www.animationmentor.com

[Kid-Mesh]

Congrats...as did I :thumbsup: Fall 07 semester.

Currently, starting the student loan process now...cant wait.

[a13xr3d]

I've been debating on whether to go to college or to AM, and I've finally decided...

I'M GOING TO AM!!

Not yet though... still have to finish high school :(

[JavierLoredo]

Hello guys!

Hey Meike I'm glad you also got in! I will be attending to AM for the Fall Term too. Hope to see you in class!

Hey Kid-Mesh!
I'm doing right now my financial aid too. I'm so excited and can't wait to start and meet you all in class!

Good luck again to all who applyed and are waiting for the acceptance!

F. Javier Loredo

[TheOnlyWoj]

just got my acceptance notification. looking forward to getting myself back on track with the world of animation.

[Kid-Mesh]

JavierLoredo - I look forward to meeting all you guys too. It's an exciting time :thumbsup:

[Chris Bacon]

Right I posted my EA just over a week ago, just waiting for an email confirming they got it before I make the payment. its scary thinking its just a month away now....well pretty much hehe, Im sure like the rest of you I wanna get the most out of it. to think if you can put the hours in and listen to the tuition you could get your foot in the door.

[Kid-Mesh]

I'm just glad this part of the process is over. From waiting to get accepted then the waiting on the decesion process for tuition assitance. I'm drained :scream:

Looking foward to just sketching, doing simple animations and re-reading survival kit until the term begins.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey kid mesh!
I agree with you... I think that giving your brain some training in animation before starting AM sounds like a good idea. I started practicing and animating atleast 1 or 2 hours a day and doing some sketching as well.

I also joined this website and forum called "The 11 second Club"!
I will be entering in their monthly competition for this month. I think it will be a good warmup and a good practice before I start AM in October. For those who are a little bit more advanced and are comfortable animating bipeds rigs, won't be a bad idea to practice your skills animating.

Ok guys have a good one! Keep Animating!!!

F. Javier Loredo-

[sphere]

I just applied for the Winter08 course. Hope all goes well and I get accepted, fingers crossed. :)

It was a pretty long application process. I was surprised they didn't ask for a resume, references or anything like that. I guess all that matters is whether the individual is dedicated enough and has the right personality.

[timeless3d]

I also joined this website and forum called "The 11 second Club"!

- started by an AM Alumni :)

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Timeless3d!

Thanks for the info about the 11 second club! I didn't know it was a student from AM who started it. I feel even more exicited now to start AM!

F. Javier Loredo-

[AjaBogdanoff]

Haha, thanks Javier, glad to hear you like the 11 Second Club! You're right that it's a little more advanced, animating a character performing a dialogue clip... and people have been asking for something more suited to beginning animators, so we're going to be adding another option for folks who want to work on a non-dialogue compeitition. Stay tuned! :)

[Mblanco]

Aja I love your latest psyops coke animation, made me laugh alot!

there was another 10 second contest called persistance of vision started by another am student but i guess thats not as popular as 11 second club?

[timeless3d]

yup, POV is by current student Oly Scott. i'm sure both are excellent, i get emails about the cool prizes Oly has gotten from sponsers to give out but i haven't had time to try either yet. pehaps i will soon now that i have started to do some lip-sync.

[Pipboy9999]

Travis, as I understand from the POV site, donations are used for buying monthly prizes. If some sponsors ad more people support and get involved more with these purely animation contests that would be great because after some time they may appear as some kind of burden to its owners.

Aja, a non-dialogue animation competition will be wonderful. I will love to participate to it regularly during AM classes 1&2 in order to develop my body mechanics skills but the question is "am I going to have enough time while the classes and assignments continue?". In either way, I will be busy with animating which is what I want.

[peglegpeet13]

I have been waiting for a little over two months to hear back from them so I shot them another email today. Hope to hear something soon.

[peglegpeet13]

I got accepted today!!! I am very excited!!!

[pedrofe]

I have been accepted for the Fall term. I am looking forward to begin with this course :)

[sphere]

I've just been accepted into the Winter 2008, which is great! I know it's a long way yet, but I'm sure time will fly and I'll be starting in no time.

I'd be interested to hear how the new Fall students go as well and how the course differs from your expectations; what things to keep in mind/look out for.

[Kid-Mesh]

@sphere

Congrats on getting accepted into the Winter 08 term. I finally got the official notice that my enrollment proess is over..."paper work". Now I'm just sitting back waiting to start while I continue to keep sketching and reading.


Hope to see you during the winter :)

[Reflexx]

While you guys are waiting, you should check out some of the blogs for people who are taking class 1. Look at the Stu poses and the emotion that they are trying to convey.

Sketch out figures showing those feelings or emotions. Maybe get friends or family to act it out. Try it in the mirror. Be sure to keep weight in mind. It will help you in your first class.

[arconti]

Let's get this party started. I am ready to go now.

[Chris Bacon]

Ok, I got the email, AM has received my enrolment agreement and Ive paid for Term 1, Ive got myself a cool webcam and a printer scanner combo so I can show my scetches on the AM blog,

1 Month left before I join one of the most sucessful animation schools in the world. looking forward to meeting people and seeing there work.


Cheers
Chris

[rag-man]

Congrats to all the new students!
Get ready for a crazy 18 months ride!

[clockwerkz]

Man, feels like it was ages ago that I was visiting this thread every day before starting AM. :)

Definitely take your time and enjoy everything you can.. the weeks start to fly by!

[SueHouston]

Congrats to all the new students starting in a few weeks!
It's a whole mess of work, but you'll love it!

[JavierLoredo]

I can't wait to start!

I look forward on meeting all you guys in class this Fall!

I wonder who my mentor for Term 1 it's going to be... So excited!!!

Congratulation to everybody starting this Fall and Winter. Keep Animating!!!


F. Javier Loredo

[Chris Bacon]

Has anyone got there login details yet?

[SueHouston]

You won't get your login detail until right before. There's still 2 weeks left of the current session going on.
I believe the class 1 people start a week before everyone else, at least I think we did, just so you can cruise around the site and get used to things. A year ago I was in your shoes =).
Waiting to find out who my first mentor was seemed to take forever =)

[timeless3d]

congrats to all the newbies! i started about 9 months ago, of course it seems not that long ago.

while you anxiously await access, i humbly suggest:
"Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation" - Wayne Gilbert
http://anamie.com/pagesample.html

and:
"Animators Survival Kit" - Richard Williams
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0571202284

It seemed like everyone suggested Williams' book and the Illusion of Life before I started, but I didn't hear about Simplified Drawing til after I started AM and my sketching is what I had the most trouble with. Simplified Drawing helped me with my sketching so much, I wish I had had it sooner. You will be sketching ALOT, so get some practice!

The Illusion of Life is a must have, but if money is tight with buying other books, and Maya, etc, and you want to spread your expenses out a bit you could hold off on this one til a later term. Most of what you need out of it is covered in the lectures in class 1.

Just my opinion, best of luck to all of you!

[wodagone]

HI Everybody , Congratulations to everyone about to start youre gona love it and learn so much.
Just one bit of advice ( aimed particularly to you guys in UK etc. ) Contact AM admin in regards to your mentor Q+A times. I am in UK And was given 2am q+a time slot ( 6pm usa pacific time ). Ive been doing it for 11 weeks without realising that I could have asked for a different time that would suit me better, this info is available in AM forum but you guys cant access this yet, many mentors hold sessions at varying times. Many a bleary eyed q+a session but still worth it.
Look forward to seeing you all there. Good luck

[mysrh]

I work full time with shift roster (sometimes work 7-15, then next few weeks 21-5). I had knowledge of maya from my study in SAE. Wondering how other AM students who work full time manage their time and their Q&A schedule.

And I don't draw as beautiful as some people do, will it matter?

[factorblank]

Congrats to all those who will be joining us in a few weeks! The experience has been amazing so far! (Class 1)

As far as working full-time and Q/A, it depends. My work schedule is usually 9-6 and my Q/A is at 8PM, so that works perfectly for me. I'd recommend contacting the registrar about scheduling your Q/A.

The drawings are meant to get the concept of motion, weight and pose, so as long as you can get the idea across and translate it to the 3D world that's the important thing. (My drawings aren't the greatest compared to the other students in my class.)

[lifeofillusion]

hi everyone,
my dream has finally come true, i will be joining AM for the Fall Term beginning October 1 !

Anyone here who will in the same batch as mine ??? Lets help each other and rock n roll guys !

Just had some queries -

- I am looking for a webcam and a headphone with MIC, ANY SUGGESTIONS?

- i am having 256 kbps broadband connection, is it enuff ?

- Any suggested preparation(animation related or otherwise) before plunging into AM from Oct 1 .


looking forward to hearing from you and making a lot of life long friends in AM !!!

cheers,

regards,
Anirudh

[Kid-Mesh]

You should receive a packet in the mail that answers those questions for you. Good luck and see you in a couple of weeks.

[timeless3d]

And I don't draw as beautiful as some people do, will it matter?

your drawings just have to show clear ideas, that can be as simple as stick figures as long as they get the idea across. if you have any fears about your draftsmanship, check out the book i suggested above

"Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation" - Wayne Gilbert
http://anamie.com/pagesample.html


as soon as you get access to AM's site, you will be able to get it and a little bit of a discount.

[Reflexx]

hi everyone,
my dream has finally come true, i will be joining AM for the Fall Term beginning October 1 !

Anyone here who will in the same batch as mine ??? Lets help each other and rock n roll guys !

Just had some queries -

- I am looking for a webcam and a headphone with MIC, ANY SUGGESTIONS?

- i am having 256 kbps broadband connection, is it enuff ?

- Any suggested preparation(animation related or otherwise) before plunging into AM from Oct 1 .


looking forward to hearing from you and making a lot of life long friends in AM !!!

cheers,

regards,
Anirudh

Is there a way you could get a slightly faster broadband connection? I think 256 kbps will get you by if that's all you can get.

[lifeofillusion]

hmmm....i can get a 512 kbps..the rentals are double that off 256 kbps...bt do i really need it...

or i can try 256 kbps for now....and then change to 512 kbps...fortunately my service provider allows me 2 choose the plan to and fro....

[JavierLoredo]

Hey guys!

I'm pretty much ready to start on a October... The only thing I need to do is buy Maya and Quicktime Pro. I'm also planning on buying a digital video camera to record all my reference for later clases. Any suggestion for a digital cameras?

I also wanted to ask about BLOG pages! I've seen guys with Blogs just for AM and I wanted to know if somebody already a student can explain me how the Blogs for a AM work.

About the Q&A's! Is anybody having their Q&A on Wednesdays? I thought it was a good idea to have the Q&A's in the middle of the week and have the rest of the week to work on the assignments with the new critiques and corrections.

Ok guys, have a good one!

F. Javier Loredo

[binz]

Orientation this week! I'm so nervous...I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. I need to prepare more!

Have you guys receieved info on purchasing Maya at student cost yet? I emailed them about it but they never responded :(

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Binz!

I kinda feel the same way you're feeling right now! I cant stop talking about it or thinking about it! hehehe

On Friday when they give us all the information on how to log in for orientation, from what they told me, they will send us the direct link to purchase Maya at a AM discount. Just a few more days !!! I'm going to go and buy Quicktime Pro tonight and Friday I'll get Maya.

I have to ask them if is going to be worth to get Maya 2008 or Maya 8.5.

F. Javier Loredo.

[rag-man]

JavierLoredo
those blogs are not related with AM but lots of people like to write about their journey through those 18 months (me included).
You can make your own blog at www.blogger.com or use www.wordpress.org (just examples. I'm using wordpress). Keep in mind that there are some restrictions about what you're allowed to post on your blog regarding the AM contract you've signed. When you're on the campus just search the forums.
Regarding the QA times. It's always good to have the QA at the beginning of the week. Because then you have the chance to talk about your assignment before you start it.

rock on!

--

binz
on the right side of the campus is a tab called "academic"
there you can find all the infos about academic discounts and download your proof of enrollment

rock on!

[Meike]

Orientation this week! I'm so nervous...I have butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it.

gaahhhh me too! :applause:

[nildoe]

Hey Guys,

Im so excited i just got an email from them saying im in, in winter2008...however one thing concerns me, im a heavy max user...more specifically Character Studio...anyone u guys taking their lessons using CStudio? will i HAVE to purchase Maya in order to take the lessons:(?

What type of movements their rig allows that CStudio does not?

thx in advance
Nildo

[lifeofillusion]

since july i was eagerly waiting for oct 1 , when my journey on becoming a animator will finally begin...and now when its hardly 10 days for it to begin , im getting goose bumps !!

the very thot of having d best animators globally as my mentors gives me butterflies....its surely a privilege but as some one said " with gr8 power comes gr8 responsiblity"...i will need to work twice as hard to make myself worth of my mentor....and im sure it will b lot of fun...

hey manfred....saw ur reel...its fantastic...everything from animation to lighting to rendering is a treat to watch....this is what im talking abt man....this is what AM what it is....

hey jus wanna knw abt the orientation prog. guys...what exactly it is abt....i gt d mail stating the time in pacific time, any idea for INDIA whats the conversion equivalent time...

also any suggestion for headphones and mic....i m told i will getting postal mail soon containing the details, bt its hasnt come yet....so i thot i can buy it well before time and set it up before the classes start....

is it advisable to have a scanner...for scanning our sketches, planning and all...or is it a digi cam enuff....

any other tips n trick for making the most of AM....

im nt sure what version of maya to use...7/8/8.5 ?

AM here i come !!

cheers,

[Nucleo]

your drawings just have to show clear ideas, that can be as simple as stick figures as long as they get the idea across. if you have any fears about your draftsmanship, check out the book i suggested above

"Simplified Drawing for Planning Animation" - Wayne Gilbert
http://anamie.com/pagesample.html


as soon as you get access to AM's site, you will be able to get it and a little bit of a discount.

Hi guys iam attending the fall term myself goodluck to everyone.

Now about this book i send a mail to him and its been a week now and i had no reply my concern is if he can mail the book to foreign countries like Greece I also asked if there a download able pdf form of this book that i could just download it which would be very easy if you wanna have immediate access.

Anyway i really want to buy this book but i would rather download it if he sees this post maybe he can answer me here.

Again good luck to everyone and see you in the animation land on 1 octomber !

:bounce::bounce::bounce:

[lifeofillusion]

hey andreas,

even i am on d oct 1 schedule....see ya dere pal...orientation is comin sat...

[JavierLoredo]

Hey lifeofillusion, I got confused for a second about the exact day of the orientation, I forgot that in India would be a day after or a day ahead from us in the US. See you in October!


Hey Manfred!
I saw your blog and your demoreel and let me tell you that you have done a great job so far. That first scene with the guy and the grandma it's very funny and well animated. Good luck with you final animation. One quick question! On the animation with the grandma, did you modeled all the props or AM has a place where you can download all kinds of props? I know some students model stuff and donate them to the community. Thanks!

Hey Nucleo!
I've been trying to look for the book in different website and can't find it. I'm going to try to see if I can find it at a bookstore like Borders or Barns and Nobles. If I find it, I'll ask if they can ship to your country. See you in October too!
2 more days for orientation!!! So excited!! :bounce:

F. Javier Loredo.

[lifeofillusion]

hiya javier,
yea tats my confusion also, whether pacific time is ahead or after indian standard time ...i guess its ahead....so last day for orientation is 6 pm September 26 for US and for INDIA that means it will be 12 hrs before....around 6 in the morning of septemer 26...

see ya all there.....the fun is goin to begun soon !!

all d best 2 everyone !!! as linguini says - LETS DO THIS THING !!

cheers,

[Pipboy9999]

Hi everyone,

I am starting my am course on 1st october. I wanna know that if you, current am students or other experienced animators recommend some 2d animation software for testing,planning,timing etc before working on 3d? I found that traditional looking PAP: Pro (huge discount for AM students) and Flipbook and although vector-based, toon boom studio very nice programs to work with. I know every program has its adv and cons but during am studies which one of them do you particularly recommend?

Thanks and see you in am campus

[Meike]

okay, getting extremely confused about the time difference now!

why is it Pacific Standard time, and not Pacific Daylight Time, has the summer already ended over there? because here we are still using summer time (Daylight Savings)..

can anyone please tell me what time it is there now and calculate it to Dutch time? because I don't know wether to add 7 or 8 hours :shrug:

[Pipboy9999]

Actually there is 9 hours difference between Amsterdam and LA. When it is 9pm at Amsterdam, it is 12pm at LA. PDT ends on Nov 4th. I suppose most of the countries (including USA,Holland) in northern hemisphere are using daylight saving now so changing to PST won't matter for you.

[Meike]

PDT ends on Nov 4th. I suppose most of the countries (including USA,Holland) in northern hemisphere are using daylight saving now so changing to PST won't matter for you.

that's what I mean, if PDT ends on Nov 4th, why do we have to use PST on Sept 21st / 26th?

"On September 21, 2007, you will receive your login to our orientation website where you will begin your journey as an Animation Mentor student. Please view the Orientation and set up your account before 6:00pm (Pacific Standard Time) on Wednesday, September 26th."

[Kid-Mesh]

LOL...the enthusiasm that you guys are demonstrating is infectious to say the least. So with that being said it looks like our fall 07 class is shaping up to be very energetic and enthusiastic :thumbsup:

I'm really looking forward to getting to know you all and cant wait to get started at AM as well. Currently, I'm just sketching and reading...too excited to focus on much else.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Kid-Mesh!

I totaly agree with you!

I feel very positive about this class of Fall 07'. I think I will be learning a lot from you guys and the same you guys from me.

I can't wait until tomorrow to get my hands on the website and to see how it is.

My last sketch was yesterday at Macaroni and Grill. I went with my granpa to have dinner and while I was waiting for the food, I made a portrait of him on the table with the Crayolas crayons they give you. I love going to that restaurant!!!

Ok guys, can't wait to meet you all in class! Good luck to everybody!

Francisco Javier Loredo.

[fluffybunny]

I'm almost positive that they meant Pacific Daylight Time. I've never seen them say that, but they always meant, "the time that it is here in California", which is PDT or GMT-8 until Nov 4th and then GMT-7.

eric

[Meike]

allright, thnx :D

[Ben-Richards]

I am really excited to be joining all of you in class in October!

By the way, I recieved a link from AM to www.studica.com (http://www.studica.com) to purchase Maya. Studica said they thought they would start shipping Maya 2008 the first week of October. I plan on getting the 2008 version.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Ben!

Did you ask the people from AM about using the 2008 version and not the 8.5? I know they have everything set up for Maya 8.5 and as far as I know 8.5 is not that buggy as other versions. I was thinking of calling AM today to ask them about that. I just want to be sure before paying almost $300 for it.

Thanks,

F. Javier Loredo

[AJ]

I still can't believe that after 8 years of using/learning 3ds Max - I'm now setting aside funds to buy an (admittedly, educational) license of Maya... It feels so very wrong.

Oh well, At least I waited until they were owned by the same company!

:D

[Ben-Richards]

Javier

I have not asked them about this. I assumed that the new version would be backwards compatible as other versions have been in the past.

As for bugs, most of those have to do with complex issues and renders. I doubt we would see anything in respect to our work at AM. If I am not mistaken I think the majority of our work will be in keyframing and working in the graph editor. Our work is going to be very artistically challenging I think, but not TECHNICALLY challenging...just my humble opinion.

Let me know what you find out when you call them.

Regards,

[zzacmann]

Yeah, I'd really like to know about the Maya thing as well. I have a full commercial copy of Maya 7 Complete that I was planning on using, but if I'm forced to upgrade, I would much rather prefer to go ahead and get 2008 Unlimited rather than 8.5. I don't know the major differences between the two, but it would make more sense to get the latest version, no?

Do you guys think that 7 Complete is out of the question?

[jakekhaos]

Hi, first post here! I just applied to AM last week for the winter 08 term and I took the wonderlic test and all that. I received an email two days ago letting me know that I will receive an email on whether I've been accepted or not within the next three weeks. I'm already going crazy. I really want to know!

So my question is... how long did it take for you guys to get your acceptance letter? Do you think I applied too late and that the class is already filled?
I'm drivin myself crazy worrying like this, haha!

[Xing3d]

Hey there future Class 1 guys! Congrats and Its gonna be tons of fun!
Don't worry about technical skill quite yet. It is gonna be a lot of graph
editor stuff and Bobby will explain how to keep it simple. Most of the work really
comes into play conceptually. They really key into planning. You will hear all the time that more planning means less time in front of a computer.

If you are chompin at the bit with a week til school I would suggest playing with the bouncing ball and play with the curves and controls to feel stuff out a bit. Learn how to use the graph editor now and it will save you time later on.

Pay attention to your lectures too! Take those notes! They are full of animation gems and definetly will help you with your assignments. Pay attention when Bobby tells you how he does things. He really has some sweet tips and those tips will catapult you ahead.

Q&A's - gotta ask those questions to fully utilize the mentor. Don't forget to use your mentor sometimes in the middle of the week to take a peek at your animation when you are stuck.

Most of all Put up those Public Reviews early and often! I noticed that you can really tell when someone has utilized the public review. Feedback on your animation is so important. Your eyes will get burned out and you will need other peoples fresh eyes to find the little glitches. Plus Campus mentors go around and check out work. If you got no work up then they will give you no advice.

Have a Awesome first Class you guys!! It really is tons of fun! I know it sounds like hype but it is very true! I will see you all around!

[Ben-Richards]

I've just gotten my orientation email and I'm already watching video's now...

[lifeofillusion]

me 2 !!! :-) the videos are so very self explanatory !!

the site is jus amazing, d interactivity and ease of use it fantastic !!

so much 2 see and learn !!

its gonna b 1 hell of a fun journey!!

and yes the energy and enthusiasm of our batch is contagious to say the least !!

cant wait 2 meet guys when the school finally opens in abt a weeks time !!

hang it tight guys, we r almost dere !!

[JavierLoredo]

Hey guys!

I just finished watching all the videos! A lot of great information on those videos. I can't imagine when we get to see the whole website.

I think I'll be watching some of the videos again, specialy the ones on how to upload assignments.

I'm so happy that I will be meeting a lot of new friends!! Like I said before... Can't wait to start!

Ben and Zzac!

I called today in regards of what Maya version to use and they told me that for more information to call Monday because the guy that deals with all those question regarding Maya was out for the day. What they told me today was that pretty much everything it's set for Maya 8.5. This means that just to be sure and be safe, it would be better to stick to Maya 8.5 until the support team from AM says it's ok to use the Maya 2008. You guys can also call on Monday and be sure about which version to use.


Have a good one guys!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Ben-Richards]

Thanks for the info Javier!!

Everyone have a great weekend!!!

[Chris Bacon]

Ive just been looking at the vids on the oriantation...WOW, Im so stocked about this, I love that we can see other peoples work and crits its gonna be a sweet experiance not just for becoming a better animator but for meeting other people from all over the world. working on Pasific time is gonna be wierd.....CANT WAIT

I see alot of posts about upgrading maya, Im using maya 7.01, I got it at Uni and Ive been fine with it. I cant think why if you have a pretty recent copy you need to upgrade. nearly all the animations tools and rigs are backwards compatible anyways. and Id rather not fork out a couple of hundred £ to upgrade if I dont have to....that said I'll prob be eating my words in a week or so..hehe

looking forward to the Q&A's with you guys and its gonna be crazy us all being in the same boat learning and working...WOHAHAHAHAHA, Im SOOOOO giddy right now.

Chris

[Reflexx]

You guys are going to love it!

Like Xing3D said earlier, post your public reviews EARLY and update OFTEN. Then make sure you send a message to your whole class to let them know you have a Public Review up and you want their opinion on it.

Trust me, people will see things that you didn't notice. Then it will pop out and you'll think, "Wow. I don't believe I didn't see that."

Also, send a few messages to a few people that are in higher classes than you so they can look at it too.

[zzacmann]

I see alot of posts about upgrading maya, Im using maya 7.01, I got it at Uni and Ive been fine with it. I cant think why if you have a pretty recent copy you need to upgrade. nearly all the animations tools and rigs are backwards compatible anyways. and Id rather not fork out a couple of hundred £ to upgrade if I dont have to....that said I'll prob be eating my words in a week or so..hehe


I'm in the same boat with Maya 7. I sent them a question about this in the support forum on AM so hopefully I'll get an answer on Monday. Let us know if you hear anything and I'll do the same. I had heard previously that Maya 7 was used and was glad because thats what I already had. I haven't really budgeted any money into an upgrade so I really hope that its not going to be necessary, surely not in the first couple weeks/semesters at least.

[Nucleo]

Yeah guys its amazing how much interactive this whole thing is. Although it is online it seems like and feels like a real university.

The energy and effort these guys put into this is amazing and this is gonna pay off because it looks like an amazing enviroment to be creative and learn and interact. Cant wait!

[lifeofillusion]

hi,

any idea till when we can see the orientation videos...is it available always or for a specific time frame only ???

[lifeofillusion]

2 questions -

which headset(wid mic) would u guys recommend for AM...for the web cam i got a logitech quick cam pro 5000 and it rocks !

also

is there any way to save the orientation videos, are we allowed 2 do so ? i hope no violation of rules and as such incase we do so...

[Bentagon]

I don't think you're allowed to save ANY video. However, I do believe the orientation videos stay on the site for whenever you need them.

[Nitefyre]

I don't think you're allowed to save ANY video. However, I do believe the orientation videos stay on the site for whenever you need them.

Correct, do not save any videos, very bad! I was still able to see the orientation videos when I was in class 6.

[jakekhaos]

Hi guys!
My computer I have now is not gonna be able to work with Maya. It is WAY too old.
I'm thinking of getting a macbook pro or a mac pro. I know the setup I want with the macbook pro, but I'm not sure if a notebook would be a good idea.
If I were to get the mac pro, what specifications would be good to run Maya with for a reasonable price?
I'm not very good with computer stuff, so I'd appreciate the help.

[mysrh]

Hi again, is there any alumni who work full-time with non-fixed work schedule (ie. roster based)? Sorry I have asked this before, but so far I only got answer from people with n fixed schedule.

I wonder how I can fit my work with AM especially for the Q&A time, can you attend any Q&A or it's pre-allocated so I have to attend that Q&A session only?

In the project, is there any big rendering needed to do? My computer is P4 3GHz, 2Gb RAM, and X1950 Video card. Eventhough I still meet the AM hardware requirement, in your opinion what you would suggest about my current PC setup?

Finally, I need to do search for 'animationmentor.com' thread to find one, because I can't find it if I go to CGNews sub-forum. Is it the only way to find this thread?

Thank you once again

[lifeofillusion]

hi mysrh,

well for finding this thread u can either bookmark it ur browser, or u can subscribe to it, so tat in ur USERCP panel,this thread will be shown and u need not search for it each time...

yes every student has been allocated a specific q n a based on his/her mentor..so u cant just walk in2 any q n a of ur choice....tho i believe u can voice ur choice of timings of q n a incase u feel ur schedule mite overlap...and im sure AM wil do something for you...

well as for system and rendering issues, well if u have are in the fall term rendering is almost a yr away...may be by tat time u can upgrade ur sys if rendering is the issue u thinking abt...

as for d general requirements....i am myself in a doubt....

mine is :

AMD ATHLON(64 BIT) XP 2800 +
512 MB RAM
ATI RADEON 9600 PRO...

i am myself wondering whether i need to upgrade or will it do fine only for animation purposes ???

guys plz lemme knw whether i shud upgrade my hardware or will it b ok for now for animation..

thnx a ton !!!

[AJ]

Anirudh, if you read the FAQ on the AM site it states that you need "at least 1 gig of RAM".

I don't know if you've recieved your signed enrollment documents back in the post yet - but they should also come with a sheet containing a more detailed & up to date list of hardware requirements.

Hope that helps!

[hiasakite]

Hi,

some answers from my point of view.

First, the videos. All videos are watermarked with your student ID (moving around), so giving them away even if you manage to record them would be a bad...BAD idea :)
As for recording for your own reference, I'd think filming off parts of it would probably fall under fair use. I can't see the harm and I think they just limit the time you can watch lessons to keep the server load in check and also to force you to move on. If in doubt, post a support ticket to AM.

Now, the hardware. Personally I upgraded my system before AM to a Dual Core and a 8800GTS. Now, I have to admit AM was more of a good excuse because I really wanted to play Bioshock and Crysis etc. :)
One thing that is a MUST: 2GB RAM. Don't even start with less (512MB is a no no), you will not be happy at all. As for CPU and GPU, you do not need a fast graphics card. We are not dealing with ultra complex scenes and models, and even on fast machines the viewport isn't playing the animation back in realtime anyway. So if you have something like a 6600GT or newer, I'd think you are safe.
Rendering times will obviously be slower on a slower CPU. But, the worst you ever render in the first term(s) are playblasts, which are done in minutes tops. No fancy lighting, textures and whatnot.

So, if you need a good excuse to finally get that gaming rig, by all means, update for AM :)
If you just want to work, get 2GB RAM and you should be ok with a half decent CPU (which a 3GHz AMD should be).

[Ben-Richards]

LifeofIllusion

You may need more memory. Its pretty affordable these days. I would recommend you double yours to 1GB.

...Actually hiasakite is probably right. 2GB would be way better. You can never have too much memory.

[jakekhaos]

Dear Winter Student,

After careful consideration by our admissions committee, we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted into the Winter 2008 term for the Advanced Studies in Character Animation program at AnimationMentor.com!




I really can't beleive it! I seriously just got home from withdrawing from community college and opened my email... and there it was! Is that a sign of fate or what?
I am so excited and I don't think I can wait until january. Actually, I kind of have to. I need to save up for a new computer and work on paying for tuition. But it's all worth it!

[Ben-Richards]

Congrats jakekhaos!!!

[JavierLoredo]

Congrats Jake!

See ya in the Winter Term!

F. Javier Loredo.

[binz]

Hey guys, quick question! I went to click the link to the studica AM page on the orientation site so I could buy Maya, and there were only two versions listed, both for Mac, and both the same as far as I can tell...although one is $24 dollars more. I can of course access the Windows versions through other sections of the site, but I was wondering if any of you know what's up with that, and if any of you know the difference between the two versions, which have the same name (Autodesk Maya Unlimited 8.5 Mac CD Student/Faculty Superpack).

Also, grats to everyone who's been accepted :) And to my fellow Fall students: Eep!! One week left!

edit: Hmm...ACTUALLY, when I click on the windows version it doesn't even add it to my cart...it just goes to my cart and there's nothing in it :(

[AJ]

Hey Lyndsey!

Maya comes with versions for all formats (Mac/Windows/Linux), as for the $24 more... I don't know. Are you sure you're not looking at the 2008 edition?

I ordered my copy from Studica's arm in the UK on Sunday & they shipped it today.

I only wish I knew how to use it...

[binz]

So Maya is always boxed with software for both Mac OSX and Windows inside?

Here's a link to my confusing situation:

http://www.studica.com/category/index.cfm?categoryid=4

The site lists Mac and Windows seperately, but if you try to buy the Windows version it doesn't work! Either way the studica website sucks, but hopefully I can just order the one listed as "mac".

Also, I figured out that the cheaper one is for people entering a competition, so one mystery is solved :)

EDIT: I wrote an AM support ticket, and apparently Studica took it off their page to prepare for maya 2008. I guess I'll be a sitting duck til I find out more!

[Chris Bacon]

Theres alot of talk about Hardware, when I first applied to AM I was going to use my laptop which had a single core 2.4ghz processer and only 512mb ram and 40gb hd...and I can tell you now this will not be enough for AM, I used it at uni for maya and you will have endless problems as scenes get more demending. which is why I Built myself a pc.

2gb Ram
250gb hd
duel core 2.6gh processer.
and a 7200 series graphics card

Yes it plays Bioshock maxed out with no problems...BRING ON THE HIGH POLY PAIN....

I am using Vista though...but saying that Ive had no issues with maya...Im gonna get XP sp2 just in case though...my only worrie is that the rigs will only be maya 8+ compatible becouse I have maya 7.01 and cant afford to upgrade....

chris

[jakekhaos]

SO the loan department at AM has not been very helpful. They said something about a pre-screening loan process so I emailed them back for information. Didn't get a reply. So I filled out the SLM Financial career training loan application with a cosigner (I don't have any credit history) and I was denied within 2 seconds of sending in the application. So I asked the loan department for help again. Almost 7 hours later and again... no reply. So I tried the application again and got denied again.
I only have one more chance, and I don't know what to do. If I can't get this loan, I'm not going to be able to pay for Animation Mentor. :(

How did you guys go about the loan process?

[zzacmann]

SO the loan department at AM has not been very helpful. They said something about a pre-screening loan process so I emailed them back for information. Didn't get a reply. So I filled out the SLM Financial career training loan application with a cosigner (I don't have any credit history) and I was denied within 2 seconds of sending in the application. So I asked the loan department for help again. Almost 7 hours later and again... no reply. So I tried the application again and got denied again.
I only have one more chance, and I don't know what to do. If I can't get this loan, I'm not going to be able to pay for Animation Mentor. :(

How did you guys go about the loan process?

Well, I'm not surprised. You HAVE to get a credit history before anyone is going to start giving you money. Go open a checking account at a bank and then go online to all major credit card companies and sign up for credit cards. Believe me, credit card companies are DYING to get one of their cards in your hands. It doesn't matter how big your credit line will be because you're just going to activate them, use them to buy something small, like a hamburger and them pay them off immediately. After you pay off your first charge, cut them up and throw them away. Congratulations, you've just started your little no/low risk credit history. Dont worry about cutting them up, because once you start, the credit card offers will start coming in the mail daily. Just sign up, activate and destroy. If you feel like you can practice some self control you can keep them for a rainy day, but this can get you in trouble if you're prone to being impulsive with your money.

[zzacmann]

Oh, by the way, I got a response back about which version of Maya we need. All rigs used in AM are built with Maya 7, so any version 7+ will be fine. However, he did submit that they would most likely require a higher version as they refine/update their rigs in later semesters. So those of us starting the Fall 07 semester will have to upgrade eventually during the next 18 months, but for now, Maya 7 will work fine. The administrator that answered my support ticket said that even he was still using 7 as that was what the current AM is essentially built with.

[jakekhaos]

On the SLM Financial site it says I don't need a credit history if I have a cosigner with good credit. And I applied with a cosigner. So I don't know what their problem with me is. Its really putting me in the worst mood ever. I dropped out of community college today because of my incredible yearning for attending Animation Mentor and pursuing an animation career.
I might have to get a few credit cards and max them out to pay for AM and a new computer if this loan thing doesn't work out (which it won't if the loan department at AM doesn't decide to help me).

[JavierLoredo]

Jake don't do that! Do not max those credit cards because you will be paying 3 to 4 times the cost of the whole Animation Mentor Program. I don't think credit cards will give you that much money anyways without a good credit history.

To be realistic right now, if you can't get the loans on your own, you will have to get a cosigner to get the loans or pay it cash.

In my opinion the credit card idea is the worst mistake you could do right now. The rate on those cards are going to be super high depending how much time they give you without no interest.

The loan department was realy helpful to me and I got everything set quick. Read everything careful and fill out the right thing with the right information.

Good luck with you loans!

Can't waittttt! 6 more days! :scream:

F. Javier Loredo

[Reflexx]

SO the loan department at AM has not been very helpful. They said something about a pre-screening loan process so I emailed them back for information. Didn't get a reply. So I filled out the SLM Financial career training loan application with a cosigner (I don't have any credit history) and I was denied within 2 seconds of sending in the application. So I asked the loan department for help again. Almost 7 hours later and again... no reply. So I tried the application again and got denied again.
I only have one more chance, and I don't know what to do. If I can't get this loan, I'm not going to be able to pay for Animation Mentor. :(

How did you guys go about the loan process?

You're going to need a co-signer.

This isn't a federal student loan, so it's not an automatic approval. You will need to have a credit history (probably around 3+ yrs) or someone willing to sign on the loan with you.

[Reflexx]

On the SLM Financial site it says I don't need a credit history if I have a cosigner with good credit. And I applied with a cosigner. So I don't know what their problem with me is. Its really putting me in the worst mood ever. I dropped out of community college today because of my incredible yearning for attending Animation Mentor and pursuing an animation career.
I might have to get a few credit cards and max them out to pay for AM and a new computer if this loan thing doesn't work out (which it won't if the loan department at AM doesn't decide to help me).

Try calling Sallie Mae.

Maybe you need your co-signer to sign on line 1. How much credit does your co-signer have? Is it good credit?

[zzacmann]

I never said to max out you credit cards. I said to get credit cards in order to help build your credit and then rarely/never use them. I suggested doing this in the goal of gaining some credit so that you can more easily get a loan. Sallie Mae wants to see if Visa and Mastercard are willing to give you a chance before they do.

[jakekhaos]

Rosie Valera from Animation Mentor finally got back to me with a reply. She will be calling me in the morning to help me out with everything. I hope I can get this loan!

I did apply with my father as a cosigner both times. And he does have a good credit history (since he was 18). So I still don't understand why they didn't approve. Hopefully Rosie will be a lot of help.

Thanks for the replies, guys!

[lifeofillusion]

kudos to all who got accepted !!

u will b starting journey soon which u wont forget for the rest of ur lives !

and all d best 2 those who are still waiting for their acceptance and also to those who are in queue for their loan applications, hope evrything turns out 2 b gud and at the end of the day we all bcome part of this wonderful AM family !!

am still wondering weder to stretch my budget and upgrade my workstation..

i think for nw amd 64 athlon xp 2800 + and 1.5 gb of ram shud b enuff for animation !!

just abt a week 2 go guys.....!

cheers,

[mysrh]

Does the student loan apply to overseas student? ie. Australia?

[AJ]

Does the student loan apply to overseas student? ie. Australia?
From the AM website FAQ:

Q:Who is eligible for a SLM student loan?

The student must be a U.S citizen or a permanent resident...

[Kid-Mesh]

Well it wont be too long now :)

So how is everyone setting up there online ID's over at AM? are you going to use the same names as you do here or something new? Are you guy's using the same avatars?

Just wondering so i'll know who's who when we go live :twisted:

FYI... <----------Always KidMesh (likely the same avatar) if possible.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Anthony and all Fall Classmates!

I will be using Javier Loredo, but all my friends call me Javi.

My first name is Francisco but the thing is that my grandpa and my dad both are Francisco's, so I prefer to use my middle name.

I'm going to start remembering names for later add you guys to my buddy list.

There is anybody here from Florida? Miami? Another thing, is there any Skateboarding Animators here? hehehe It would be fun to go in a skateboard session after Graduation Day!
Animation and Skateboard for life!!!:buttrock:

Ok guys, few more days!!! Have a good one!

F. Javier Loredo

[Kid-Mesh]

Nice to meet you Javier and everyone else of Fall 07 :D

No skateboarder but if you wanna take a cruise on a couple of 1100cc crotch rockets then I'm all for it!

I'll be collecting names as well...I have the feeling there is going to be some late nights ahead I'm sure. Right now I need to get my WebCam...I'll probably do that before the weekend just incase no one around me has them in stock.

[binz]

I tried skateboarding once and I'm pretty sure I ended up with a bleeding shin. Mind you, I was inside on a carpeted floor and trying to do a trick, but I don't think it's something I'll try again :P

My username is going to be Binzer over there (which is what most of my friends call me) but I think that everyone's full name is what's shown everywhere so I don't think it matters much.

I have no idea what to use for an avatar though! I think I'll probably go for a RL photo so that people will know who I am if they ever run into me in the industry, but deciding what kind of pose to use is tricky! I guess I'll probably go for a generic smiley photo so that I don't look like a mySpacer who's trying too hard to look interesting.

Btw, do any of you have blogs up and running for AM? I'd like to link you on mine if you do!

[JavierLoredo]

Same here Anthony!

Are those 1100cc crotch rockets have turbo? I'm down!! hehehe

Do they have BrandSmart stores over in Detroit? Best Buy or CompUSA They might have in stock!

About the late nights...
I work more at night than during the day. At night I can work on anything without anybody bothering me. I look forward to get together with class for some late night animation sessions, to help and critique or just share ideas.

Me and my friends we are always taking jokes and situations that happen to us or others and make them into short films, commercials or even into a full feature film.
I already have a strong finished story for my Short Film Class 6, and I love to share it with you guys and or help you guys with your own stories. I love giving ideas for stories and most important, I always love to think outside the box.

I will try my best to keep yo guys inspired and I hope the same way from you guys!

I'm so excited about starting that I can't help me self coming in here and writing more posts! lol:bounce:

Ok guys, keep it posting!!

F. Javier Loredo.

[binz]

Same here Anthony!

Are those 1100cc crotch rockets have turbo? I'm down!! hehehe

Do they have BrandSmart stores over in Detroit? Best Buy or CompUSA They might have in stock!

About the late nights...
I work more at night than during the day. At night I can work on anything without anybody bothering me. I look forward to get together with class for some late night animation sessions, to help and critique or just share ideas.

Me and my friends we are always taking jokes and situations that happen to us or others and make them into short films, commercials or even into a full feature film.
I already have a strong finished story for my Short Film Class 6, and I love to share it with you guys and or help you guys with your own stories. I love giving ideas for stories and most important, I always love to think outside the box.

I will try my best to keep yo guys inspired and I hope the same way from you guys!

I'm so excited about starting that I can't help me self coming in here and writing more posts! lol:bounce:

Ok guys, keep it posting!!

F. Javier Loredo.

I find it hard not to post too, especially since orientation taunts us with all these great community features that we can't use yet.

Honestly I'm already freaking out about having no ingenious short story ideas, but I'd love to hear yours (I promise I won't steal them). Personally I'd like to do something involving the dog model since I find my dog hilarious and inspiring, not to mention that I'd like the additional challenge of animating a quadruped, but really I don't know what I'll end up with.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Binz!

I will be more than glad to share ideas with you! You know what could be a good way of finding a good story involving a dog? Ask friends or family members what kind of experiences they have had with dogs in the past. Another way that I think might give ideas is Youtube! I've seen a lot of funny clips about dogs and any kind animals at Youtube. About the moral or messege of the story, you can start with something that you like and then we can add inputs to it.


This a short story I just created after you shared with us your experience with skateboarding.

The tittle is:
"Abuelo The Skater"
(Abuelo = Granpa in spanish)

Two Grandpas are sitting in the park watching other kids skateboard. One of them will be using a walker and the other a wheelchair. The guy using the walker will ask the other if he remembers when they were younger and went to skateboard one day at the park and he saw this beautiful girl and because of paying more attention to the girl, he misses the trick and falls so hard that now we know why he uses the wheelchair.

(The scene when he falls will be like a flashback)

After having the flashback!
Grandpa with the walker says: I have a confession that I've been holding all this years and after your fall on the skateboard I didn't want to hurt you even more. The girl that changed and made you who you are!!! an old man sitting in a chair!!! Very sarcastic says: Well at least you look cool rolling on those 24's!!!

The guy on the wheel chair ask him: And your point isss?

Grandpa with walker says: Umm... I went out with her the same night you went to the hospital!

Grandpa on the wheelchair: He turns and looks at him with this angry face and tells him: That beautiful girl you're talking about, it's my mother!!

The guy on the wheelchair: He puts a face of :eek: and changes it back to happy face and says: I know!!

The End...

[DigitalToon2]

Just a heads up, when you create your ID most people just use their real names or nicknames (whatever your perfered to be called). It just makes it easier for people to identify you and such. Also try to pick an avatar thats a photo of youself or a sketch of yourself that you can live with for at least the next 18months. If people don't remember your name they usually can remember your picture and ID you that way.

Good luck and enjoy AM!!

[Kid-Mesh]

DigitalToon2 - Thanks for the heads up.

Well I guess I'll have to wait until I get my webCam and take a picture of myself :scream: . Speaking of names...all my friends and family call me by last name "Hollis". I may go with that...well see in a few days.

Javier - I was thinking about the short story assignment too and I'm pretty good at coming up with crazy and wacky stories as well. In the end I've decieded that I will wait to see how good my animation has become around the end of class 4. I figure that will give me the confidence to try and pull of what my current skills will allow. Should be fun though...cant wait to see what the guidelines are for it.

Oh and yes, there is BestBuy, Circuit City, CompUSA etc nearby...I'm on the outskirts of Detroit. Most of those stores are in the burbs :)

[Kid-Mesh]

By the way...just checked my calendar and it said I had a Q & A today :shrug:

Wow...umm..how was I supposed accomplish that? LOL...I wonder if it's a mistake in the system.

[JavierLoredo]

Yeah! That Q&A just poped out from no where!

I was wondering about that Q&A which I missed if it was for real.
I thought it was just in My calendar!
I hope it was a mistake because I would've loved to be there!:sad:

Does anybody knows if it was for real or a mistake?

F. Javier Loredo

[binz]

Pretty sure it was a mistake, but I had it listed too from 11:42-12:42 with Adam Rodney, who according to linkedin is a tech support specialist. At first I was hoping it was an error that was going to leak me my mentor's name early, but apparently not :(

[SkyZero]

Just a heads up, when you create your ID most people just use their real names or nicknames (whatever your perfered to be called). It just makes it easier for people to identify you and such. Also try to pick an avatar thats a photo of youself or a sketch of yourself that you can live with for at least the next 18months. If people don't remember your name they usually can remember your picture and ID you that way.

Good luck and enjoy AM!!


^ Agreed. I thought they ended up using real names for the IDs since v2 of the site? I don't recall any people using forum names. If not, I recommend using your real name or a nick name you go by in real life, easier for people to remember and associate with. As for your avatar, I'd say pick one and stick with it throughout the course of the program like Nicole suggests. People will have an easier time remembering you that way too.

Good luck with AM, it's a helluva ride! :D

[jakekhaos]

Ughhhh. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a cosigner that meets their requirements. Someone who makes 30,000 a year, is a homeowner, and has a credit score of 650 or higher (with a minimum of 4 years of credit history). My dad makes 28,000 a year, is a homeowner, and has almost 650 as a credit score (around 630 I think). They won't accept him. This is not good.
I won't be able to pay them the 15,825 in 6 payments. I don't make enough with a minimum wage part time job.

Do you guys have any other tips for paying?

[zzacmann]

Do you guys have any other tips for paying?

That depends. Are you willing to put on a dress?

[Kid-Mesh]

jakekhaos - Wow man I'm sorry that your having such a difficult time. I cant imagine how bummed you must feel :sad: but keep your chin up because there is always a way.

A suggestion or two:

1. Seek out other loan alternatives. I.E. Personal Loans.

Your Dad maybe able to qualify for a personal loan I'm sure. Other lending institutions maybe a little more laxed but you will have to seek them out.

2. Pay half on a credit card and apply for the other half through Sallie Mae or another lending institution. I'm sure your Dad or someone can get a loan for around seven grand.

Regardless, it will be up to you to step forward and convince your Dad or anyone else that may help of your willingness to accept full responsibility of the payments. Work out some kind of payment plan with that person and give up a "good faith" payment at the start.

I realize you want to get into the Winter Class so maybe you can tell your Dad that you will start paying him as soon as you start working your new job. This may ease him into looking into other alternatives with you. You enthusiasm and diligence to do whatever is necessary goes along way when someone else is putting there financial neck on the line for you.

No matter what, try not to get too discouraged...I know it's hard. Trust me, from the looks of it Animation Mentor isn't going anywhere soon. The school seems to get better and better each year. So keep your head up, stay positive and keep working towards a solution...you'll find it. I'm sure of it.

Good luck.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey guys!

I just created a blog specially for Animation Mentor and I wanted to share it with my classmates. Right now it's very simple and only have one post, but hopefully once I start animation mentor I will have more stuff to post and show. I'm pretty new to blogs, so if you guys have some recommendations or tips and tricks I will more than glad to hear them.

Here is the link:
http://javierloredo.blogspot.com/

Talk to you guys later!

F. Javier Loredo.

[rag-man]

Hey guys!

I just created a blog specially for Animation Mentor and I wanted to share it with my classmates. Right now it's very simple and only have one post, but hopefully once I start animation mentor I will have more stuff to post and show. I'm pretty new to blogs, so if you guys have some recommendations or tips and tricks I will more than glad to hear them.

Here is the link:
http://javierloredo.blogspot.com/

Talk to you guys later!

F. Javier Loredo.

good start!
keep it going and get yourself some website statistics services. It's always good to know which studios are browsing your blog. And it's all about getting your name out there!

(maybe consider opening the comments not only for blogger members. I don't know if there is any tool against comment spam at blogger.com - but you will need that too .. I use Akismet.com with my Wordpress Blog)

rock on!

http://myskitch.com/ragma/manfred_ragossnig___character_animator__akismet_spam__wordpress-20070927-102409.jpg

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Manfred!

Thanks for the advice!
About the statistics services, it would be great to know which studio is looking at my profile. Sounds like a good way to make connections with studios.

I have a few questions!
How do I get to show my blog at Webring?
How do I get the website statistics services?
Do you recommend WordPress better than Blogger?

Thanks again Manfred and have a good day!

F. Javier Loredo.

[mysrh]

mmm.. interested in the answer for Javier's questions as well.

K, I've been pestering asking questions about Q&A time schedule and I just got a reply saying that I can just email the registrar at the beginning of the week if I need to change my Q&A schedule.

So I'm considering to apply for January 08 start.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Yonas!

I had not luck also with sending them my request. I'm just going to wait until Sunday first day of class and ask somebody on the forums or from tech support.

Did you try sending a support ticket? I don't know if you have access to the orientation page. If I get a number to call or procedure to get the schedule, I will defenetely be more than glad to let you know.

I'm just going to wait 3 more days and then find out. I'm not that in hurry, but it would be nice if they could give us some kind of information on how to request the dates.

Ok good luck and have a nice day!

F. Javier Loredo.

[mysrh]

I haven't registered as an AM student yet, the only email I got is the one saying that I can easily email the registrar at the beginning of the class week.

I'm still trying to write the essay, so much that I want to write about, but it's 12.30am here, the brain wants to speak, but the heart says 'shut-up!' :rolleyes:

[lifeofillusion]

hey what registration and what essay are u talking abt guys ???

am i missing sumthing over here ??? :-(

[JavierLoredo]

I think he's just talking about the essay questions you have to write when you're applying for Animation Mentor. From what he says, he's in the application process of joining AM.

am i missing sumthing over here ??? :-(
I think your fine!

Javier.

[lifeofillusion]

hi every1,

after a hell of a lot of number crunching and budgeting, i have finally decided 2 get a new workstation rig for my AM, here it is what i can afford at the moment -

intel core 2 duo 2.0 ghz
250 gigs sata hdd
8400 gt 256 MB nVidia Video Card
2 gigs of ram

any suggestions/feedbacks for my above sys config or whether i can add/modify any component in leveraging my costs ?

thnx !!!

[rag-man]

Hey Manfred!

Thanks for the advice!
About the statistics services, it would be great to know which studio is looking at my profile. Sounds like a good way to make connections with studios.

I have a few questions!
How do I get to show my blog at Webring?
How do I get the website statistics services?
Do you recommend WordPress better than Blogger?

Thanks again Manfred and have a good day!

F. Javier Loredo.

Javier


- AM Webring
http://d.webring.com/cgi-bin/drive?done=http%3A%2F%2FD%2Ewebring%2Ecom%2Fwrman%3Fring%3Danimationmentorb%3Bsid%3D12%3Baddsite?sid=12&ring=animationmentorb&addsite
(http://d.webring.com/cgi-bin/drive?done=http%3A%2F%2FD%2Ewebring%2Ecom%2Fwrman%3Fring%3Danimationmentorb%3Bsid%3D12%3Baddsite?sid=12&ring=animationmentorb&addsite)
the webring is managed by Jason Schleifer .. therefore .. be aware that it could take some time until your site shows up ;-)


- Statistics
I'm using
http://www.statcounter.com
and
http://www.google.com/analytics/


- Blogger or WP
I'm hosting WP on my own server
but even if you don't want to host the blog yourself I would go for wordpress -
hosted service .. http://wordpress.com
it's just more flexible than blogger and there are much much more features


good luck

[Kid-Mesh]

Two days to go! :twisted:

Has anyone been sketching? Animating? or are you just so confuzzled and excited that you cant do anything :scream:

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Manfred!

I have to thank you for taking the time to help me and others.

I was looking for a spam blocker for Blogger, but I was not able to find one that works with it.
I guess I'll leave it how it is for now, I don't think it's going to get too crazy with spam.

Thanks again and if ther is anything I can help, let me know!


Later,

F. Javier Loredo

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Anthony!

I'm really excited too! I can't believe that in two days we will be starting AM.

I've been writing down ideas for the Sticky Door assignment, jumping the cylenders, and for the walkcycles as well. I don't know if our mentor it's going to give us the sound clip we have to animate to in advanced acting class, but just in case I've been gathering some movie clip that I think I will have fun animating to. If you guys want I can share the folder full of sound clips from a lot of movies. Let me know!

I've also been writing small scripts and story ideas for my short film. I also have a few sketches of characters for this stories and ideas.

Anybody else starting Fall 07 have blogs up and running? Let me know so I can add you to mine!

Ok guys, talk to you later!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Kid-Mesh]

Javier - Wow, way to go putting all that energy to use!

Looking forward to seeing the stuff you come up with in the coming days and weeks ahead. Personally I've been sketching a lot, basically warming up my pencils because I have a feeling were about to get reacquainted real soon. In regards to a blog, I have one that I have been tagging for years but I'll probably start a new "separate" one when I start AM. So I'll keep you posted on that.

But yeah, that sound clip archive sounds interesting. I'd love to see what you have in it :thumbsup:

[Reflexx]

Ughhhh. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a cosigner that meets their requirements. Someone who makes 30,000 a year, is a homeowner, and has a credit score of 650 or higher (with a minimum of 4 years of credit history). My dad makes 28,000 a year, is a homeowner, and has almost 650 as a credit score (around 630 I think). They won't accept him. This is not good.
I won't be able to pay them the 15,825 in 6 payments. I don't make enough with a minimum wage part time job.

Do you guys have any other tips for paying?

How's mom's credit? Maybe combined?

Maybe your parents can get a personal loan from a bank? Or line of credit? It may not be the full amount, but it could help with the first few classes. And you can save all of your money from your part-time job to pay the rest.

[lifeofillusion]

helu every1,
ya i am 2 confused and dazzled abt the AM thing, when its just around d corner !!! hopefully i will get in d groove of things, once its finally starts...

whats dis sticky door assignment, jumping cylinders and all...ru guys already aware of ur assignments or what....

i was advised not 2 prepare 2 much in advance abt future assignments and just to go wid d flow....this way we will learn d way the curriculum is designed...

yes bt d movie clip idea is nice....we can build a whole library of sound clips...bring it on Javier ...it will b gr8888...

even d story ideas is a gud idea...tho u need nt necessarily bother abt d characters as even AM has loads of rigged model libraries..so u need nt worry abt dat much.....

as abt d blog....i want 2 ..bt nt sure weder i will b able 2 post often..mite as well spend tat time on AM...

but blogs is a gud idea to document the entire AM experience...

looking forward 2 meeting u all in class...

till den..

adieu..

[JavierLoredo]

Hey guys!

Is not that I'm getting ahead of everything, but I have to say that I love this and I'm very into animation and art. To tell you truth, I want to become a great animator and with timeand experience, I will go for a nice job in the industry of animation.

The assignments that I was talking about are assignments that I see on the progress demoreels that the students post on their blogs or websites. I'm just writing down ideas, so when I get to the clases I have my own notes and ideas to even start new ones or better ones. I have no doubt that when I start AM, I will get inspired to create new ideas or to share with the classmates. I think once I get into AM, new ideas will be flowing inside my head 24/7.

About the characters and the Ideas for the shortfilms, I like to write a lot of funny things that happen to me during the day, or even a joke somebody told me and I write them down and maybe something simple like that, can become a whole story for a short film, commercial or even a feature film.

The characters are pretty much a way for me to start a story. Lets say I have a story that I think it would look cool with a weird creature or an animal just like the people from Pixar work and make their stories. For example you can take a story with a similar message from Monsters Inc and instead of Monsters you put animals with humas. In that case monsters fit the best, but it's just an example of how you can elaborate a story further when you have a design or sketch of a character. Personaly I just love doing concept desing and character desing.

I will be defenetely using AM rigs and spend most of the time just animating. I have a few friends that graduated from computer animation and one of them it's a real good Rigger that maybe if one of the characters that I have for a story, I might ask him for some riggin help. Like I said I'm not even touching any rigging while I'm in here in AM. Too much time! hehehe! :)

Sorry guys for the long post, but sometimes I like express what I feel and maybe it might inspire somebody or even learn something from it.

Can't wait to start classes with such great and supporting people like you guys! :thumbsup:
Have a good one!

F. Javier Loredo.

[lifeofillusion]

hey javier,
i guess u gt me a bit wrong...no offences buddy..

well even i am very much exhilirated abt this AM things and hence thru blogs, etc..i used to ask a couple of my friends who is doing AM for the kind of assignments they will be giving , etc etc....and their advise was just follow with the rest of d class and u will b just fine....if u try 2 go ahead den the entire charm of being with a new batch will go away...and i also believe in a way in AM, we gotta unlearn whatever we were taught by working in a studio or otherwise, only den we will have an open mind...but hey tats just me.....

ur enthusiasm is indeed contagious and im sure we will have loads of fun being in d same batch...sorry pal if there was some misunderstanding...

we are almsot dere....:-)

cheers,

[Kid-Mesh]

Alright, I'm going to try a WordPress blog . I've been blogging with Blogger for years but I figure why not try something new for AM. :)

For those of you that are starting AM blogs too and want to add me, here is the address http://anthonyhollis.wordpress.com/

Hopefully, I'll have it all personalized by late this evening....still gotta get that webcam today :twisted:

[SueHouston]

You get what you put into this course, so put your all into it.
Most importantly, have a blast! Animation is fun, and despite all the hard work, these classes will fly by really fast.
Good luck to the new class 1 people =)

[JavierLoredo]

Hello!

Hey Anirudh,
No offences here! It's all good!:thumbsup: I respect everybody's opinions and I enjoy reading and learning from what you guys have say.

After going through colleges that the teachers are students that graduated and 4 months later they are teaching, or teachers that don't even have the experience and they think they do! After all that experience, I started always looking ahead and always finding ways to learn some extra knowledge. That's not the case here for sure! Hehehe!

Something that I see that it's very important to, is to start with a fresh mind. I agree with the fact that you have to set your brain to learning mode of the basics and pretty much go with flow of the class.

ur enthusiasm is indeed contagious and im sure we will have loads of fun being in d same batch...sorry pal if there was some misunderstanding...
So is yours enthusiasm and we will defentely have a lot fun with this batch starting this Fall!

Hey jojojojo!
Thanks for the great advice! I will try my best to learn the most I can from everybody.

One quick question! Did you guys get assigned to same Mentor? Brett Coderre?
I'm so happy that I have such talented animator and artist as my mentor for my first Term.

Ok guys, talk to ya later!

F. Javier Loredo.

[binz]

My first mentor is Elliot Roberts. Anyone else in my class?

Also, anyone else have a blog they've started? Mine is http://binzer-binz.blogspot.com/ if anyone wants to link me :)

[Kid-Mesh]

Hey Binz, my mentor for the first class is Brett Coderre. But i've added your blog to mine...thanks for the link :thumbsup:

[Pipboy9999]

Hi guys/girls,

Did any of you assigned to a mentor? I logged on to the website today and found out that my mentor is James Chiang, who has a filmography including Ice Age2, Robots, Open Season, Surf's up which is quite something. He has nice style in his sketches which you can view at http://jcsketchblog.blogspot.com/

I'll be completing my website (www.animeri.com (http://www.animeri.com) which is full of crap at the moment) tomorrow and will start to write in my blog (animeri.blogspot.com) on Monday. Feel free to comment.

Well, 48 hours left. Just the tought of it makes me excited. See you in school and happy animating!

[Ben-Richards]

I thought we couldn't see our Mentors until Monday!! Going to see if I can login now...no I still see just the orientation page. Am I missing something?

[lifeofillusion]

hi jojojojo,

well tats a very gud suggestion from u....one who already been in2 AM...well yes i agree seeing other ppl work and critiques will help us to avoid what mistakes we might make.....

bt if we concentrate on classes 3 and 4 beforehand...wont we mite get deviated from classes 1 and 2 which are the crux of our animation knowledge and career....i mite b wrong...correct me if im missin out sumthing...cos i feel the AM curriculum is well structured and took a lot of thinking by bobby, shawn and carlos...

so i guess we neeed 2 go along as its been tailored...foundations, body mechanics and so on...classes 1 and 2 are d base if i may so....very very important atleast from my perspective....

bt yes ultimately animation is abt telling stories and communicating and hence no harm in thinking abt ideas, audio, dialogues whatever..

all d best 2 everyone...

cheerz,

[SueHouston]

Hi lifeofillusion,

I would only concentrate on the first class for now. Your brain will explode if you try to think about everything at once =).
What I meant was it's helpful to know what's around the bend. I wouldn't be planning my diaolog piece out in class 1. Absolutely not! but if you happen to watch a movie, or tv show and a line stands out to you, doesn't hurt to write it down for future reference. I wouldn't go out of my way to look for lines now, but just something to keep in mind.

[lifeofillusion]

hurray !!

yuppie !!

i got my mentor...CHRIS CHUA...worked at PDI, RHYTHM AND HUES, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION..worked on FLUSHED AWAY !!

any one else has d same mentor as mine !!

its getting as excited as i never wud have imagined !!

[Ben-Richards]

hurray !!

yuppie !!

i got my mentor...CHRIS CHUA...worked at PDI, RHYTHM AND HUES, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION..worked on FLUSHED AWAY !!

any one else has d same mentor as mine !!

its getting as excited as i never wud have imagined !!

How are you seeing who your mentor is?

[Ben-Richards]

My mentor is Doug Sheppeck. His credits include Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bugs Life, Finding Nemo, and The Fellowship of the Ring.

Woo Hoo! I won't sleep for the next two nights....

[lifeofillusion]

just login into members site at AM site...

[JavierLoredo]

Hello people! :)
Hey Binz, I see that your Mentor it's from Pixar as well! How exciting right?

Hi Eray!
I will be adding you to my blog!

Ben and Anirudh
I thought we couldn't see our Mentors until Monday!!
I thought the same thing, but I guess the people from AM had it set to assign the students with their Mentors on Friday.

Also, I wanted to ask you guys if you have a blog or are planning on getting one so I can add you guys to mine.

Mine is: http://javierloredo.blogspot.com/

F. Javier Loredo.

[Ben-Richards]

Javier, Binz, Anirudh, Anthony -

My blog is at http://benrichards3d.blogspot.com/ but there is nothing on it yet...not even the first post.

[tobdog485]

Hey guys!

Wow o wow, its about to start !! Javier I will add you to my blog same to you Ben & Binz & Anthony! My mentor is Victor Navone!!! I couldn't believe that when I read it!

I'm excited and can't wait to see you guys around on the AM campus.

-Toby

[Chris Bacon]

Hey people, The mentor Ive got is paul Allen, Ive done a IMDB search but there like 30 paul allens so I dont knoe which one he is...LOL, anyone else have him....

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Chris!

Go to the Animation Mentor website and go the tab that says "Our Mentors". You will find him there... I think he worked on "The Ant Bully" and Jimmy Neutron.

He has a black and white drawing for his picture.

Later guys!

F. Javier Loredo.

[zzacmann]

Hey Chris, I've got Paul Allen too. See ya in class.

Im wondering whether the Mentors are assigned purely by random or if they are chosen somewhat based on our likes/dislikes/personalities/goals/etc. as presented in those surveys we filled out.
Does anyone know when this shin-dig is actually starting on Monday? I'll be working in the morning and I'm assuming that either a video will be posted or a meeting will be scheduled at night or something. I really have no idea. Anyone else know what the plan is?

By the way, I've started a blog as well http://www.zacovercash.blogspot.com (http://www.zacovercash.blogspot.com/) but I haven't gotten a chance to really do a whole lot to it yet.

I'm currently adding fellow student blog links to my page. Let me know if I'm leaving anybody out. So far I've got Javier, Lyndsay, Anthony, and Ben.

Cheers.

[binz]

Hey Chris, I've got Paul Allen too. See ya in class.

Im wondering whether the Mentors are assigned purely by random or if they are chosen somewhat based on our likes/dislikes/personalities/goals/etc. as presented in those surveys we filled out.
Does anyone know when this shin-dig is actually starting on Monday? I'll be working in the morning and I'm assuming that either a video will be posted or a meeting will be scheduled at night or something. I really have no idea. Anyone else know what the plan is?

By the way, I've started a blog as well http://www.zacovercash.blogspot.com (http://www.zacovercash.blogspot.com/) but I haven't gotten a chance to really do a whole lot to it yet.

I'm currently adding fellow student blog links to my page. Let me know if I'm leaving anybody out. So far I've got Javier, Lyndsay, Anthony, and Ben.

Cheers.

As far as mentors go, according to the AM orientation site they are assigned randomly based on time zone. Luckily for us, all the mentors are pretty awesome :)

For blogs, I think you missed Toby Cochran and Eray Kiranoglu, and I think that's it for people starting in the fall, although a couple people starting in the winter have posted too.

Tomorrow is our last day of freedom before it all begins. Eep!

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Binz!

I think you said something that it's very important for me and for others which is FREEDOM! To tell you the truth, for me freedom starts today. It's the freedom from all those colleges and teachers that steal the money from the students by pretending to teach "Animation".

So my freedom starts today by joinin this great Animation Mentor program with talented teachers and classmates. :bounce:

Before we start, I wanted to wish the best luck to everybody that are already in AM, for the Class Fall 07 that in a few hours will be starting, and for the future students that will join this great program. Again, the best luck to everybody and God Bless all you guys.

ANIMATION FOR LIFE! :buttrock: Hehehe! I love this happy face icon! LoL

Talk to you guys later!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Reflexx]

Remember to send a message to Nelson Ocampo!! I'm in class 2. Also, add me to your buddy list!

[Chris Bacon]

Hi, Ive just created a blog site....well theres nothing on it yet...(no text either) but Im going to be working on it tonight so if you wanna add me the adress it

http://animationbacon.blogspot.com/

Ive just loged on to AM and its still the orientation site, when do we get acces the the full site and start been able to interact.

Cheers

chris

[Kid-Mesh]

Hey Chris, i was wonder if you were going to use your site or get a blog. Cool, I'll add you.

[Meike]

hey guys!

OMG we're almost there! \o/

my nickname is going to be Aroussa (or Meike, which is my real name) ;)
and my icon will look like this:

http://www.meikemeisje.nl/plaatjes/am_usericon_pic_of_me.jpg which is me ;)

and yeah, I've set up a second LiveJournal to keep track of what I'm doing at AM:
http://am-aroussa.livejournal.com/ ;)


@ binz: my mentor is Elliot Roberts too! \o/

such cool stuff he has done!

w00t so excited!

[JavierLoredo]

Hey guys!

The calendar says that today we start with the first lesson, but do we really start today or tomorrow Monday?

Because I remember reading on the orientation page, that they will take the website down during the weekend to do some maintenance. I just don't want to leave my house today and do something else and miss my first class or something.

Ok guys, see you around!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Meike]

FINAL NOTE: Terms begin on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

it's sunday there now, so, I suppose we start tomorrow ;)
but I don't think you can actually really miss anything since everything will stay up for 2 weeks?

[mysrh]

Good luck and all the best for the students who are starting. Hope I can join the fun with the next starting class.

I'm still doing the essay now. It says that every answer must have minimum of 70 words. It's not that it's hard to do instead I get easily carried away. However, there's certain questions which I think won't need to be minimum of 70-word long.

The question is, did you try to make up the 70-word minimum of each question?

[Chris Bacon]

Hey Chris, i was wonder if you were going to use your site or get a blog. Cool, I'll add you.


I was planning on useing my website but I cant use dreamweaver to save my life and making a blog is SOOO much easier, Im adding people as I go...

[JavierLoredo]

FINAL NOTE: Terms begin on Mondays at 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

it's sunday there now, so, I suppose we start tomorrow ;)
but I don't think you can actually really miss anything since everything will stay up for 2 weeks?
Where it says FINAL NOTE it's pretty clear that classes will start on monday and also from what I know they don't work on weekends.

I was just curious about the calendar that says: Fall 2007 starts . Section "Introduction to Animation" Starts September 30

I will be adding you to my blog as well!

Thanks for the info Meike! :)

F. Javier Loredo

[Kid-Mesh]

@Meike - Added :p

@mysrh - Hitting the 70 word requirement is easy. Remember, it's more about what your actually writting than the number of words you use. (Hit the required amount though :twisted: )

[tobdog485]

Hey Binz!

I think you said something that it's very important for me and for others which is FREEDOM! To tell you the truth, for me freedom starts today. It's the freedom from all those colleges and teachers that steal the money from the students by pretending to teach "Animation".

F. Javier Loredo.

http://forums.cgsociety.org/images/icons/icon10.gif So did you go to the same college I went to ?? haha I can totally relate to that. I can't wait to tell some of my horried stories to you guys (ya might get a real kick)

AM is going to rock and its going to be knowledge overload for us all!! But if we all bust are butts and help each other out, we will improve greatly and there is no stopping us!! I already have a feeling you guys/gals are ready to prove something, I mean look who is on here posting and what not. Dedication already. http://forums.cgsociety.org/images/icons/icon12.gif

Chris, Meika, Zac and Eray I'm going to add you guys to my blog! Did I miss anyone else?

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Toby, I guess we share almost a same experience when talking about colleges like that!

I don't like to batch anybody so I wont say the name of the school, but I have to say that Corporate Colleges don't really care for their students. All they care is how much you can pay and how you pay it. This colleges don't care how good or bad are you with art, as long you pay the money they ask, your good to go! Sad but true! There is a reason why they don't even ask for a Portfolio when you get it. :curious:

That's why I'm so happy to be here with you guys! Everybody here have awesome talents and the motivation to do well in this program and become great artist.

Please lets give a big :applause: to all of us for making this great decision of joining this great school!

Class of Fall 07 :buttrock:

Talk to you guys later!

Javier.

[Meike]

Please lets give a big :applause: to all of us for making this great decision of joining this great school!

Class of Fall 07 :buttrock:

http://www.meikemeisje.nl/plaatjes/blabla.gif

[Kid-Mesh]

@JavierLoredo - Wow man, classes haven't even started yet but it looks like I'll have to nominate you for "Mr Energy" :D ....your going to explode!

Keep it up though, it's postive energy and were going to need it!

[Ben-Richards]

Yeah I'll be talking with Javier when I need a pick-me-up.

I think I have everyone added to my blog, let me know if I missed you.

[binz]

Less than 24 hours now, yaaay!

Does it seem weird to everyone else that there are probably like 150 students out there right now who are starting tomorrow and aren't posting anywhere or venting all their excited energy? I feel bad for them; it must be horrible!

[Ben-Richards]

Less than 24 hours now, yaaay!

Does it seem weird to everyone else that there are probably like 150 students out there right now who are starting tomorrow and aren't posting anywhere or venting all their excited energy? I feel bad for them; it must be horrible!

It is odd. One of the advantages of this school is the community and I think we have gotten a headstart on everyone else in that regard.

I hope we all stay in touch and make the most of this experience TOGETHER.

[Kid-Mesh]

From what I can see some of you have families and or possibly full-time jobs. I have a full time job and a few teenagers (one in college). I guess luckily for me, I'm used to late night sessions and probably some of you are too.

After reading several blogs of past AM students in similar situations, it seems it can be done. Although, the determination factor and the wherewithal to push forward is going to be paramount.

For those of you with additional responsibilities out side of AM I wish you the best the of luck. Those of you whom have less to deal with.....I envy you :twisted:

Basically, this is my way of letting everyone know that I will be around burning the midnight oil. So if you ever need to chat about anything...I'll be up ;)

[Ben-Richards]

Ditto that...

I have often heard from people who were doing what they had always wanted to do, or what they were destined to do with their lives say

"I've never worked so hard in my life...but I have never enjoyed it
so much either"

I hope AM is that kind of an experience.

[binz]

I'm definitely someone to be envied :p

I only have a boyfriend and a dog (although both of them whine and get grumpy when I don't give them enough attention) and I'm just working part-time, although I may quit b/c I think I'm gonna need all the time I can get lol. I don't have the benefit of experience, but I'm very glad that I'll have the benefit of time!

[binz]

HEY!! We have access to everything now!!! Oh my goodness!! I'm sooooo excited :)

[Ben-Richards]

WHOA! Logging on now...

[binz]

Oh, and BTW, I am available for chat! So many butterflies right now ^_^

[Chris Bacon]

WAAAAAAAA, Im logging on, Im SOOOOOO GIDDY RIGHT NOW......

Im gonna play around with stu...btw if anyone wants to try a web convosation with me, your more than welcome.

Chris

[lifeofillusion]

hi 2 every1 out there who is posting here for the first time...

its gr8 2 meet such high energy and positive ppl ou there...

well just logged in d site....ITS ALL THERE....the entire site and its contents in all its glory !

wont b able 2 sleep tonite for sure !

THERE IS SOOOOO MUCH TO SEE AND LEARN AND OBSERVE AND READ !

HURRAY !

[JavierLoredo]

This is the best thing that happened to ANIMATION!! :bounce:

Again guys and girls, the best luck to everyone and God bless!

See you guys on Campus!!

And thanks for the Mr. Energy!! I will try my best to keep a good energy between everyone here in Animation Mentor.

Talk to you guys later! Going to eat! Hungry!

Javier.

[Meike]

OMG!!

*quickly logs on, too*

[Kimotion]

WOW you guys are excited! This feels just like the few days before March 27, 2005 when AM first opened it's doors/severs/site/whatever!

Best of luck to everyone and keep that energy up!

[bliip-n-bloop]

hey guys!

OMG we're almost there! \o/

my nickname is going to be Aroussa (or Meike, which is my real name) ;)
-knip-

Nice to see some dutch talking peepz, altough I'm from Belgium. Looking forward reading your blog. After my studies I'm hoping to join the AM course as well, still one more year aaargh!

[Kid-Mesh]

WOW you guys are excited! This feels just like the few days before March 27, 2005 when AM first opened it's doors/severs/site/whatever!

Best of luck to everyone and keep that energy up!

One of the biggest reasons I signed up...aside from the mentors, how can you beat the atmosphere :cool:

[Reflexx]

Elliot Roberts was my mentor last term. He's a great guy.

He just got married a month or two ago so make sure you congratulate him!

[tobdog485]

omg haha, looks like I missed all the action on here.... I was to busy with my HUGE grin across my face as soon as I logged in I couldn't leave!

I was adding all of you to my buddy list on AM and sending out msgs and what not and going crazy in the forums! Just like Anthony "kid-mesh" said the Atmosphere is amazing! Even being at Siggraph this past year, everyone around the AM booth and party had a crazy vibe going.

Best thing on earth being around so many motivated and positive people!! HAHAH this is sweet!

[binz]

Just as a note, make sure you guys all go into your settings and change you automatic IM status to "available" so that I can stalk you and let you know how excited I am (in case you didn't already know).

Oh the giddiness.

[AkaKico]

Bah! I can't get on! Anyone else getting a "Incorrect username or password." message? I know it's right because it remembers it from last time and worked then! :(

[DigitalToon2]

Not to worrry. You won't be able to login till around 12pm PST.

[Nucleo]

Hey guys, anyone can login to AM? I cant currently its been like that several hours. Is it because of the in betweens terms and how long does it last??

Thanks

[Meike]

you know, they warned you about this :rolleyes:

it'll probably last another 10 minutes because that's when the first term oficially starts,
but maybe it'll take a little longer, who knows! relax..

[JavierLoredo]

I agree with Meike!

Technically, they supposed to let you logg in like in about 5 to 6 minutes more, but like Meike said, you never know and they might take a little bit longer.

Right while you guys wait, you guys can check that everything is ready with webcam just in case we have a Q&A with the mentor and everything else needed.

Ok guys, see you in a little bit!

F. Javier Loredo

[Nucleo]

yeah hehe you see thats the problem they warned me and i knew this would but i still cant help click the sign in every two min i was watching all those videos and forums and everything!!! I need more


Wateeer... Breath...

[AJ]

Wateeer... Breath...
...Gargle...Choke!....*cough*...splutter...wheeze....
:p

[Meike]

allright, I'm back in ;)

[AkaKico]

Okay... I still can't get in! Can anybody see what class I'm in? It should be one of the Class 4 mentors. I haven't heard back from any AM staff yet but I'm trying... :cry:

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Chris!

I just looked up your profile and it says that you're in Advanced Acting class and your mentor is Martin Hopkins.

I hope they get in contact with you so you can log back in.

See you around in campus!

F. Javier Loredo

[JavierLoredo]

Hello everybody!

I know that now that we started classes it's going to be a little harder to post here, but I'll try my best to keep posting and bringing more energy to everybody here and to future AM students.

I have to say that I can't ask for anything else after joining Animation Mentor. AM has everything I need to learn animation and grow as an artist.

I just had first Q&A in my second day of class with my mentor Brett Coderre. It was a really an experience that I will never forget! I have a great class!:buttrock:

Ok guys, have a good day!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Meike]

ooooh, mine isn't untill tomorrow!


(it's at 6 in the morning.. lol. so worth it!)

[JavierLoredo]

You're going to love it Meike! You will learn so much in that hour or two that you will be amazed! Good luck to you with your Q&A and class. The same for the rest of you guys! Keep animating! :bounce:


F. Javier Loredo.

[jakekhaos]

Hi guys! You're already making me so anxious to start in january! (At least it gives me time to get a new computer... hope the modbook comes out by then!)

I have a quick question though. Are the Q&A's based on a weekly schedule? Cause I don't wanna miss a single one. If they're at random times, it would be hard for me to switch shifts at work so I can participate in them. Are they at a set time and will I know this before I start on January 7th?

[AkaKico]

Always the same. But it will change when you go to a new Mentor!

[mysrh]

Heya Jacob. I'm in the same situation, I have a shift work at a casino bar, AM sent me an email saying that I only need to email the registrar prior to the beginning of each class. So basically you just need to be in contact to change your schedule.

And I just got an email that I am accepted for Winter 2008. Now to arrange for payment.

[tuderose]

travis, where are you?

[JavierLoredo]

Hello everbody!

I have to say that this first week has been a dream come true and a great experience that will be hard to forget. The fact that everybody have been so welcoming and very helpful to us that just started this week. We all had our first Q&A (Meeting with the teacher), and we also had an extra Q&A with one of the Co-Founders of Animation Mentor Carlos Baena. I have to say that in just one week, I've learn so much from my mentors and classmates that makes me so comfortable to create great work, to learn and sharing your knowledge with others.

I just wanted to pass by and tell you guys a little bit of what have been going with my experience at Animation Mentor. Good luck for those starting in Winter Term and for those who are thinking of learning some good animation, stop thinking and apply!

CLASS FALL 07' WAAAAHHHHH!:applause: hehehe!

I see you guys later and God Bless!

F. Javier Loredo.

[mysrh]

Hey Javier, thanks for that, keep informing us about the course so I know what to expect.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey whats up Yonas!

No problem buddy!

But remember that one of the coolest things about going to Animation Mentor is that you're not aware of all the things the website has to offer you, so when you get there you're like: WOW this is so cool!! Ohh and look at this too! kind of feeling. For me it was! :)

Everything at Animation Mentor it's easy and fun to learn. Good luck again!

See you guys later!

F. Javier Loredo.

[Reflexx]

I'm in Class 2 and all I can say is, "Wow."

Remember everything you learned in class 1 because you're going to put it to use!

Also, in class 2 you'll do planning in a lot greater detail than class 1, so you might want to get your mind ready for it when you're doing your class 1 planning.

[timeless3d]

travis, where are you?

Rose! I haven't gone far! I decided that the 18 month course is just to fast for me, and I am taking a break this term. I'm also taking a couple classes at UC(incinnati) and practicing some modeling. I know it's not important to have the greatest props in AM, but I felt a little limited by my modeling skills last term (class 3).

Everybody, enjoy the Fall term! I will be back!

[aland05]

Hello Everyone! Does anybody here know if switching weekly meeting times during one of the 3 month classes is possible? Not every week, just once. My current job will be going from 2nd shift to 1st shift sometime during the second class. (I expect around April-May) I have been looking for another job to get before ANY classes start but finding comprable pay has proven difficult thus far. Has anyone had a similar problem with having to change a class time?

[Bentagon]

aland05: I remember a classmate changing from mentor about halfway through a class, but I can't say for sure that it's for this reason. I would assume that if there's no way around it, you'll be able to do this. In any case, if you can avoid it, do so. It's more difficult for you as well as both the mentors you'll have then.

[timeless3d]

If you are saying you are going to have to miss one week, that shoudn't be too bad, just tell your mentor in advance what week you will be missing and ask someone in your class to take notes for you.

sorry if i am misunderstanding

[aland05]

If you are saying you are going to have to miss one week, that shoudn't be too bad, just tell your mentor in advance what week you will be missing and ask someone in your class to take notes for you.

sorry if i am misunderstanding


It wouldn't be missing one class, but the time I could attend class would have to change. My job is full time from 3:30pm- Midnight and would be switched to 7am-3:30pm permanently. So for the first half of the class I would have the weekly meeting in the morning and then after the shift change the class time would need to be in the evenings from then on. I'm currently trying to find another job before AM even starts to avoid this but I am asking in case I can't do that in time.
Thank you all for your replies!

[Mechis]

You should just call Animation Mentor and ask them if they can accomodate you.
~Mechis

[pustulax]

hello world,

I'll be part of the fun for the winter 2008 session, and I'll be glad to share passion with all of you student and mentor in this adventure !!!

just to introduce myself :
I'm french (I hope that my english is enough comprensible...)
I'm 27
I'm working as en engineer (civil servant working for the construction of road and bridge... geotechnical field to be precise)
I'm quite bored with this job and I'm want to try a 180° turn to do something that I think I would enjoy!!
I'm married , I have got a 11month little daughter (I'm very proud of her....I'm silly about that.. really gaga) and err.... that's all I think

oh yes, my worst fear his that I 'm not a very talented drawer and I hardly improve myself :rolleyes:!!! Hope the declic will come in this field!!!

I'm very impatient, see you soon :)

[d_jnaneswar]

Is AM site down for me or for everyone else?

[Badger]

I think so DJ...

[d_jnaneswar]

so you think its just me not being able to get in?

[factorblank]

It's been down for me for a couple hours. :(

At least we get a dance in the Video News next week. :)

[mysrh]

Hello Everyone! Does anybody here know if switching weekly meeting times during one of the 3 month classes is possible? Not every week, just once. My current job will be going from 2nd shift to 1st shift sometime during the second class. (I expect around April-May) I have been looking for another job to get before ANY classes start but finding comprable pay has proven difficult thus far. Has anyone had a similar problem with having to change a class time?

Hi Alan, I have a fulltime job in hospitality industry which puts me in different roster every 2 - 4 weeks. I asked about this and got reply that all I need to do is contacting the registrar about changing the Q&A schedule.

[mitchmatch]

Hi,

I new to this thread, I start AM in Jan. I was wondering if you guys could answer a question for me, do we find out who out first mentor is before school starts on Jan 7th or on the first day?
Anyway I look forward to meetin some of u guys come Jan

[AJ]

Hi Mitch,

You find out who your mentor is before the term starts. I can't remember exactly when but I think it's the week before.

Hope that helps!

[mitchmatch]

Thxs AJ, man I can't wait to get started.

[JavierLoredo]

Hey Mitch!

I'm Javier and nice to meet you by the way! You're going to love it here at AM!

If I remember I found who my mentor was I think that weekend before the terms started, but it could be earlier and depends how they are doing for next term.

I look forward to see you around next term! Good luck!

Javi.

[mlmiller1983]

Are there any other XSI users enrolled in Animation Mentor or is it recommended that we just suck it up and purchase Maya?

[hiasakite]

Yes there are XSI users, but keep in mind that all tutorials etc. are made with maya in mind. Then again the graph editor etc is pretty much the same in all packages. The big problem are the models. I know some have been ported to other products, but some may not have been.

You can most likely get through the first term without purchasing maya because it is mostly about simple models that have definitely been ported.

Then again, maya 2008 for students is something like 3-400$. Considering you are dishing out 16k$ for AM anyway and dont have to buy anything else really afterwards... (maybe one or two books and QT pro)
Theres certainly no harm in learning how to animate in maya. It is after all still in very high demand in the jobmarket, compared to XSI.

[zyndikate]

This is really something I would love to do, but I cant afford it as Im a student.
I have a question to the swedish students, how did you support it financialy? Did you get any kind of CSN or such? or was it savings?
Thanks!

[Chris Bacon]

Hey everyone, Ive noticed there are a few of you going to to winter 08 class, YOUR GOING TO LOVE IT, its wierd to think I was in the same spot almost 3 months ago, the course realy makes you push yourself. the mentors are great everyone is too happy to help. and you do nitice an improvement in your work.

looking forward to see you guys around the campus

[mitchmatch]

hey I'm just curious as to wat an assignment submission is like my old school u handed in playblast only, but other friends have said their school you hand in files. how does AM do project hand ins?

[Chris Bacon]

hey I'm just curious as to wat an assignment submission is like my old school u handed in playblast only, but other friends have said their school you hand in files. how does AM do project hand ins?

Quicktime playblasts and Jpegs.

[JavierLoredo]

Hello!

I second Chris about how to hand in the assignments.

One of the most important things about the assignments is to understand and learn how animation works by studying the 12 principles of animation, acting, and a lot of tips and tricks that will help you create great animation.

So, pretty much you put all your energy and time to the animation process and if you have extra time or during breaks, you could render or texture those assignments and start putting together your progress reel, but during your term classes you don't have to worry about rendering, texturing or modeling.

You're going to love it here! Just hold for a couple of weeks! Almost there!!! :) hehehe

Have a good one guys!

Javi.

[mitchmatch]

thxs for gettin back to me so quick guys, its nice to have ppl to ask questions to. I look forward to talkin to you guys come jan. until then ill just keep drawing :)

[aland05]

Hey everybody,
I was just wondering if there are any class 1 Jan 08 students over in any of the European time zones. I live in Ohio, USA and because of my current work schedule my Q&A time will most likely be with students in The UK or France I think. So if there is anybody out there I hope to hear from you!

[lifeofillusion]

hi guys,

hope all those who have already joined AM in Oct 07 had a nice and rocking time in Class 1 and all those who are joining in Jan or later on, you have made the best decision of your life. AM is truly an awesome experience and i am sure you all will have the time of your life.

i will be seeing u all in AM and here also...so if u have questions or any things i can assist you with...do let me know...and i will be glad to help you out...

waiting for jan 7th...class 2 starts !

wishing you all a very happy new year 2008....

cheers,

Anirudh

[pustulax]

hello Alland05!
I'm from france and I'll begin AM in winter 2008
.... waiting for january the 7th

see you on the campus !!:)

[tobdog485]

AM is amazing I will be starting class 2 come Jan. 7th so all you newcomers are in for the best ride!!! So welcome and get ready for tons of fun!!! :eek:

[zzacmann]

I just wanted to pull this thread back up from the shadows since the next term will be starting back Monday. Its surprisingly quiet considering we're only 3 or 4 days away.

I'm trying to remember when we got our Mentor assignments and site access the last go around. Wasn't it the Friday or Saturday before? I'm getting revved back up. I'm really looking forward to Class 2.

[mitchmatch]

I really cant wait to find out who my mentor is and get goin at AM. 3 more days, almost there...

[mysrh]

Wondering if you have the site access restricted at the moment? Or is it just me?

[My Fault]

It is normal for the site to be down right before a new quarter starts up. Recharging their ninja batteries!

[timeless3d]

hey! i've been gone for 3 months but will be back this term. The break was awesome and refreshing but i am so very ready to come back. ive missed it like crazy and am looking forward to class 4.

it's funny, a couple weeks ago i had access for a couple days but it was like the orientation info like you have access to going into class 1 (no buddy lists or forums, etc.) but there was no mentor assigned. Now i don't have any access and I am so anxious to find out who my mentor is and my qa time. i guess it won't be till monday now :(

Good luck to n00bs and returnees alike, see you soon!

[mysrh]

Hey I really don't know what to expect here now with the access is being blocked. When the school starts is it an intro week or a lesson week straight away?

Also for the people who have done and are doing the course, what do you do to keep your sanity?

[sphere]

Hey I really don't know what to expect here now with the access is being blocked. When the school starts is it an intro week or a lesson week straight away?

Also for the people who have done and are doing the course, what do you do to keep your sanity?

Yeah that's what I am wondering. I still need to get a couple of things and my internet won't be activated until the end of the week. For now I'll be going to another place for the net, but hopefully it will be just an intro week as it will make things a bit easier.

[zzacmann]

mysrh: Im going into class 2, so I've only done the waiting for the term to start thing once before, but last time we had access to the site and our mentor assignments at least 2 or 3 days ahead of time. Weird. I guess everyones going to get access Monday at 12 PST now.

Anyway, the first week is just watching all the orientation videos (probably a good 1.5 - 2 hours worth) and getting familiar with the site. Your first assignment is given the first week, but its just to fill out your personal information, upload an avatar, and introduce yourself in the first Q&A, or at least send a message to your class introducing yourself if you can't make the Q&A.

Sphere: You shouldn't have too much trouble doing that from an alternate location your first week. Don't worry about it. Just hope that your alternate location has a comfortable chair because the orientation videos are going to take a while.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I just remembered that AM was moving to a new building over the break so I guess maybe they're still trying to get everybody/thing settled in.

[lifeofillusion]

hi there,

i guess zzacmann has said it all...first week is generally an easy week specially for class 1 new entries as there is no assignment for the first week.

though for later classes, frm first week itself the assignment starts as in terms of planning, and not actual animation..

so see u all at AM now...all u new students, u hav started ur new year with a bang what with starting AM...and my fellow class mates, time to spend more time in front of the comp begins !!!

cheers,

Anirudh

[JavierLoredo]

Hey everybody!

I just wanted to stop by and congratulate everybody that had a great time last term, specialy for those in class 1 now going for class2, other advanced classes, and for the new students starting Monday in class 1.

This is going to be another great term with a lot of new things to learn and animate!

I wish everybody the best luck in this new year and remember to stay positive all the way.

See you guys Monday! Keep animating! :)

-Javier

[mysrh]

Is the time zone used in Pacific Time? Is there a site to do the conversion of time. What I have atm is time showing my current time here and the time at different zone. What I need is a tool to do the conversion to plan my Q&A schedule because I work on roster basis so there's time I may need to change my Q&A.