with Victoria she was very on her game and knew what the heck she was talking about. This surprised me, but I was very impressed and thought it was very cool at the same time.

Side note, I actually just got back from France and I visited a friend in the Netherlands, she lived near Holland. I really enjoyed my time there and thought the place was great!

But I also think it is also how hard you work while being in AM and getting to know people in the community, say you start shining in your classes and start making a name for yourself, then you will be fine (if you are willing to move) you never know you could land a job over in the US or maybe some where in Europe.


I personally won’t rely on the name of AM to "get a job" but if you bust your butt and really become a student of the art and are extremely passionate about it all you will be fine.

Another side note -- A lot of students at my current school (an Art Institute) get suckered into coming because the school brags about how "great" the name is and they say they will get you a job. And people graduate all angry because they weren't handed a job, like they thought they should of been. (Which I find to be funny)

When they really should of worked there tail off to stand out.

[Meike]

Hey! Thanks for your reply :)

Ofcourse I do realise that networking and working my ass off and practcing will all help me a lot, and I most certainly will not expect AM to 'hand me a job' because that would indeed be silly :) it was just something I was wondering about.. Like if they maybe have connections with Dutch studios or something like that, I guess I could give them a (very expensive :P ) phonecall, thnx!

(& I'm glad you thought the Nether lands were fun ^^)

[tobdog485]

Ha yeah no problem, I thought the Netherlands were great really, although riding your bike to the bars/ clubs was different for me. Haha

You could try emailing the reps first to save some money! I will ask my friend what she uses to call to the states, its really cheap for them, and post it back up for ya.

[Chris Bacon]

O got my acceptance email this afternoon, Im in, cant wait. Im planning on bucking off work the first week of AM so I can meet the staf and students and get a fee for the "campus", see you guys in there. OH, can anyone recomand a REALY good webcam.

Thanks

[SueHouston]

Hi Chris,
Welcome to AM! You'll love it!
I would save up your time off of work for once you're really into the projects, though =).

[Ben-Richards]

I got my acceptance letter this afternoon! Looking forward to meeting my future classmates.

...now to find the money. Hmmm.

[binz]

...now to find the money. Hmmm.

I knooow how you feel :S

[Reflexx]

O got my acceptance email this afternoon, Im in, cant wait. Im planning on bucking off work the first week of AM so I can meet the staf and students and get a fee for the "campus", see you guys in there. OH, can anyone recomand a REALY good webcam.

Thanks

I wouldn't take a week off of work for the first week. There really isn't a real assignment that week except to introduce yourself and stuff. You'll have more than enough time to do that after work. I'd save my vacation time for closer to the end of the term.

[AjaBogdanoff]

Week 7, if they're still doing the second half of vanilla walk that week. That was a killer. :)

[Ben-Richards]

Aja BogdanoffJust watched your demo reel from your blog - nice!

Congrats on your new job too!

[arconti]

Current AM Students: do you find you can work a 40 hour week and still do well at AM?

I am weighing whether I should work full time or part time (right now I don't work at all). A friend is trying to get me into his company, which pays really, really well. The problem is it's programming, hence NOT animation. I don't mind programming but I feel I've checked that job off my life's to-do list. In other words, golden handcuffs are still handcuffs.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

p.s. I'm keeping the RX-7 for the foreseeable future. :-D

[hiasakite]

Ariel, the answer is twofold:

first, is it possible? apparently yes. I am in the first term so I can't really say much (apart from that it is still possible ;) ), but from what I have heard it is possible with decent time management, however it will get tough in the last two or so terms.

second, work at all? i am working and its not in animation. for me it is a simple necessity. also, i don't mind having a second skillset. for you it may be different. if I had the money to finance my life through the whole 18 months (plus what the job hunt will take, so make it more like 24), then I would not work but put my time into the study instead.

at least half of my fellow students seem to work fulltime, maybe even more. of those again, maybe half work in a media related job, not necessarily animation, the rest in something else.

[bliip-n-bloop]

Aja BogdanoffJust watched your demo reel from your blog - nice!

Congrats on your new job too!
I read her whole blog and found it really inspiring and funny :D

[Chris Bacon]

double post

[Chris Bacon]

Heres a thought, Ive just been accepted, but I though I would have to sign somthing...or send proof of my qualifications....Oviously I dont have a problem doing either of these but in my experiance I though I would. Ive been told payment for fall term is sue last day of August....hope thoses banks accounts are ready


Chris

[Pipboy9999]

Hi everyone,

I am Eray from Istanbul, Turkey. (Former Industrial engineer, future animator I hope:) I got accepted for the Fall 07 term. I'm looking forward to meet my mentors, classmates and all other people inside the business.

[Reflexx]

Current AM Students: do you find you can work a 40 hour week and still do well at AM?

I am weighing whether I should work full time or part time (right now I don't work at all). A friend is trying to get me into his company, which pays really, really well. The problem is it's programming, hence NOT animation. I don't mind programming but I feel I've checked that job off my life's to-do list. In other words, golden handcuffs are still handcuffs.

Thank you in advance for your thoughts.

p.s. I'm keeping the RX-7 for the foreseeable future. :-D

I know that a lot of AM students work full-time jobs. Some work well over 40 hours a week.

Like with any schooling, the more time you can devote to it the better. But it can still be done with commitment and focus even if you are working full-time.

[arconti]

I know that a lot of AM students work full-time jobs. Some work well over 40 hours a week.

Like with any schooling, the more time you can devote to it the better. But it can still be done with commitment and focus even if you are working full-time.

Well, I backed out of the interview knowing I would be spread too thin in learning new technologies, learning the financial world (which I don't know anything about) and overall just learning a new job.

I now have no option but to be the best damned animator I can be. :-)

[JavierLoredo]

Hi guys!

So far it looks like this week a lot of people are getting their acceptance emails. Thats awesome! I look forward to meet current students and also students that will be starting on October for the Fall Term.

I have a quick question for current AM students.

I wanted to know how if the weekly video lectures are always the same every term or they change or are made different but containing the same information every term? Maybe every mentor has already the lectures already pre-recorded?

Ok guys, have a good day!

F. Javier Loredo

[Reflexx]

Hi guys!

So far it looks like this week a lot of people are getting their acceptance emails. Thats awesome! I look forward to meet current students and also students that will be starting on October for the Fall Term.

I have a quick question for current AM students.

I wanted to know how if the weekly video lectures are always the same every term or they change or are made different but containing the same information every term? Maybe every mentor has already the lectures already pre-recorded?

Ok guys, have a good day!

F. Javier Loredo

I think it's the same every term. I'm sure that they may edit in a clip here and there, but the lectures aren't made by your mentor. They are pre-recorded lectures. Your mentors are there to help you understand the concepts presented in the lectures.

[JavierLoredo]

Thanks for responding to my question!

I was just wondering how this video lectures worked. I know they have a pipeline on how to teach the students everything about animation, but I thought that each mentor records its own video lectures based on that pipeline made by AM staff.

AM Shopping Supply :P
Today I went to Brandsmart to check the webcams and head sets.
I think I'm going to go with the Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000 and for the headset the Digital Precision PC Gaming Headset. What you guys think?

Have a good one guys!
F. Javier Loredo.

[AJ]

I just received my confirmation :D

I am now very, very excited!

[peglegpeet13]

I am still waiting to hear from them. I applied well over a month now. I can keep waiting. Congrats on getting in.

[Reflexx]

Thanks for responding to my question!

I was just wondering how this video lectures worked. I know they have a pipeline on how to teach the students everything about animation, but I thought that each mentor records its own video lectures based on that pipeline made by AM staff.

AM Shopping Supply :P
Today I went to Brandsmart to check the webcams and head sets.
I think I'm going to go with the Logitech Quickcam Pro 5000 and for the headset the Digital Precision PC Gaming Headset. What you guys think?

Have a good one guys!
F. Javier Loredo.

Don't really know much about cams. I suppose if it works, then it's good.

As for how the lecture works...

The lectures are videos by Shawn, Bobby, and Carlos. They teach the concept of that week and there are guests in the lecture that add their 2 cents.

Your mentor answers your questions about the lecture material or the assignment during the live Q&A session. Your mentor will also give you a video critique of your assignment a few days after you turn it in. The critique will be very specific to how you showed your understanding of the material, and they will give you ideas on how you can make improvements to make your assignment shine.

[Bentagon]

The lectures are videos by Shawn, Bobby, and Carlos. They teach the concept of that week and there are guests in the lecture that add their 2 cents.Just to be clear: later in the course lectures are mostly by other animators or artists.

[Chris Bacon]

Its almost here, 1st payment end of the month......SCARY.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Chris I see that you're on top of those payments! Thats good! Hehehe :) Like you say: Scary!

I'm in the process of getting my financial aid so I can have everything ready to start in October. Can't wait!!!

Hey Reflexx!
Thanks again buddy!
It sounds like we are going to learn a lot. I can't wait to start studying those video lectures and attending to the Q&A's.

Good luck to everybody that is waiting for the acceptance emails!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Meike]

am I the only one that is confused about the essay questions?

seems that "5. What are your goals in the animation industry? A. Short Term"
and
"7. What are your goals upon successful completion of the program?"
are pretty much the same question?

I really don't know how to answer these two questions differently. Can someone please tell me what I'm overlooking here?

[Ben-Richards]

am I the only one that is confused about the essay questions?

seems that "5. What are your goals in the animation industry? A. Short Term"
and
"7. What are your goals upon successful completion of the program?"
are pretty much the same question?

I really don't know how to answer these two questions differently. Can someone please tell me what I'm overlooking here?



I approached the questions like this:

#5 is your short term goals - everthing you want to do in the next 5 years.

#7 is what you are going to do immediately upon finishing the program.

[Meike]

I approached the questions like this:

#5 is your short term goals - everthing you want to do in the next 5 years.

#7 is what you are going to do immediately upon finishing the program.

but I pretty much already covered that in question 5 :sad:

hmm..

[JChapman]

Hello everybody!
I applied yesterday for Fall, I hope I get accepted! I got a quick question though. Right after you finish the application, do they send you an email for the test? Or do you have to wait a bit? I haven't gotten any emails at all from them.


Hey Meike!
Those questions stalled me too but I answered in the way Ben-Richards described.

[hiasakite]

Hi Meike,

I can't remember what I put in there, but in my opinion it is something like this - for example 5. I want to get my foot in the door with an established animation studio, big or small, so I can build upon what I have learned at AnimationMentor.
And for 7. you have the option to either say that you plan to further study art or maybe to continue in your current job until you finished polishing your demo reel. Or you can say that you want to jump to what you said at 5. right away.

Thats how I understood the questions.

Good luck!
Michael

[Meike]

thanks for the help :)

x

[Reflexx]

am I the only one that is confused about the essay questions?

seems that "5. What are your goals in the animation industry? A. Short Term"
and
"7. What are your goals upon successful completion of the program?"
are pretty much the same question?

I really don't know how to answer these two questions differently. Can someone please tell me what I'm overlooking here?


5. I see this as your professional goals in the short term. Say, next 5 yrs or so.

7. I see this as personal as well as professional. What skills do you hope to gain? What new understanding do you hope to gain? How do you think those skills will impact your short term goals?

[zzacmann]

Im sure this has been answered SOMEWHERE within this gigantic thread (probably numerous times) but rather than searching through close to 600 pages, I'll just ask again. How many students do they take each semester? I applied for the Fall term pretty late and I'm afraid of getting a "sorry but our Fall semester is all filled up" email. Have any of you guys seen or heard of anybody getting turned down for their requested start date because of this?

[binz]

Im sure this has been answered SOMEWHERE within this gigantic thread (probably numerous times) but rather than searching through close to 600 pages, I'll just ask again. How many students do they take each semester? I applied for the Fall term pretty late and I'm afraid of getting a "sorry but our Fall semester is all filled up" email. Have any of you guys seen or heard of anybody getting turned down for their requested start date because of this?

According to the catalog they take 200 students each class. Pesonally I have never heard of it happening to someone, but I'm sure it's a possibility since the application does ask for a second term choice.

Anyways, good luck, and try not to worry too much until you hear back. A lot of people have worried needlessly :)

[yapyap]

According to the catalog they take 200 students each class.


Currently there are 130 students in class 1, 107 in class 2 and 134 in class 3, so 200 students each class seems not to be current practice.

[binz]

Currently there are 130 students in class 1, 107 in class 2 and 134 in class 3, so 200 students each class seems not to be current practice.

Well, that doesn't necessarily mean the limit isn't 200; it just means they didn't reach it. That being said, they may be dynamically changing their max class size based on mentors, and just put 200 in the catalog as an estimate. I guess it doesn't really matter either way since we would still have no idea whether the limit has been reached, but I suspect that if the classes have never filled up before they will start to soon, since the program seems to be gaining more and more acclaim.

[yapyap]

Well, that doesn't necessarily mean the limit isn't 200;

That's true. Just wanted to say it's not very probable that next classes capacity will increase about 50 %.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey guys!

About the student capacity topic, one think I thought the other day was that AM was going to be attending to Siggraph for the first time, this means that a lot of people that didn't know about AM and have been looking for animation schools will deffenetely apply for it. I believe there was a reason why AM put the the deadline a few days after the final day of Siggraph.

Have a good one guys!

F. Javier Loredo.

[zzacmann]

You're right. No reason to worry. I just got my acceptance email. I wont start my official celebration though until I give old Sallie Mae a call and see where I stand with them. Yaa-hoo!

[Reflexx]

Speaking of Siggraph...

...I heard a lot of studios were referring people to the AM booth whenever people were asking about where they should go to learn animation.

[bliip-n-bloop]

Speaking of Siggraph...

...I heard a lot of studios were referring people to the AM booth whenever people were asking about where they should go to learn animation.
Maybe that's also the reason why they're going to raise the tuition from January 2008, but it's AM so i except they come up with come new cool stuff!

[timeless3d]

just like any other school, the tuition is always going up. i think that is just the way it works.

siggraph this past week was awesome, and a huge part of that for me was AM. so many people i met had questions, it was great to be able to talk about it with people who were so interested. i must have given my email address to at least 20 people who wanted to email me for more info.

Studios were impressed as well, the guy at Dreamworks told me about the high percentage of their hires being from AM.

Oh yea, there is also this:
http://www.animationnation.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=print_topic;f=1;t=012495

these are exciting times...