CGTalk - is Academy of Arts a good school to go to

strick9

06-07-2004, 09:39 PM

Hi guys,

I am back also. I was in SF for 3 days, took care of getting my apartment. I got a one bedroom on Leavenworth. I love this city, I really love the views, and the weather. I went on the tour of the school, and I must say I was much more impressed with the student work I saw at the school, rather then the stuff I saw in their Gallery catalog, especially the 2D animation work. The girl giving the tour caused me to chuckle a few times, as she was pretty clueless. She said a couple of whoppers like when she was explaining the Pixar sclasses she said " You get in these classes you are garenteed a job at Pixar" Geez I know they a trying to sell me on the school, but come on :rolleyes: She also said that the student work in the foundation part of the Spring show was by "students who have never drawn anything before coming to the Academy" :rolleyes: Anyways, I have very good impressions of the school, It's students, and the facility, and especially San Francisco.

I skateboard in my free time, and I had fun skating the hills, and Pier 7 while I was here, but the wind is killer at times. I move out on June 30th, and hopefully I'll be able to pick up some part time work until school starts, to help buy some supplies. Anyways I'll be down for meeting up with any school attendees, or CGTalkers after my move, as I don't know anybody in the city.

PM me if anybody wants to go skating or hang out, talk CG, animation or whatever.

dragonswhip

06-07-2004, 10:52 PM

I am posting this here since alot of you guys are going to sf to attend the AAC.

I lived on Post & Jones for a number of years while I was at AAC.

So you newbies at AAC here are some cheap places to eat for your buck.

Real Philly cheesesteaks and I mean the real ones not that California shit they served in other places. Also ask to get frequent card, after ten visits they give you one free.

Cheese Steak Shop (Sutter & Scott)
Not sure address but here is # 415-346-3712

Judah Okazuya (look in whitepages phonebook) Big ass sushis. $20 can fill you up. Have to take the Judah line.

Osha Thai Noodle (Geary & Leavenworth)
Lots of AAC students go here. They give you alot of food for the price and open till 2 or 3 at night. Long lines during dinner time, but worth waiting if you have a budget. You can ask for mild or spicy for you guys who can't stand the HEAT.

Shalimar ( Jones & Geary)
Indian food. The best place to go for Indian. Sort of a dive but good food. You can't missed it since you can smell the food for 3 blocks away. Open to 2pm for lunch and 5 or 5:30 for dinner.

Chinatown or clement st. have great prices for fruits and vegetables. Plus have lots of this and that kind of item you will find. You just need to wonder around. Oh, you can also BARAGAIN for prices so don't just settle. Alot of americans and tourists don't and get cheated so bargain,bargain.

Tattoos
Go to Lyle Tuttle on North beach.
Ask for Iggy. Great shop and reasonable prices.
Tattoo City also great place but too expensive.

SkatePark (down south of SF )
http://www.gomilpitas.com/Vans.htm
Great Mall, 1150 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas, CA.
call 408-262-0703
Sometimes you will bump into Steve Cabellero.

silicate

06-08-2004, 01:29 AM

Originally posted by dragonswhip

Tattoos
Go to Lyle Tuttle on North beach.
Ask for Iggy. Great shop and reasonable prices.
Tattoo City also great place but too expensive.

:D hey that is good to know cause I am looking to get a tattoo in the next few years! Will probably happen sometime around when I'm up there in SF for AAU.

Thanks for the great tips, I will check all those places out when I finaly get up there!

jennifer1013

06-08-2004, 01:34 AM

I attended the AAC (or AAU now) and studied under the illustration/2D animation department for 5 years.

My train of thought was - why pay all that money for software that you could most likely learn on your own? It's hard, and requires lots of focus and patience, but it can be done. There are so many talented traditional artists at the AAC - masters in thier field. It would be a waste to attend the school, studying animation, and not take advantage of learning from these talented folks.

If I could give any advice, take more traditional art classes and get a solid foundation. Drawing skills will take you so far...if you can use the computer and a no.2 pencil - you'll be much more valuble to a studio. You also have something to fall back on if the 3D industry ever goes under (but not likely ):)

I took drawing classes and learned 3D on my own after graduation. If you have strong traditional animation skills, learning the computer is just another tool - and once you have a handle on the software - can start creating some amazing stuff!

strick9

06-08-2004, 02:20 AM

Osha Thai Noodle (Geary & Leavenworth)

I think I live right next door to this place, does it have green trim around the top?

dragonswhip

06-08-2004, 02:56 AM

If they are still open.
There is a bar on Taylor and Sutter Sts.
Called Who's Your Daddy? $5 off on a pitcher of beer if your AAC student must be 21.

Pickup extra cash. Apply working front desk at Crunch (right beside 79 New Montgomery building) or Pinnacle Fitness( Under Bart station on Post St).
Students from AAC usually work the desk.
Cool people and free membership. Lots of time to study or do sketches...easy job.

dragonswhip

06-08-2004, 03:03 AM

Dont know if they change thier sign but usally they have a neon sign in front.
On Geary and Leavenworth.
Can't miss it is on the corner and the
#38 Muni bus stops right on front.

Good place to eat. I think most meals are around $5-8 which is alot better than eating junk food.

:thumbsup:

SheepFactory

06-08-2004, 03:15 AM

just dont eat meatballs there , fair warning.

I would recommend: Wing Lum , chinese restaurant on polk street between sutter and post , awesome food for cheap.

Also Sliders on the corner of polk and sutter make great burgers.

If you are downtown , firewood cafe in metreon has the best food you can eat downtown between classes compared to other alternatives.

Blondies Pizza on powell street is also another great & cheap place to eat.

]_onewolf

06-08-2004, 05:48 AM

hey strick9. im coming this fall too, and i just picked up blading so maybe we can skate sometime, eh? BUT NOTE....im really crap :buttrock:

solarisavenger

06-08-2004, 06:17 AM

what about indian restaurants? SHEESH! thats one of the cheapest places for some really good food. there is a really good one called shalimar at jones street and o'farrel. Good food and a complementary indian tea which u must try. There is also an all u can eat indian buffet and that is cheap too.

GreenBox

06-11-2004, 12:13 AM

I've been on this site for a few months now, just reading the threads and thinking but i have a question:

I want a degree school(not a crash course, 1 year school )
but there are quite a few out there, so i need some advise.

Which of the following colleges is better and for what reasons - Cogswell College(WA.), Ringling , and the Academy of Art University in CA.(AAC, obviously for this thread but compared to others)?

Thanks a lot for your help

GB

dragonswhip

06-11-2004, 02:41 AM

I would say AAC (AAU) wouldn't be a good school to go since they constantly keep changing thier classes. So you never know when you will be finished.
It can take you 4 or 5 years.
This is my experience.

I know people in the biz that never finished school or just went at the AAC for a few years than later just taught themself the necassary software.

The Art Institute has a very good program for Game Art. Many instructors have worked in the field of 3D games or movies.
Plus it is only for 2 years and you take only the necassary classes.

Some traditional classes such as drawing, figure drawing, sculpture, animation, lighting plus 3d classes are good.

Everyone has different experience in college so 4 years or 2 years it all depends on you. How much time do you want to spend and how much money are you willing to spend?

I always suggest which ever one chooses they have to be fully commited and look for internships as soon as possible.

EA has summer internships in San Francsico area. Smaller studios are always willing to get extra help so have to do cold calls and just ask.

solarisavenger

06-11-2004, 05:42 AM

Ok here is my opinion.
If u have the drive and the dedication one can get places no matter what.
You come from Clown School or AI or VFS or even AAU. If u have the DRIVE and the COMMITMENT to do your work and get a demo reel going thats kicks ass in the end its your dedication and not the school.
Whats makes AAU stand out is not its awesome art cirriculum (and if u have heard such a thing u are so mistaken!) but rather who you meet and network. Its like a huge siggraph convention or a party full of cg artists. You have to meet and mingle and get to know those in the industry.
You may have a kick ass demo reel (which in my opinion is never true becuase there is always someone better than u) u need someone to see it to get a gig.
The only university that is really good at this is the AAU.
Its not the education, its not the fine art classes, its not even the expensive maya classes that can be learnt in your room, but rather its the freinds u make and the people u network that will get u the job.
I pay a whole lot of money for only that reason to be honest and also to learn a few tips and tricks about what I want to become.
The rest is upto you. If you have an awesome demo reel and u just want to polish ur skills then aau is not for you. If u want to network and meet people and learn at the same time then aau welcome you.

Rkhon

06-11-2004, 06:43 AM

Thanks solaris, thats a good perspective I haven't heard, but have been looking for.

GreenBox

06-11-2004, 06:54 PM

Thanks for the replies.

AAU is accredited correct?
BTW, no, i dont have a demo reel at all, so its not like i even know maya so i need practically everything i can get along with connections.

Also, how is the Art Institute's Animation program. You said the game one was good, but how is the Animation?

dragonswhip

06-11-2004, 07:47 PM

Basicly you should do research or get a tour of the place you want to go.

Art institute has a 4 year degree. It is a little to much in way of classes go.
I would just try to take only the classes that that is necassary.

http://www.aicasf.artinstitutes.edu/programdegrees.asp?pid=9&dtid=3&display=program

Intensity

06-13-2004, 11:43 PM

I visited a ITT Tecnical school and got a great foundation with a lot of self dedication.

Go for it if you have the loot.

3D graphic designer (http://www.intensedevelopment.net)
Business web site design ("")

Rkhon

06-14-2004, 05:44 AM

"I visited a ITT Tecnical school and got a great foundation with a lot of self dedication."

You finished a program there? Because I did, and I was extremely dissappointed in their multimedia program.

Digiegg

06-14-2004, 07:02 AM

Right now I'm looking at the class courses.
Seems like IT's not Computer ART anymore.
It's now in different majors.

BFA::::

BFA Animation: Computer 3D modeling
BFA Animation: Background Painting
BFA Animation: Character Animation
BFA Animation: Games
BFA Animation: Storyboard
BFA Animation: Visual Develop
BFA Animation: VFX/Compositing

Each are all 4 year courses.
My counsler said it was like that because companies want you for the specific skills...
But I want to be able to learn everything...

I guess i'll learn 3D modeling and learn animating while modeling...

chadlychoo

06-17-2004, 07:34 AM

Hey guys

I'm transferring to AAU this fall into the 3d animation course and hopefully my sis will come along with me and study graphic design. I would be a third year at SCAD and my sister....well, lets just say she doesn't even know what year she is. ;) She could probably start as a sophomore at AAU but I'm going to try and get her to start fresh because the school she was going to gave her a horrible foundations education, if any.

We've got a few questions about the city and life in san fran we were hoping you good folks could answer.

#1 How is the weather out there?

#2 There were a few post about the food SF has to offer but I didnt see anything in there about good Mexican food. We're from New Mexico so we were hoping there are some good Mexican places to eat out there.

#3 DO THEY SERVE DR. PEPPER IN RESARUNTS!?!? They have that mr. pidd crap out here in savannah and Florida....we loooooove our dr. pepper! :p

#4 How close is the beach to the school area and how nice is it?

#5 What do you guys do for fun out there? My sis will be 21 in July and I've got about 14 months till I turn the big 2-1 (but I still can go out with my of-age pals). ;) We're both serious about our work but we also like to loosen up and p-a-r-t-y when we've got the time. :beer: We also like to just chill and hang out, play games, watch movies, etc...

#6 What are the people like out there? Hope it won't be too hard to meet people.

#7 Now on to apartments... So if my sis comes we are going to get an apartment together. Where are the best places to look? How much should we expect to pay for a 2BR apartment close to AAU? We both have cars and we both want to have them there so how bad is the parking? Is it reasonable to have a car or should we invest in a bus pass? Do most apartments give you parking spaces?

If my sis decides to go back to Albuquerque NM I'll probably end up in the dorms for a bit so I can meet people and stuff. :hmm:

Anyways, we're both really excited about moving out there and I know we'll have a great time out there. We're planning on visiting the city for 3-4 days sometime early in July so maybe we could meet up with some of you and you guys could show us what san fran is all about!

Feel free to PM me or IM me (AIM: TheChad0815).

Digiegg

06-17-2004, 10:33 AM

Well if you go to my website you can see the pictures I took in San Francisco. I went around and took ALOT of pics so I suggest you check out my website forum. =)
www.digiegg.com

And I'll try to answer some of your question!
I'm going there this Fall also with ]_onewolf
We're inthe 860 Sutter dormatory.

#1 How is the weather out there?
When I went it was pretty sunny from mornin to afternoon.
It does get very chilly there at night time. Also a bit chilly during the afternoon hours so I suggest you bring long sleevs or few jackets to keep ya warm

#4 How close is the beach to the school area and how nice is it?
From what I've been told by the counsler, not alot of people visit the beach since it's mostly chilly there. She said when it's hot out, people do crowd around the beach. When I went I saw surfers surfing next to the rocks under the Golden Gate Bridge

#5 What do you guys do for fun out there? My sis will be 21 in July and I've got about 14 months till I turn the big 2-1 (but I still can go out with my of-age pals). ;) We're both serious about our work but we also like to loosen up and p-a-r-t-y when we've got the time. :beer: We also like to just chill and hang out, play games, watch movies, etc...
haha I'm 19 so I don't know much about the party life there. I did see strip clubs and etc. But seriously, in San Francisco, you don't have to be 21 to have fun like others said before. There are so many things you can do!!!

#6 What are the people like out there? Hope it won't be too hard to meet people.
When I went people were all very friendly. I guess they are used to having tourists around all the time.

#7 Now on to apartments... So if my sis comes we are going to get an apartment together. Where are the best places to look? How much should we expect to pay for a 2BR apartment close to AAU? We both have cars and we both want to have them there so how bad is the parking? Is it reasonable to have a car or should we invest in a bus pass? Do most apartments give you parking spaces?
www.craiglist.com should do it =)

Man I'm excited too! I'm coming from oppisite side of the US.
Washington DC area. =)
When I visited, I loved it there!! So much to see!!! I love the bay area too. I like to fish so I guess I'll go fishing sometimes =)
I'm gonna be there on the 15th to get into dorms.
We should all set something up to meet each other one day before classes start.

JOSEPH!!!! EMAIL ME BACK ROOMIE! WE GOT THE ROOM!
=) I NEED TO TALK TO U ABOUT WHAT WE ARE BRINGING!

Ok. See you soon man!!! :bounce:

Digiegg

06-17-2004, 10:33 AM

double.. sorry

Digiegg

06-17-2004, 10:33 AM

Triple post.

]_onewolf

06-17-2004, 02:23 PM

lol...triple post:surprised:

Morganism

06-17-2004, 02:56 PM

Chad:
Tell your sister that the foundation courses are worth taking but by all means transfer as many liberal arts credits as you can.

About transportation, I've been here two years now and there hasn't been a single day that I missed having a car. Out here I think they're more trouble than they're worth. You can get anywhere in the city and back with a $1.25 on MUNI. I walk to all my classes, so I don't even get the bus pass.
Parking is a pain in the butt and expensive. The apartment where I live charges an extra 300 bucks a month if you want a parking space.

Morganism

06-17-2004, 02:57 PM

double post

Morganism

06-17-2004, 03:02 PM

Triple Post

Morganism

06-17-2004, 03:02 PM

Hey, it's being all wacky......sorry for the mulitple replies.

chadlychoo

06-17-2004, 07:15 PM

Thanks for the info guys! It all sounds good. NissanSexima, I saw your pics when you first posted them, they got me all pumped I've never lived in a city like san fran before, everything looks awesome. I wanna bring a tent and just live outside that Bently dealership :bowdown: Oh and BTW, its http://www.craigslist.org not .com. The link you posted is some porn site.

Morganism> I'll be sure to tell my sis about the foundations. About the cars, I think I can live without a car if I have to but my sis is very stubborn about it. When I told her what you said she got all mad... "I NEED my car!" :rolleyes: what a dork.

I've got a few more questions about the school for you guys.
>I don't know why I don't know this but...yeah, when does school start?

>What are the schedules like? At SCAD there were no Friday classes and classes were broken up in to M/W TUE/TH. SCAD is on the quarter system so that meant we only had three classes a quarter and we also got a LONG winter break (from a few days before thanksgiving to a few days after new years).

>I'm working at getting my classes transferred right now and so far they've only given me a few credits, which really sucks. My Articulation Officer (a very unpleasant individual by the way) said I just needed to send in a reel with all of my work from SCAD on it to get other classes transferred, but my advisor said I need to contact each department head of the classes I want to transfer and see what I need to do from there. Maybe one of you can shed some light on what I need to be doing here because the admins over there aren't very helpful.

>I'm checking out craiglist.org which has a bunch of nice listings (man o' man its expensive to live in san fran!!!) but the listings are all over the place, gilroy, south county, cupertino, santa rosa, sunnyvale, albany, el cerrito, alameda, oakland hills, sausalito, etc. etc. Do you guys have any suggestions on good places to live? We're looking for a easy commute (if any), nice area, not to expensive, and good public transportation if we can’t take cars.

Morganism> Since you've been there two years, is the weather usually like what Nissan said?

I know some of these questions may be weird but I have a very picky sister. :shrug: I'm usually down for whatever, she’s the weird one. If I come up with any more I'll post em' here.

Thanks,
Adios

chadlychoo

06-17-2004, 07:31 PM

double post...

chadlychoo

06-17-2004, 07:35 PM

Whats with this topic triple posting? :shrug:

Morganism

06-17-2004, 07:41 PM

Schedules:
we're on 15 week semesters, 4 classes is a full load. You can take 5 and some crazy people take 6, but that's nuts. I can't handle more than 4 if I really want to do well. Most major classes are 3 hours once a week, but some foundations are 6 hours (like the drawing classes). The summer semester goes twice as fast, so you have class twice a week for 7 weeks.

when you look on craigslist, you might want to open up a map, also. Most of those places you listed are cities, and some are quite far away. If you want to be close to school, look for Downtown, SOMA, Nob Hill.....those are some districts that are nearby. Anyway.

The weather, is.......fickle. I haven't really seen any repeating pattern yet. When I got up this morning is was pretty chilly, and now I've got the fan running to keep cool.

Digiegg

06-18-2004, 02:13 AM

]_onewolf is my room mate and I hate him because he doens't reply to my emails!!!!! :p

Dude we gotta talk on the phone man!!!!

chadlychoo

06-18-2004, 02:57 AM

Originally posted by NissanSexima
]_onewolf is my room mate and I hate him because he doens't reply to my emails!!!!! :p

Dude we gotta talk on the phone man!!!!

Be sure to get a George Forman grill! They make good food fast and are easy to hide from the RAs! :thumbsup:

How big are the dorm rooms at AAU? I may end up in the dorms if my sister chickens out.

Digiegg

06-18-2004, 03:45 AM

i heard dorming is REALLY bad.. there.
hahaha but I'm gonna stay there for a year or a semester since I want to get to know people.

]_onewolf

06-18-2004, 02:22 PM

hey what do u mean i dont reply, hehe sure i do :)
hey if u want to talk on the phone thats fine with me, cause i bought this phone card to talk for extra cheap to the USA. Ive been using it to call the school, but still have lots of credit left on it. EMAIL ME, and ill reply back within a day :rolleyes:

Digiegg

06-18-2004, 07:19 PM

check pm u lazy butt

]_onewolf

06-22-2004, 05:52 AM

dude i did...now check urs.

anyway, man its so weird how they frequently change the course n stuff! confusing as....pie!

mmm pie..... :drool:

Digiegg

06-25-2004, 06:37 PM

my email is acting weird right now but i'll fix it soon. Joe I sent you email.
Just call me whenever man!

And for the NEW STUDENTS FOR FALL

When are you guys planning to check in dorm? It starts August 15th and I'm planning to go there August 15th. Was wondering so we can meet up and chill somewhere.:thumbsup:

silicate

06-28-2004, 10:02 PM

Hey guys
#3 DO THEY SERVE DR. PEPPER IN RESARUNTS!?!? They have that mr. pidd crap out here in savannah and Florida....we loooooove our dr. pepper! :p

ha ha I wish that was all I was worried about ;). Don't be too hard on Mr. Pibb, just because he didn't finish medical school though, ;).

#4 How close is the beach to the school area and how nice is it?

I'm wondering this also, I do know how close it is though, I've lived in the Bay Area before. It's with in reasonable driving distance 7-8 miles, plus I beleive I saw buses that go there when I was over there. It's on the other side of the city starting past the Golden Gate Park. Anyway it must be closer than from where I live to Malibu/Zuma, about 38 miles, which is where I always go now. BUT... I'm wondering if there are any other Bodyborders at AAU. I'm not really a surfer type but in the last few years I've taken up bodyboarding (you may call it boogieboarding **shudders). I love to go with other people, plus it's safer that way. Also it's alot funner when you have other people with you to make you want to get out for the big waves. I'm not sure what I think about the waters off San Francisco being Great White hunting grounds though... mostly I'm not scared because if I should die I don't have to pay back all my debt (thus I win ;)). he he it's also reletively cheap to get into which is why I started doing it versus surfing.

chadlychoo

06-28-2004, 10:20 PM

When are you guys planning to check in dorm? It starts August 15th and I'm planning to go there August 15th. Was wondering so we can meet up and chill somewhere.:thumbsup:
Do the dorms really open up for the fall on Aug. 15th? School doesn't start till Sept. 4th....its crazy that they give you that much time. (BTW the 15th is my birthday :buttrock:)

silicate> I went bodyboarding in Hawaii, it was so much fun! I also never got into surfing, don't really have the money for that. I wouldn't mind a little drive to the beach, in savannah its a half hour drive to get to the beach. Now though, I live in Jacksonville Beach FL where the beach is just down the street....JAX beach is sooo nice too.

darktding

06-29-2004, 03:44 PM

So how many here are coming for the fall semester?
I would be nice to have a small get together.
860 dorm has a really cool soda machine but its gaurded by this really crazy old man so be WARNED not to take too much.

Unled

06-29-2004, 08:17 PM

Hey Redwolf, I'm poor too man. I'm taking a large leap of faith by taking out student loans and financial aid to pay for school. It's scary, but I think of it as an investment into my future. Oh and knowing you're going to owe that much money after you get out of school really makes you want to bust your ass twice as hard.

all this talk about that school is making me sooo damn depressed... ITs soooo Expensive... but i know a lot of people who study hard at other cheaper schools and then get a scholorship and then go to AAC ... But that place is like my dream college... id give up any appandage just to go there...

:cry: i hate being poor...

danteort

06-30-2004, 02:35 AM

Digiegg

06-30-2004, 03:00 AM

Do the dorms really open up for the fall on Aug. 15th? School doesn't start till Sept. 4th....its crazy that they give you that much time. (BTW the 15th is my birthday :buttrock:)

Yea but I got a mail saying that check in starts in August 15th. Probably because they want new students to look around and get used to the city =)

New guys! If you are interested in meeting up in AAU, PM me so I can try to get something going? I have my own forum so I can create something small for AAU section. PM ME or AIM me: Digi3gg
And also you don't have to be new to join us at the newbies meeting =)

Unled

07-01-2004, 06:11 PM

Homework is fun!

macboy

07-05-2004, 03:28 AM

WOW! Looking at ya'll prepared with dorms and everything scares me to an extend. Im checking in this fall too and I haven't got a foggiest idea as to where im living. This could be a start!

Nissan, im gonna IM you real soon bro.

Guys, if I choose to dorm, which one's probably better than the other's? .. wait, can I even choose, or they just give em to you?

Digiegg

07-05-2004, 05:09 PM

hey, im me anytime man: digi3gg
Yes you can choose what dorm you WANT to be in.
If those dorms are full they will just pick u a dorm . you get 3 choices.
I'm in the 860 Sutter one.
You should hurry up and try to sign up for housing!

darktding

07-05-2004, 07:46 PM

We must have a small meetup of all those new aau students? What does ever1 here think?
Looks like there are 4-5 new students who are coming down.
Since classes start only on September 2nd and many of you all are coming down after Aug18th we can have a small meetup.
Hope many of you all register your classes becuase if u do it in the last miniute you may not get a schedule that suits you best.
PM me for any infor about classes or dorm infos.

silicate

07-07-2004, 11:40 PM

Just noticed they are having an Academy Day in Chicago. Incase anyone from there is lurking in this thread. Good way to get all the info you need.

http://www.academyart.edu/academyday/

Incedently does anyone know what the deadlines are for registration? I'm sure it's WAY too late for Fall 2004 right? What about Spring 2005? I can't seem to find them on their site.

chadlychoo

07-07-2004, 11:55 PM

Heh, you can probably register for fall the day before classes start. Its actually more like a week before classes start...but you still have plenty of time.

Kwe

07-18-2004, 07:35 AM

Hi guys...I, too, am planning to attend AAU this fall...though, I'll be commuting from Vacaville for the first semester. I heard the dorms suck and I don't know anyone near San Francisco for me to buddy up with.

A question to current students (because I don't feel like reading 36 pages)...is AAU worth your time/money and are you having a good time?

Rkhon

07-18-2004, 10:09 PM

I'm crunching in my debate for what school to go to...have been for the last 2 years. Between AAU, Gnomon, VFS, RISD, or self teaching.

And hey...I think reading through 36 pages to find out if a school is worth your time or money is well...worth the read lol. Ive read books and books of school stuff. Also read on conceptart.org site and some others, as there are different opinions around.

Kwe

07-18-2004, 11:41 PM

And hey...I think reading through 36 pages to find out if a school is worth your time or money is well...worth the read lol. Ive read books and books of school stuff. Also read on conceptart.org site and some others, as there are different opinions around.Yeah true...but it was kinda late and I was tired, so I was hoping for a response when I woke up. Since I have nothing else to do, I think I will go ahead and read the 36 pages. I also DID read the 2 pages at conceptart.org.

Rkhon

07-19-2004, 12:31 AM

Hehe, understandable man. The conceptart one was good because of the instructors post on the thread. Im seriously debating this or Gnomon...AAU=degree (value in the future market) Gnomon=incredible instructors (and no BS classes)

Think I'd rather live in San Fran over Hollywood though :P

Kwe

07-19-2004, 01:14 AM

Most definitely...

...I visited San Francisco once and took the bart, which doesn't seem like a bad idea for transportation. I don't know if LA/Hollywood has a similar system, but if it does I'm willing to bet it's 10 times more congested.

Rkhon

07-19-2004, 08:37 AM

Speaking of transportation.

I have a nice truck I'd like to have with me. Any info on owning a vehicle, costs, parking, etc etc?

fattyLees

07-19-2004, 05:08 PM

There are lots of good schools out there. I graduated from AAC a little over a year ago and don't have many regrets. The one really good thing about AAC is it's location and the teachers they bring in from the industry. I'm an animator and took some really great classes taught by pixar animators at AAC. For my thesis, I also got to work one on one with another pixar animator and I improved leaps and bounds. So I learned a lot about animation, the business, and made contacts ( which is how I got my first job right out of school).

Oh and read the 36 page thread lazy ass :)

-Fatty

BabeulahJ

07-19-2004, 08:37 PM

eldent

07-20-2004, 08:07 PM

i'm starting at aau this fall and i'll be moving out there in a couple of weeks. if some of you want to meet up, i'd be down for that, just give me the place and time.

does anyone know how large the animation department is? and by that i mean how many students are animation majors, how many are in each particular concentration (ie. character animation, modeling, vfx, etc.), and how many graduate each year?

-elden

chadlychoo

07-20-2004, 08:12 PM

I just got back from an interesting trip to San Fran. Aside form the seedy hotel my dad booked us in, which we later found out from the AAU admins is located just outside a bad part of the city, and my dad accidentally buying our plane tickets with the return flight scheduled for aug18th not july18th, everything was pretty cool out there. I've never been in the big city environment like that before and I must say it was very intimidating at first. It will take me a bit to adjust to that lifestyle but I think I'll be happy in San Fran. Its a lot colder there then I thought it would be!

Looks like I'm going to be living in the dorms this year. From what I saw, the droms at AAU are crap...highly overpriced crap. I'm not excited about being crammed into a tiny room with bunk-beds and no internet connection. Guess I'll just have to make the best out of it.:shrug:

NissanSexima- I'm most likely going to be in 860 Sutter so we should chat sometime. I want to meet a lot of people out there and I could always use a good drinking buddy! How did you find out who your roommate is? The housing people told me that they don't tell you ANYTHING until you check in. This is a bunch of BS if you ask me. When I applied for housing at SCAD they gave me my room number and my roommate’s phone number. How are you supposed to know what to bring to the room if you can’t talk to your roommate? AAU has a lot of stupid policies and I keep finding new ones each day. Anyhoo enough ranting, I'm going to put you on my AIM buddy list but I'll be without the internet for a while cuz today I'm moving with my parents into a new house and in a few days I go home to Albuquerque for the rest of the summer. My AIM s/n is thechad0815.

I have a nice truck I'd like to have with me. Any info on owning a vehicle, costs, parking, etc etc?
Chances are, you're going to have to leave your truck at home. I really wanted to bring my car but after visiting SF I decided that it would be WAY to expensive and WAY more of a hassle then anything else. There are plenty of forms of public transportation that seem to be pretty easy to figure out.

If anyone is interested here are some pics I took while I was there!
>CLICK ME!!< (http://vividcg.f2o.org/)

Rkhon

07-20-2004, 08:55 PM

Was afraid someone would say that. Any numbers like how much it would cost monthly for insurance, parking, gas...does anyone out there own a car? lol

silicate

07-20-2004, 09:00 PM

Hello,
I have also been looking into training at the Academy of Arts in San Francisco. I have spoken with Keith Jankins in undergraduate admissions, and read the catalog, and from what I can tell it offers the best classes for the line of work you are looking to enter. I hope to be there as early as June 2005. I would like to go sooner but I have to save alot of money to even move there much less continue to live. I know it will be incredibly expensive, but I think that that is where we both need to be! Hope to see you there!

I'm also starting next year. I hope that I can get in summer 2005 with the portfolio grant (I hope). I am just saving money (yeah right) and getting as much GE classes out of the way at my local community college. Also sort of going through a rough break up, but will be good to be single up there ;).

Rkhon:
I live about 360 or so miles south of SF and I pay about $100 or so a month for car insurance, gas prices I'm afraid are the highest in the nation. I am paying anywhere from $1.98 to $2.03 for a gallon of gas! I'm sure it's more expensive than that in SF.

The worst part about San Francisco (and L.A.) is the parking. You have to pay to part virtualy anywhere you go, plus the tolls you have to pay to get back into the city lol. I plan on ditching my car when I get there. It's a Honda Accord Lxi from 1988 and it's in bad shape I just need it to keep running untill next year. Can't sell it cause it will cost more than it's worth to fix :(.

lazynok

07-20-2004, 09:57 PM

guess i'll start posting on here too... been reading this thread since like feburary or so but never spoke out.

im also going AAU in fall 2005! from los angeles too. can't wait. taking western civilization, art history, and english fundamentals at los angeles harbor college this fall. yay. i can feel AAU getting closer

i better start learning maya and ditch lightwave though =[ well i got a year to learn basics of maya.. i tried and it's pretty hard/different. o well i'll get it eventually

yay my girlfriend is going for interior design.. whoo hooo no dorming for me

AHH can't wait... life will finally be interesting again (had no job/school in march... was in both... then they both stopped and been sitting on lightwave/forums ever since. boring life)

hope to see you all there

Intensity

07-20-2004, 10:14 PM

You can't beat the Hands on training that you get provided with. The only beating you have to take is from your wallet. (Knock up your parents if you can)

3D graphic web design (http://www.intensedevelopment.net/Tampa-Graphic-design.html)
Intense business web site design (http://www.intensedevelopment.net)

fattyLees

07-21-2004, 04:51 PM

Was afraid someone would say that. Any numbers like how much it would cost monthly for insurance, parking, gas...does anyone out there own a car? lol
If you are living in the dorms, then forget about it. Most of the dorms are located in or close enough to the finacial district that you won't be able to find parking. If you want to pay for monthly parking expect to pay around 400 a month or so ( if you can find it). Once you ditch the shitty AAU housing, then move into an apartment in the city with a drive way or someplace where finding a parking spot isn't too bad ( like the Mission, plus it's really close to school)

The 4 years I was there I never owned a car. I got a bus pass, then I got really smart and bought a bike and a skateboard. You go faster than car in the city, you have fun, and there's always parking.

My 2 cents
-Fatty

danteort

07-21-2004, 10:41 PM

I just had a question regarding Analysis of Form. I'm somewhat decent at drawing (I've taken a couple of drawing classes), though I have a few fundamental areas I'd like to improve. Would you say that Analysis of Form was worthwhile, or would it be better for me to attempt to get out of it? (I already know what I'd need to show to attempt to test out.) I understand there are free drawing workshops fairly often there.

I'm already going to send them some figure work in order to get out of basic figure drawing, since I've already had a year of it and would like to not start over.

darktding

07-22-2004, 03:47 AM

if u know how to use the charcoal and know how to show form and u can prove it via ur potfolio then yes! Go ahead and get the class waived.

Obi

07-23-2004, 11:16 PM

Hi! I was wondering which school is better for me. Gnomon vs AAC.
Could someone inform me how much i have to pay at the and of the overall course? I live in Hungary (middle europe). Two of them have a traditional arts lessons?

And don't laugh, for the school 25-35,000 $ is enough?

thanx in advance...

Rkhon

07-23-2004, 11:50 PM

Hey Obi....

Gnomon = 2 years, no degree, hollywood (quite urban), more in your price range, you can take individual courses or the certificate program which I think is around $35K.

AAU = 4+ years, BA degree or MA, San Fran (nicer of the two cities), more "fluff" classes, what is it fellas? around $70K ?

Obi

07-24-2004, 09:54 AM

Hi, thanx a lot Rkhon!

$70k is quite much for now, but i have 2-3 years to have the money. (I'm still studying in secondary grammar school. I'm 17.)

Gnomon looks good to me, but a deegre looks better (is it so important?). I prefered the gnomon, but now... i can't choose. San Fran must be a nice place, but hollywood to. I live in a small town, with 75k citizens:) (It's small but has some nice places, and has a long history)

If you were me, wich school do you choose? I would like to learn maya in depth, some technical background and some traditional arts, but not much. I'd like to be an animator or lighter... and of course modeller (who not?:)).

thanx in advance!

Rkhon

07-24-2004, 10:15 AM

I wish I could tell you which is a better choice for sure, but I am still deciding where to go next myself.

Hollywood/LA area is HUGE compared to that, I used to live in a 60k city, so I know where your coming from. San Fran is too, but not as urban persay as LA.

Most will say that degree isn't important, its all portfolio and reel. While this is true, I think that degrees will have value in the future market when everyone has a decent reel and portfolio, educated people with good portfolio/reels with degrees will get jobs over non-degree good portfolio/reels guy. It all depends on what you want to do, and can do. I can't stand fluff classes myself, but would like a degree...its a crossroad of undecisiveness.

Read up on the sites, and on forums, here and abroad. Try to talk to alumni from both, and have administration from the schools answer questions too.

lazynok

07-24-2004, 12:54 PM

If you were me, wich school do you choose? (who not?:)).
if i were you i'd choose AAU... your skill will probobly be roughly about the same when you graduate both... but here are my reasons for AAU

SAN FRANCISCO vs HOLLYWOOD.... i'm from south of hollywood.. and I'll say this.. i dont want to live anywhere near hollywood. that place is so whack and what not after living here all my life. SF is a very nice town and the surrounding communites. So i'm doing it a lot for the experience too.

AAU has a lot of teachers from inside the industry, and is in a part of the world with a lot of computer animation people to network from... while hollywood has bums.

sure gnomon is less expencive... but hey... i'd rather spend the extra money to move somewhere new and try something else... but if thats the case with you.. you can do both.

I'm sure to someone from hungary, los angeles will be a more exciting town.. but for me.. 19 years has turned it borning and SF seams like a nice place to go.

but the choice is up to you.. hope to see you at AAu though and not gnomon =]

Obi

07-24-2004, 09:43 PM

Thanx a lot!

AAU in my opinion is a very great place to go, but it's very... very expensive:( We have a flat for my education fee. It's value about $45k. It's for the tuition fee, and the accommodation in the first year and of course, the living. I'll have $4k loan... that's for the travelling and the new stuff for the flat.

I'd really love to go to AAU, but $70k _now_ is too expensive for me. I didn't know it's fee:/ But, i have 2-3 years to spare and to get a scollarship in Hungary, or in the USA.

Is there any entrance examination? Like drawing exam, will they look my 3d picture in advance, or posting a portfolio (which i want to make and send, of course if it's help)?

And one more question (i promise, this will be the last:)). Is the 4,2leaving certificate' avarage good? Will it do?

thanx in advance!

jeremybirn

07-24-2004, 11:33 PM

I've spent a few years living and working in both areas, and have visited both schools.
AAU is in the downtown of a nice city, although I was surprised someone said Gnomon area had bums and didn't mention there were more bums around AAU. Both SF and LA are interesting areas with a lot to see and do, downtown SF is more livable without a car, and in LA nobody walks and everybody drives everywhere.

Gnomon actually fills a niche in LA that would be very useful if something like it existed in the SF area: they let people enroll in individual classes that fit into their schedule, meaning that even a working professional can sign up for and take just one class at a time. There's no place in SF where someone can just take an individual Maya class like that. Gnomon also has a certificate program that gives a more complete curriculum of courses for full-time students. The certificate program actually has competetive admissions, they look at your work and only let some people in, so you'd better have a good portfolio. If it's what you can afford, and you work hard and are talented, I don't think you'd be making a bad choice.

AAU doesn't have competetive admissions, anyone who can pay the fee (or who's parents can pay the fee) is let in. Just in terms of finding jobs, I don't think a degree from AAU is any more respected than a certificate from Gnomon, if you'd made a good portfolio and demo reel. Degrees matter to other things though: getting a skilled worker visa in the US or many other countries they often look for degrees, getting loans for things like buying a car in the US they ask about degrees if you don't have an established work history, getting jobs in other industries like teaching, etc. The great thing about AAU is that it's a big community with a lot of teachers working in the industry, and a lot of students studying every area along with you (much bigger student body than Gnomon), meaning you leave with a lot of contacts.

Hope this helps,

-jeremy

Obi

07-25-2004, 10:05 AM

hope this helps,

-jeremy
Yes, it helped a lot! I got some really interesting news. The getting visa and loans things shocked me... It is an important point for me. But while I'm in school, I have to work. My parents could afford only the first year. Not the tuition fee, the living. In that case, Gnomon would be better because i could work something while I'm in the school. How thight the timetable is at AAU? Is there any chance to work after or before the lessons?

thanx in advance! You helped me a lot! (now, I'm going to AAU website... get some more informations about the classes. Is it true, that the worst drawer must pose naked in front of the class? ouch, I'm not good at drawing... but It's inspire me a lot :D )

jeremybirn

07-25-2004, 11:15 AM

Is there any chance to work after or before the lessons?
Some students do that, but it is very hard, you work all day and all night on courses, and trying to do a job at the same time can mean you are very tired. Also, there are issues for foreigners getting work, the work you can find might not be legal, so as an illegal worker people can take advantage of you if they are paying cash without any need to respect your rights.

Is it true, that the worst drawer must pose naked in front of the class?
I don't think that's true, it sounds like an urban legend, they can't force you to do that.

-jeremy

Kwe

07-25-2004, 11:40 AM

When's the first day of class for the fall semester?

Obi

07-25-2004, 12:05 PM

Some students do that, but it is very hard, you work all day and all night on courses, and trying to do a job at the same time can mean you are very tired. Also, there are issues for foreigners getting work, the work you can find might not be legal, so as an illegal worker people can take advantage of you if they are paying cash without any need to respect your rights.

I don't think that's true, it sounds like an urban legend, they can't force you to do that.

-jeremy
Hi!

I must try working and learning, in the same time but thanx the advice!

About he urban legends, i hope you're right:)))

Obi

07-25-2004, 05:05 PM

Thanx a lot for all!!!

I had a chat with my parents... To make the long story short... I'll go and see SF to AAU in 2006-7(?) fall. See you there:) And one more thanx for everyone who helped me an adviced the AAU. I hope it will good for me and find a job there.

Bye!:)))

edit: one more thing... If i would like to be a modeller/animator, which department (Animation & Visual Effects, Graphic Design, Computer Arts/New Media) should i choose?

Blip

07-25-2004, 05:41 PM

Kwe - Fall 2004 classes begin on September 2

Obi - For modelling & animation, you want the Animation & Visual Effects department. It is new as a standalone department - 2D used to be under Illustration and 3D under Computer Arts/New Media. Check out the department's list of tracks (http://www.academyart.edu/ani/ani_news.asp?ID=2004041546890).

darktding

07-25-2004, 06:50 PM

obi.
theres a modelling track u can take in the aau.
check the website under the 3d computer arts section. BTW if u r going to take modelling there are reallly REALLY good sculptiing classes that really do deal out a good ammount of help when ur a 3d modeller. Try to take as many studio classes as opposed to those maya classes. Becuase its more about how to get form rather than pushing and pulling vertices.

Kwe

08-02-2004, 10:01 PM

Hey guys...school's less than a month away and I still don't know exactly what to do about housing. Dorming isn't an option for me...everyone told me to stay away from there and I can't afford more than $4000 a semester. I have an idea about living outside of San Francisco and taking the Bart into the city, but I have no knowledge of the surrounding area. Does anyone know how much housing is where the Bart starts or even if it's a good idea??

silicate

08-02-2004, 10:27 PM

I use to live in Hayward and then in Fremont (where BART ends southwards unless they extended it since I was up there 3 years ago) The BART station itself isn't always in the greatest of areas but it's easy and convenient to use and I usually caught the bus there since the BART stations double as bus stations, at least on the East side of the bay. Theoretically you could live as far south as Fremont and just take the bus/Bart. You could even live farther south if you wanted to hop on CalTrain from San Jose ;). Just stay away from the hotdog venders, I always got sick on their food.

It shouldn't take long for you to get familure with the area up there. Just don't be afraid to ask for directions. I'd always ask Bus drivers they are usualy pretty friendly.

btw I'm going to AAU in the fall of 2005. I'm down near LA now, or I'd try to help you out if I was still living up north.

Kwe

08-02-2004, 10:34 PM

Thanks Silicate...I appreciate your insight. I've been on the BART before, but like I said...I'm clueless when it comes to the outskirts of San Francisco. I can't afford to live anywhere IN SF, but I don't know about outside San Francisco. So, I was wondering if anyone else has thought about doing that (living outside San Fran and taking the BART to school). If that's a smart move, a dumb move, or what and what the pricing is like in areas around San Francisco.

strick9

08-03-2004, 02:48 AM

what and what the pricing is like in areas around San Francisco.
I live by Union Square which is pretty close to the school, and on the edge of the Tenderloin (ghetto) and I pay $1400 a month for a one bedroom. It's pretty large though. If money is an issue I would definetly live outside the city and take the BART in, that's not really a problem.

Also Can any of the former AAU grad students on this board let me know if this first semester curriculum looks OK, I have heard that the advisors are somewhat clueless.

1. Animation Mechanics
2. Head Drawing
3. Clothed Figure Drawing
4. General Studies ( Modern Art & Culture I beleive ) was told I need 4 gen studies throughout the program

Looks OK to me, but would like some insight from some who have been through the program.

Blip

08-03-2004, 05:57 AM

Greetings, all! I've been keeping up with this thread for a while but have yet to introduce myself. Name's Andy, I'll be entering into the MFA program for character animation in a few weeks.

Kwe - I'm in the same boat as you, man. There are some 'efficiency apartments' I found within walking distance of the school, decently priced for the area, but I have no idea as to their cleanliness or safety. If I can't find anything else, I'll have to take my chances with these.

strick9 - Hey, I'm taking Clothed Figure & Mechanics as well. Also taking Acting for Animators. Would also love to hear some testimonies about these classes.

Anyway, nervous energy abounding, can't wait to meet all you guys. We'll definitely all need to hook up when we get there, which I think was mentioned a few pages back.

Digiegg

08-03-2004, 11:20 AM

So.. When is everyone getting there?
I leave 16th and will be there 11AM =) Anyone wanna hang out after I'm settled?
860 Sutter =) Time to face HELL!!! haha

darktding

08-03-2004, 03:01 PM

Hey ever1
If anyone is taking a drawing class and wants a really really good teacher Henry Yan.
He is one of the best out there and beleive me you have to really really good to get an A in his class. THat doesnt mean that u wont learn a lot from him.
Also another teacher is Ruben De Anda. I had him for one of my drawings sessions. A nice teacher and one will learn a lot from him too.
So if you dont get Henry as ur teacher the 2nd best would be Ruben.

strick9

08-03-2004, 06:38 PM

Hi Nissan,

I just recently got here ( arrived June 30th ) If you want to hang out PM me I live close by the dorm you are staying at.

chadlychoo

08-06-2004, 07:52 PM

Looks like I got in 860 sutter also. They didn't tell me what room but I apparently I got a double with full bath.

My friends and I will probably leave out here after they get off work the 20th and we'll drive through the night! So I should be getting in early the 21st. We'll all have to meet up some time around then. You guys can probably catch me on AIM sometimes between now and then> Thechad0815

Kwe

08-07-2004, 01:57 AM

Hey guys...

...I dropped by the school to take a tour on Wednesday and I'm more psyched as ever to be attending AAU. When I saw the blue screen room my jaw dropped to the floor. I know it might not be a very big room by industry standards, but this is coming from a guy who's lived in North Carolina his whole life (nothing by farms and pinetrees). So yeah...I'm pretty friggin excited to be going to AAU. Still looking for decent housing though...lol.

SpikeL

08-07-2004, 02:16 AM

Hey wassup KWE! I'm also going to AAU from North Carolina. I'm actually leaving tomorrow for San Fran. Me and my buddy are both going to AAU transferring from schools in NC. Engineering at NC State wasn't cutting it for me so I'm going to AAU to learn some 3-d animation. PM me sometime. I know what you mean when you saw the blue screen room. Haha I almost pissed in my pants when I saw the fashion design school's little "sweat shops." Well good luck with housing and maybe we'll have some classes together.

-SpikeL

Rkhon

08-07-2004, 04:40 AM

Im still debating, if I do go...it will be last minute. Thats just the way I go about things :P

Not sure if sacraficing my truck, big room, next-to-free living, and moving somwhere expensive is such a good idea :P Oh and avoiding the 70k+ debt, but...I am sure that it would be a good time as well.

Actually quite a few game studios out here..

so the undecisive brainstorming continues on my side.

Kwe

08-07-2004, 08:31 AM

Holy crap SpikeL, I'm from NC too! Fayetteville/Fort Bragg to be exact.

malkavian2003

08-07-2004, 09:44 AM

Yeah the Blue Room is nice. The guy that runs it is a jerk. When and if you take the compisiting classes, book the room on the first week of class. If you don't then you won't get it for the whole semester.

silicate

08-08-2004, 12:30 PM

Just curious, anyone have trouble with getting student loans? I still have to fill out financial aid forms (not going to AAU untill 2005), but I'm wondering if my bad credit will hurt me there. Though my other student loan from another school I went to for something else, keeps saying "if you ever need another loan let us know" but that may be an automatic response not directed directly at me.

Digiegg

08-08-2004, 06:21 PM

I'm countin downt he days !!!!!
one more week! I leave the 16th and I'm gonna be there 11am =)
Hollar~~~ haha man im gonna like not know anyone.. =( sucks but oh well!

Kwe

08-08-2004, 09:42 PM

chadlychoo

08-09-2004, 04:33 AM

silicate> If they deny you because your credit is bad you can usually get someone to cosign with you. Its kinda what I'm doing cuz I don't have any 'established credit.'

Blip

08-11-2004, 04:20 PM

Hey guys, do you have any thoughts/opinions on these instructors and/or classes?

Animation Mechanics w/ Charles Keagle

Clothed Figure Drawing w/ Lisa Berrett

Acting for Animators w/ Michael Carroll

Any feedback would be amazing. I'll be out there pretty close to the last minute, probably around the 26th. IM me if anybody wants to hang out, MuyMachote on AIM, fork_in_the_eye@hotmail.com on MSN.

silicate

08-11-2004, 06:37 PM

silicate> If they deny you because your credit is bad you can usually get someone to cosign with you. Its kinda what I'm doing cuz I don't have any 'established credit.'

I may have to do that. I just found out that the AAU seems to recommend Sallie Mae which I have already taken loans through. So I'm hoping that because they know me it will be easier, I have a good history with them.

If everything works out I'll see you all next year :)

Digiegg

08-11-2004, 08:01 PM

damn it... I have to sign up for classes TODAY...
arg.. someone please help me!?!?!
I'll be taking like foundation classes...
I'm a Computer Art 3D Modeling major.
Please help me!
AIM: Digi3gg
MSN: dj-shinji@cox.net

My Counsler said that Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation
teaches me about Unix and stuff. If I don't want to take it, I have to take a test for it.
I told her I'll learn it by myself... which is BS... I thought you don't learn jack shit from that class?

Classes they said I have to ttake....

Figure Drawing

Analysis of Form OR Sketching for Communication

Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation

Figure Modeling

Still Life Painting.

So what's up? Pleaseee help me I have to sign up by tonight before 7pm.
Which is here in Virginia.
They won't let me in my dorm room Monday if I don't sign up now.

danteort

08-11-2004, 08:12 PM

My Counsler said that Introduction to Computer Graphics for Animation
teaches me about Unix and stuff. If I don't want to take it, I have to take a test for it.
I told her I'll learn it by myself... which is BS... I thought you don't learn jack shit from that class? Well, your choices are either take the test and get out of it or take the class. In college you can't get out of a class by simply saying "I know this" and not proving it. That's how it works. So, take the damn test. That's what I'm going to do. I figure, if I fail the test then I may as well take the class since I obviously don't know what they want me to. No harm there.

So, if you need to be registered today, then sign up for Intro to CG, then when you get to San Francisco, take the test. If you pass, take a different class. It's perfectly normal to switch around your schedule even after classes start.

Digiegg

08-11-2004, 09:08 PM

Well if you've seen earlier posts, everyone was saying that the class was worthless and waste of money.

danteort

08-11-2004, 09:38 PM

Yes I know. But you still need to test out of it. And if you must be registered tonight, then just register for the class and then test out of it when you get to SF.

shehbahn

08-12-2004, 03:09 AM

Hot chicks dig Unix and stuff - it's true !

:bounce:

Digiegg

08-15-2004, 09:49 PM

San Francisco Here I come!!!
I'm gonna be in San Fran 11:30 AM tomorrow(Monday)
=)
Oh man oh man!!! I'm excited!!! hehehe.
Finally... I get to get out of this damn East Side....
Hopefully I'll get to meet some of the cgtalkers
See you soon!!!

LiquidMetal

08-16-2004, 02:06 AM

danteort

08-16-2004, 02:34 AM

Hey i am thinking of going to AAU.Actually I still dont know if im gonna go there.Gonna send out my reel(when i have one...) before I apply.I was looking at AAU website and was looking at there 3d modeling degrees.The AA is 2 Years,BA 4 years,and MA 3 years?How come getting an MA takes less time than the BA?Please correct me if im wrong but is MA supposed to be longer than the BA?Thx.No, a Master's degree is typically two (and sometimes three) years long. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

I'm heading over to San Francisco on August 25. Got my place secured finally, so I can't wait to get started.

]_onewolf

08-20-2004, 10:54 AM

hey dudes ill be there on the 26th. im nissansexima's room mate. anyway looking forward to meetin yall

jjcoolio

08-23-2004, 07:27 AM

Hello, dudes.
welcome to SF. I've been here for a year after I've transfered from rochester,ny.
It is really expensive here(the rent). well...
To my experience here wasn't so bad. (except the lab fee.thats too much)
The city is better than Newyork(so gloomy and grey)
There's a lot to see and also I luv the victorian houses.
after I arrived here last year I got a chance to take some classes from the modeling pros.
from wildbrain, tippet studios. I really enjoyed it.
hope to see you around.

modeling dude-
-jinwoo-

Panupat

08-27-2004, 12:24 PM

I'm currently attending undergrad classes at AAC (which by the way changed it's name from College to University a while back) I would like to share some of my thoughts.

For every single semester I've been in the school, I always have a mixture of excellent instructors in one class and a medicore instructor in the other.
On my first semester I had Mitch Gibson teaching me my first charcoal class i've ever had and I consider myself very lucky, he was an awesome oil painter who completely openned up my eyes, seeing his great works every week. And in that same semester I took Intro to Computer class from an instructor who didn't even know how to use Windows. I got my money back for that class together with a credit at the end so it's all cool.

While there were always some dissapointing classes in every semester, the good classes still keeping me happy. The better instructors are good. They are skilled, friendly, willing to help, and for a foreigner like me to be have chance to get in touch with these instructors, were such a great opportunity :)

Now I'm a Lighting and texturing artist so as you can guess I love and adore Jeremy Birn :D I haven't had a chance to take his class yet but I'm so looking forward to!

jeremybirn

08-27-2004, 07:31 PM

Panupat -

Thanks, my course starts a week from tomorrow (so now I have 8 days to get myself psyched to act as if I still use Maya...) In terms of instructor quality, I notice the school keeps student evaluation results for the instructors a secret, instead of compiling and publishing instructor evaluations as the university I went to did. It would be great if more AAU students would use a site like ratemyprofessors.com (http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/) every term, to fill out ratings in a way that other students could see before they register for courses.

-jeremy

strick9

08-27-2004, 07:59 PM

shehbahn

08-27-2004, 10:02 PM

>the school keeps student evaluation results for the instructors a secret

when they bother to do it at all...

danteort

08-27-2004, 10:34 PM

I just got to San Francisco two nights ago, and I've been wandering around the city since. Stopped by the AAU to make sure that all my financial aid is in order, and it is.

Now I have several days to kill, with very little to do. If anyone wants to have a little meet up somewhere before classes start, I'd be game for that.

Regarding teacher quality, I've made it a point to Google all my teachers, just to see what shows up. I've done this in the past (not just for art classes), and I find it very helpful to see what sort of work they do. Granted, it's still not as good as seeing evaluation results, since the quality of their work doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of teaching, but it's better than nothing.

Panupat

08-29-2004, 11:32 PM

Well, I got my instructors names, and courses. Can anybody give me any feedback on these first semester MFA choices?

Clothed Figure Drawing:............... Lisa Berrett

Animation Mechanics:............... Charles Keagle

Head Drawing............... Warren Chang

The Art & Idealogy of 20th C................ David Riffert
Lisa is the BEST figure drawing teacher at the moment :) I've heard Keagle and Chang are both good but I haven't had class with them before

No idea about David Riffert

Digiegg

09-01-2004, 02:50 AM

I'm here at the dormatory along w/ ]_onewolf and Chad_D
Probably few other people are here but in other dormatory.
So far I love it here. =) Classes haven't started yet so I'm waiting and trying to kill time =)
Sept 2nd is the day that class begins.
If anyone wants to hang out and give us newbies advice, we can arrange somethin?
PM me ^^

videl

09-01-2004, 03:09 AM

A friend of mine and I are heading over to Broke as F*ck Tuesdays tonight. A cool place if you listen to true school hip hop, reggae, and funk, plus really cheap drinks only on Tue., hence the name. Its on the mission, at the very end where it hits army. email me for more info if anyone cares to go. Oh yeah the place is called 26mix the party is Broke as...

Rkhon

09-01-2004, 04:26 AM

Curious to hear how its goin for you fellas. Looks like my school enrollment will have to wait until next fall, if ever. But I am headin to San Fran for the next ConceptArt.org workshop, which should be either the last week of Dec. or most likely first week of Jan. Any of you going? Or will be around? Hotel advice? lol

Blip

09-02-2004, 01:06 AM

strick9 - I have clothed figure w/ Lisa & anim mechanics with Charles as well. So if we're in the same class, I'll see you tomorrow for mechanics. I probably saw you today at the animation department meeting but had no idea who you were.

everyone - hope to meet you all soon... hmn, probably shouldn't post my number here... but if anyone wants to hang out, my aau email id is ahass2, which I can check from my phone since I don't have steady internet access yet (at a cafe right now). Send me your # or write and I'll send you mine.

dominicqwek

09-10-2004, 08:02 PM

Hey guys, just wanna say I found this thread extremely helpful. Lotsa insights to SF and AAU. I'm considering my options as of now, and one of them is to get a degree in 3d , preferably modeling. I have a diploma in 3d animation, and the reason why im getting a degree is because of how uptight the US are on working visas. I plan to start sending my reels soon and see how things go. Always wanted to work in one of the big studios in US, its like a dream for me. ah well, we'll see.

Once more, big thanks and massive respect to all the people who've shared this much info. :)

Zack Attack

09-10-2004, 09:21 PM

cool college life sounds great, i wish there were threads like this on ringling and how is it to live down there. (wounder if its cheaper than Sa)

Blip

09-11-2004, 07:41 AM

Zack - Now that I'm out here in SF, I'm sure it's cheaper to live around Ringling in FL (where I'm from). And if you want a thread on Ringling, you should start one. It could snowball and grow indefinitely like this one.

silentsamurai

09-13-2004, 08:56 AM

I think you should go for the San Francisco Academy of Art. I just started here on my first semester, getting a second bachelor in 3D Modeling and Animation. I visited the school in June and got signed up this summer. I wanted to take classes there, but my wife wasn't able to find a position to finish her doctorate in the San Francisco area. But that's all good. So I am doing it online, for now. I hope to be able to move out there after she graduates.

Since this is my first semester, and we have only been in it for a week, I can't really give you a full thumbs up on the experience. But I love it so far. The instructors, even for them being halfway across the country from me, are extremely helpful and great to work with. And I think nearly all of their classes are offered online. So, that might help you there. And according to them the online degree is NOT different from their at school degree. It's all the same, in fact they told me that if I wanted to, when I graduated that I could just go and walk with the rest of the graduates.

I hope this helps. Oh yeah, for undergrads they have open enrollment right now.

silentsamruai

Zack Attack

09-14-2004, 10:14 PM

sounds good it will be my back up if riggling doesnt work out

Zack Attack

09-17-2004, 02:56 AM

hey im confused how come they dont take profolios? i know its not that easy just to get it

is it a four year program because if not im not going lol

jjcoolio

09-17-2004, 03:20 AM

hey im confused how come they dont take profolios? i know its not that easy just to get it

is it a four year program because if not im not going lol
the only degree that needs a portfolio is the graduate course.
the graduate course needs a portfolio and also a demoreel for computer animation students and also vfx,modeling,texturing also.. I think.
I had to submit a vhs demo reel a year ago. don't know if it's the same.
you could save time and money if you go for the graduate course since the graduate course is shorter. or a second degree also I think.
correct me if I'm wrong.

Zack Attack

09-17-2004, 03:51 AM

the only degree that needs a portfolio is the graduate course.
the graduate course needs a portfolio and also a demoreel for computer animation students and also vfx,modeling,texturing also.. I think.
I had to submit a vhs demo reel a year ago. don't know if it's the same.
you could save time and money if you go for the graduate course since the graduate course is shorter. or a second degree also I think.
correct me if I'm wrong.please tell me its four years for the undergraduate right?

jjcoolio

09-17-2004, 04:10 AM

please tell me its four years for the undergraduate right?yes I belive it is. though you could end it early if you take some summer or
intersession or winter classes.
correct me if I'm wrong guys

zapperx

09-18-2004, 10:17 PM

Unled

09-19-2004, 02:36 AM

hey guys,
i really really wanna get into AAU, but m really concerned about it. I'm from Bangladesh, and like most of all my dream is to make it into the big industry as an animator or technical director... if there is any international students here studying at AAU, i would like to know how hard it is to get into the school and what are the things i should concentrate on... and is it easy to get financial aid?... plz help me out guys, m lost
I think the majority of students are from overseas actually. At least it seems that way.
As for finacial Aid, I can't really help you there, I know little about financial aid for international students, but it wasn't so hard for me to get it being a US citizen.

Most of the international students I've talked to really enjoy it here, it's a bit of a culture shock for them (It was for me too, and i'm from Oregon!) but is never dull.

zapperx

09-19-2004, 05:32 PM

thanx Unled.... i have some more questions, whats the best choise of course for aminators. (to let you know, i am very femilier wuth comuters and oparating systems and i know my way around with 3ds max and looking foreward to do some advance course) and do i must do the introuctory courses? and im a little confused about the cost of the whole BFA course... i heard its around 70 grants, but i donno if that is included all the other xpences or only the course fee for 4 years...

and m terriblely sorry for my english :banghead:

zapperx

09-19-2004, 05:40 PM

darktding

09-19-2004, 05:52 PM

ok heres the deal,
Its quite expensive heres in San Francisco. That 70 grand that is specified is for the I-20.and visa acquiring purposes. And yes 70 grand is around the overall including staying here in San Francisco. I beleive its like 30 grand for the tuituion and the rest for staying expenses.
Luckily for me I came from an engineering background (Manipal Institue of technology) I could still manage to get into the 4 yr BFA course, becuase the school doenst require a portfolio only for the MFA.
In the animation course, its never about learning the software its about acquiring the tradional skills. At the AAU you will need to take many foundations classes and lots of drawing included. Like Unlead here, he too is taking drawing and more drawing classes. Though I am in vfx I still had to do foundations for like a year and now I am done with them.
Its good u know 3d max but here ever1 uses Maya so you will need to learn the software, its pretty easy to switch.
Any other questions do ask.

zapperx

09-19-2004, 09:39 PM

thank you a lot for ur great help, but i think you forgot to mention if that 70 grands are for ne year or the whole 4 year (i'm just making sure i have all the info correct, please perdon me) and think for the software insight, i do know a little bit of maya and i know i can learn it quick. by the way it would be tough for my parents to finance the whole course, so i thought i would help them out by working, and i think AAU should have some jobs within the campus (i guess working within da campus is ligel), i wanna know how much can i earn from that... (i know VB programming, web designing and can do any job that needs a computer oparator)
thankx for all your help

Zack Attack

09-19-2004, 11:13 PM

Rkhon

09-20-2004, 12:58 AM

How all you students doing? new guys? looking for any new revalations lol.

any good apartment reccomendations? going to be in san fran for the conceptart.org workshop, so i think i may check some places out...if not move in for school...gah damn i hate thinking about this all.

ozy_g

09-20-2004, 02:26 AM

hey zapperx,

I'm also from Bangladesh and have been attending the AAU for the past 3 years in their VFX/3D Animation program. I entered the program at the most ideal time as the whole film industry just began gearing all their software towards Maya. 3D Studio Max is geared more for the game industry now. A good thing about the AAU is regardless of your major whether it's Compositing, Rotoscoping, Matchmoving, 3D animation, 3D modelling or Gaming- all students share the same lab space. I've made a lot of friends at the AAU that have moved on to all sorts of jobs from a compositor on the Sin City movie to character designers at Blizzard games and it's because lab space was not segregated or specified for particular majors. That's probably the biggest plus for the Academy.

The program is pretty good. It's a 5 years program. Your first year will be dedicated to foundation classes like Figure Drawing, Color & Design, Perspective, etc. It may sound like a drag but those classes will come in handy when communicating ideas to potential collaborators. Once you're past that you'll get into the first couple computer classes. You will learn more doing additional projects outside you classes than just relying on what you learn in the computer classes. The computer classes are essentially there to show you the basics and it's up to you to execute the skills you learn outside of class. I don't recommend getting into this major unless you absolutely love working in VFX , 3D animation or the others because this line of work demands a lot of time. Many of my friends dropped these majors because they realized they weren't cut out for it. Don't worry about choosing your focus at the beginning. The AAU is very flexible and allows you to choose your classes just as long as you pay up the $$$...hint hint. The AAU is primarily interested in the students paying their tuition and fees. As long as you pay, they'll do whatever you want. Tuition has gone up in the past couple of years. For 4 classes per semester it's about $7,200 which will include the lab fees. Lab fees are mandatory whether you have your own computer or not.

San Francisco itself is a very expensive city. When I first arrived, I spent a year in the dorms. Academy dorm fees are very pricey and you can usually find cheaper places that aren't owned by the AAU. I would recommend spending the first semester in the dorms, make some friends and spend your free time looking for available apartments. You'll probably want to move in with your friends once you leave the dorms. SF has site, www.craigslist.com (http://www.craigslist.com) where you can search for what's available. However, if you see an apartment listing you like and intend to check it out the following week, don't expect it to still be available. Good apartments go fast!

The AAU doesn't offer scholarships for international students and you have to be a full time student (a minimum of 4 classes per semester). The AAU does offer some on campus jobs but you really have to fight for them - there are other international students after the same jobs too. I'm not sure how much you earn. You could try applying as a Resident Assistant at one of the dorms - where you can get free rent.

I hope this info helped out for attending the Academy and living in SF.

darktding

09-20-2004, 06:03 AM

Well according to the US embassy, no forign students are allowed to work until completion of 1 year of schooling in America.
But one is allowed to work on campus under the "work study" wherein students get minimum wage ($8.50 and hour).
Luckily for me I had a friend who was leaving her job so I could take up her position. Workstudies at the AAU range from assistance in the library, to the online campus (which I am atm).
Its not much but it does pay off some off the load like food and housing (ie is u get a cheap place).
Its a BIG competiton to get into the workstudy and I was lucky to get into one, after 1 year.
As oz stated, lab fees in the AAU is a rip. Its $400 per class. SO if you are taking like houdini 1 and maya 1 (like me) I have to shell out like $800 only in lab fees not to mention the tuition fees. There is a work around to this and that is taking the online classes. Its not bad I have checked out the educational videos they send to students and its not a bad course if you dont have the financial aid you need.
Also you can do the online courses at Bangladesh and still end up with a degree.
The only deal with online courses is that you never meet any1 nor motivated enough to do a good job.
Yes the 70 grand is for a year. Pricey YEA! but its worth is if you are interested in this feild.

RHKON: wait till this semster gets over you will some work from me I will pm you on what I have done.

Rkhon

09-21-2004, 10:31 AM

Thanks for the info Ozy_g!

Look forward to hearing from you darktding.

How is finding part time work? Like availability wise? Approximate amount of money to move comfortably?

zapperx

09-21-2004, 04:32 PM

another thing guys... just to be sure... there is like 2 semisters per year rite?... and can u tell me whats the lowest amount of class can i take per semister....(m in a money shortage lol)

ozy_g

09-21-2004, 07:37 PM

Rkhon - Do you mean finding work in the industry or just any job?

Zapperx - There are 2 semesters in a year and as an international student you also have to be a full-time student (a minimum of 4 classes per semester) A lot of my friends take 5-6 classes per semester so that they can graduate sooner. Doesn't really make a difference how long you're at the AAU whether you're there 3 years or 5 years - to finish all classes you'll stilll be paying the same tuition in total. The plus side of taking more classes per semester is, you'll be out in the industry and will be able to pay your own rent once you start working. The downside is the work load will be too much to handle. 4 classes is enough work for me since I do a lot of side projects outside the AAU.

jjcoolio

09-22-2004, 04:37 AM

Yes there is 2 semesters. some what long. you can also take summer and winer school onlin and offline. for the 2 semesters you have to take at least 3 classes(9credits) for grads, and 4classes(12credits) for undergrads, correct me if I'm wrong.

Rkhon

09-22-2004, 06:12 AM

ozy_g: preferably game industry related work...like internships...QA testing...or even finding completely unrelated jobs for parttime support

ozy_g

09-22-2004, 06:28 AM

Rkhon -

I haven't actually worked in SF before. I can only tell you what friends have told me. I have a friend working at Blizzard North and he just finished work on World of Warcraft. I don't know how much he gets paid. Internships are pretty competetive. You really have to apply early. Most of my friends work parttime jobs at regular stores like borders, the apple store and other stores. SF has no shortage of stores.

Rkhon

09-23-2004, 12:13 AM

Thanks oz

omg Blizzard is my dream goal...since 14 ive wanted to work there...she will be mine, oh yes, she will be mine.

im waiting to hear back about my transcripts from aau

-Vormav-

10-12-2004, 08:47 AM

This thread looks like it could use a little "bump"

Actually, I really do have a question. I'm starting to seriously consider transferring to the Academy of Art starting next summer. But I of course want to check the place out before I decide.
So I'm looking at possibly going to the Academy day or whatever that is that they're having on...I think it's the 25th? Just to hopefully get a tour, and see what kind of work the students can turn out (aside from what I've already seen).
Thing is, I kind of want to stay in the dorms, at least for the first semester. Being a..err...not so social person, I probably need the atmosphere to meet a few people. :p Now I know everyone is saying how terrible they are...and it definitely scares me off a little hearing how they don't have internet their and whatnot (I get wireless internet almost everywhere on my current campus)... But I still probably need it.
But do they do tours of the dorms there? Or if not, would anyone that's going there want to show me around? I want to get a more definite idea of just how bad it is. http://cgtalk.com/images/smilies/shrug.gif

chadlychoo

10-12-2004, 11:40 AM

Hiya Vormav! I transfered here this year from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and I'm staying in the dorms so I can meet people (along with two other members of this forum...NissanSexima and w/ ]_onewolf). One thing you should know is transferring is a pain in the a$$ here. You really have to fight for your credits cuz all they want is your money and they'll do what they can to make you take classes you don't need.

As for the dorms, I believe you can take a tour of them, you just need to ask the people at the main office. I suggest 860 sutter if you want to meet people (and you're under 21). NissanSexima, Onewolf, and I are all neighors in 860 and so far its been a great place to meet people. From what I can tell 860 is the most social under21 dorm...plus its the only co-ed under 21 dorm AAU has. :thumbsup: I don't think you can stay for only one semester if you come here during fall/spring. I'm pretty sure we all sign a 1year contract to stay in the dorms, which kinda sucks. I'm not sure about the summer semester though. I'm actually going to talk to someone tomorrow about moving out early cuz I've met all the people I can meet in here and I'm ready to get back to living in a real apartment where I can cook my own food and live by my own rules!

All the dorms should have wireless internet up and running. I dont know about the other dorms but the wireless here really sucks, everyone gets kicked off super easy and you have to log into some website in order to use the wireless. Which means your computer can't auto re-connect if you lose your signal. Our dorm is having a meeting with the resident manager this week about the wireless internet and other stuff so maybe by the time you get here things will be better.

Hope this helps! IM me if you have any more questions> AIM:Thechad0815

darktding

10-12-2004, 03:52 PM

Our dorm is having a meeting with the resident manager this week about the wireless internet and other stuff so maybe by the time you get here things will be better.
HHAHA Have fun Chad, The food you are enjoying over there took like 2 semesters and 15 useless meeting to convince them the food sucked....... same goes for anything else... including your internet.
Dont ever try telling them something sucks it probably means they will do it once you leave from the dorm....

danteort

10-12-2004, 05:55 PM

This is also my first semester at the Academy, and I must say I'm pleasantly surprised. Granted, I don't care at all about the administration side of things, since I've had enough college to understand exactly how it works, so I don't need to deal with them for anything important. My only dealing with the financial aid people was to go into the office and ask, "Is everything fine?" and they replied, "Yes, everything's done." And of course I went in there to pick up my refund.

Regarding classes, I'm enjoying everything. I've had some art classes in the past, so that definitely helps. But, my teachers definitely push harder than my previous teachers, which is nice. There are some pretty retarded policies they've started this year regarding foundations classes, but my teachers are basically ignoring them, which seems to be the case among many teachers. Basically they want each teacher to grade every student on a weekly basis and pass out to them a breakdown of every single area they need to improve. In theory it's a nice idea, but it has very little practicality, since it would take like 45 minutes every week away from teaching.

I don't live in the dorms, since I'm 24 and have no desire to ever live in a dorm again. My advise about that is avoid them if at all possible. I haven't seen the Academy dorms, but the general rule that all colleges seem to follow is that you'll pay twice as much for a quarter of the space.

As far as transferring credits, I didn't have a problem there either. I didn't have that many transferrable credits anyway, since I was in a music program and didn't take many classes other than music stuff, but it was enough for me to not worry about liberal arts stuff too much. I'll have to take a few, but this way I can focus mainly on art at first.

silicate

10-12-2004, 11:34 PM

Is there an age limit on the dorms? I'm 28 (I know, YIKES!) and I wanted to stay in the dorms to make friends because sadly I'm not very social and people say I look mean all the time (though I'm really NOT!) so no one approaches me in classes, and I don't want to have to worry about housing the first year (I want to start fall 2005). I heard something about one dorm being only for 18 and under, which is understandable. What about the other dorms? Is the limit 24 yrs old?

Zack Attack

10-13-2004, 12:03 AM

So no one here that goes there lives in the dorms. Thats a dissapointment because i realy wanted som insite from some thats been there.

lazynok

10-13-2004, 07:29 AM

silicate

10-13-2004, 07:55 AM

gave up on the living with the wife idea???
heh heh, well unfortunately that is not working out :(...

eldent

10-13-2004, 07:55 PM

i'm in need of serious advice about getting into classes at AAU

how can i get into the animation classes i want when i don't have all the pre-requisites? if i followed the degree outline they gave me and took classes in the right order, I wouldn't get a chance to take the good animation classes until my fourth semester (even later for classes in sequence like the pixar classes and character animation classes). That means i'll have little time to improve my skill set before i graduate.

i'm a 2nd degree and i'm in my first semester at aau. i'm registering for my classes and would like to take storyboarding, animation assisting (or intermediate animation), and caps. the prerequistes i haven't taken yet for those classes are intro to anatomy, color and design, clothed figure drawing, and head and hands. i plan to take these classes, but not this semester.

i've talked to a storyboarding professional and students who have taken these classes in order, and i know that the prereq's are not essential to learn what's taught in the classes. the major problem i have is my advisor is not helpful. if i listened to her i would be taking history of animation instead of intro to animation (the prereq's for the intro class are BS. it would be nice to have done the prerequistes, but far from being essential and in no way hinders your ability to learn and do well in the class. i'm one of the better students in that class and one of the few who seems to be truely interested in learning the art and techniques of animation).

i'm gonna try to talk to chris armstrong, the department director, but i expect it will be difficult to schedule an appointment, since i'm in my first semester and he's such a busy guy.

If some one knows of people i should talk to or can give me some advice, I could REALLY use it.

thanks,
-elden

ps. this situation is very upsetting to me because i'm paying so much and i'm not allowed to control the course of my education. i hope the post doesn't bother or offend anyone.

danteort

10-13-2004, 10:59 PM

eldent, I'm also in my first semester, so I don't have an answer to your question. But, I'm sure you could talk to a few other people in addition to Chris Armstrong. I don't have the list of people on me right now, but I'm pretty sure Rob Gibson would be another one you'd want to talk to. Go to cghive.com and take a look at the various directors in the animation school, and any one of them would probably be a good choice to talk to regarding curriculum advising.

I'm not in as much of a rush as you, since I'd actually like to take as many traditional art classes as possible. So, for me, the various figure drawing, anatomy, storyboarding and character design classes are more helpful than just diving into the 3d stuff. If you know some 3D already, you might try testing into a higher level class to start with.

On many classes, the prereqs seem to be more suggestions than actually set in stone. There's also a couple contradictions on their very own degree outlines. For example, they suggest taking figure drawing and analysis of form in the first semester, but analysis of form is a prerequisite for figure drawing. And they also suggest figure modeling in the first semester, but that should DEFINITELY be taken after figure drawing, since how are you supposed to be expected to sculpt the figure before you can even draw it.

Since this is the first year of the School of Animation, which merged 3D and Illustration, I'm sure there are some screwy things regarding order of classes taken.

Morganism

10-14-2004, 01:58 AM

hey eldent. The curriculum has always been pretty much meaningless. It changes every semester, so something that is a prereq now might not be in a year. They're constantly changing things. So you should definately try to shape your own education. If your advisor is stubborn about giving you classes you want, you can talk to one of the heads of the department, and they can sign a little waiver that will get you your class.
If you've got a good portfolio you can waive out of foundations classes, and if you've got some experience with CG and maya you can probably waive out of intro to CG, CAPS, and even maya 1.
However, if you don't have a portfolio or much animation experience I would advise taking your time. Rushing into an advanced animation class isn't going to do you much good if you've never animated before.
The way I did it was to hold off on liberal arts classes so I could fill my schedule up with intro classes and prereqs. Now I'm in advanced classes, and I can spend a lot of time on them because my other classes are basic liberal arts that dont take much work.

ziadziad1

10-14-2004, 03:05 AM

is VFS (vancouver film school) a good school ? im doing some research on the ubject? so is it?

Blip

10-14-2004, 07:23 AM

i'm in need of serious advice about getting into classes at AAU

i'm gonna try to talk to chris armstrong, the department director, but i expect it will be difficult to schedule an appointment, since i'm in my first semester and he's such a busy guy.

If some one knows of people i should talk to or can give me some advice, I could REALLY use it.

Looks like you're alredy getting some good advice here. Schedule and appointment with Chris ASAP. I made an appointment yesterday with him and another faculty member and had both meetings today, I was surprised that they had the available time. If you're looking for someone who can give you a really good idea of the classes in the animation program, as well as good advice on how to get to the classes you want, make an appointment with Charles Keagle. He's the school's "animation lead." It's great to talk with Chris but he's relatively new to the curriculum, and if you start asking a lot about different classes, he'll tell you to go to Charles as well.

Zack Attack

10-16-2004, 10:22 PM

Whens the best time to apply here. I here sep 10 but that just passed i guess i shouldnt apply.

GrahamHRoss

10-18-2004, 03:23 PM

I actually just got into the MFA program and I'm transferring from another program in Chicago. I'm pretty excited about the program there and how much emphasis is placed on traditional skills. And the fact that the MFA program is directed twoard what I wanna study is a big plus.

puppetmastah

10-18-2004, 03:34 PM

Kung Fu Hampster I also want to attend their MFA cause it's solid!! You know how I can get their catalog or any other more in depth info?

GrahamHRoss

10-18-2004, 07:27 PM

Just go to academyart.edu. You can enter info there and someone will contact u about the program.

BTW y'all attending the program right now. Here are the classes I'm taking initially. Can anyone reccomend an instructor or two ro three or four?

FND 131: Figure Modeling
ILL 221: Intermediate Figure Drawing
ILL2D 495: Character Development in Animation
FND 116: Perspective.

Panupat

10-18-2004, 08:28 PM

what ever you do, avoiding AAU's liberal art classes is a good choice http://cgtalk.com/images/smilies/smile.gif whether transferring from other college, or do the second degree course (no liberal art classes) I enjoy art history classes here but everything else are just thumb down boring. And expensive

Dunno if this will make you guys feel better or worse about the school but here's my poor little demo reel I put together for my portfolio midterm tomorrow. Not the best one around but hey it's all AAU's school works ;p (I have about 2 more years to go by the way)
right click, save as www.all-final.com/j-render/panupat_testreel3.avi (http://www.all-final.com/j-render/panupat_testreel3.avi)

By the way, I don't think it's worth paying for the dorm. I share a room with a japanese friend, we became closed friends but hey, we paid frickin $1,200 per month PER PERSON ($2400 a month total). I later on moved out to an apartment just 1 block from the dorm and it's $900 a month, bigger room, better kitchen, and it's all for me....
It feels to me that the school's dorm are just there to take advantage of foreign students seriously.

Zack Attack

10-18-2004, 11:12 PM

How soon do they contact you after you apply, and if i send a profolio well that better my chances?? or something?

Blip

10-19-2004, 03:48 AM

For all of you interested in the MFA program in Animation here at AAU, let me clue you in on some facts I discovered when I came. You would think that a Masters program in Animation would naturally follow an undergraduate study in the same vein, right? Meaning, a Masters study will be an advanced study designed for those with previous animation experience. Especially when they require a portfolio and demo reel to get into the Masters program... it would only make sense that by asking for a reel, the expect you to have some animation already, right?

WRONG.

On the first day of my Masters level animation class, I was a little worried that the instructor seemed to be speaking about 24fps, keyframes, etc as though introducing these concepts for the first time. He had everyone stand up, introduce themselves, and list any previous experience in animation. When I was one of only 3 people (out of a class of about 16) who had any experience whatsoever, I got really concerned. I was going to talk to the teacher about moving to a more advanced class, but after the first assignment, he approached me about it first.

So I moved ahead to the next level... only to find out that this new class was actually the last official 3D animation course in the MFA program. Where do you go from there?? If I take the most advanced animation class offered in the program in my first semester, what good will the rest of my time be?

This is when I came to realize that the MFA in Animation here is designed for people with no previous animation. For people who got their undergrad in SOMETHING (hopefully some form of art), but not animation. Luckily, the school is aware of this as a problem and is developing new, more advanced courses for the MFA program, but I can't say how long it will take to implement them.

I want to make sure you realize this is a great school, I am learning a lot in my drawing and 'acting for animators' classes, but as-is now, the undergrad students get WAY more advanced training than the grad students.

So someone please tell me why they even ask for a reel? And also, what the heck did all those people with no animation experience submit as a reel??

GrahamHRoss

10-19-2004, 05:04 PM

But isn't the last year of the program focused around a driected study kind of thesis project? Wouldn't that mean that during that time you would do more animation on a project that you want to do? I mean, I'm under the impression that during that time you're kind of under guided supervision with the school, doing 3d animation and getting help from the teachers when needed. Is this not the case?

And if you don't mind blip, please tell me more about your experience. Like, are you still there, what you're working on in school, ect...

Also, can anybody suggest a place to live for a snotty nosed midwesterner?

hgbrekke

10-20-2004, 04:00 AM

After passing your midpoint you can take any classes that the academy offers as long as it benefits your thesis. For animation students that means that all animation classes are available but most of the advanced ones requires a demoreel to get in. In addition they have the awsome Pixar animation classes which you also can take after your midpoint, but to get in you have to be really good. I am currently taking my MFA at the AAU and will take my midpoint next semester. Anyway, just my two cents..

jeremybirn

10-20-2004, 12:04 PM

So someone please tell me why they even ask for a reel? And also, what the heck did all those people with no animation experience submit as a reel??
When I finished my undergrad courses at another university, I looked around at MFA programs, and requested a catalog from AAC (now called AAU since they changed their name), but didn't actually apply to their MFA program. A month later, I got a letter from AAC saying "congratulations" I had been accepted in their MFA program, despite the fact that all they had from me was a request for the catalog, not any actual application. (I went somewhere else for my MFA, but have seen AAU up close because I now teach there on Saturdays.)

I think that for the sake of accreditation, they need to act as if they have competetive admissions, and act as if the MFA courses are more advanced than the undergrad courses, even if that clearly isn't the case. Grad students can register for the (sometimes more advanced) undergrad courses at AAU by taking them through the directed study program, though.

-jeremy

GrahamHRoss

10-20-2004, 06:47 PM

For me, getting into the school serves two purposes. First, it gets me out of Chicago and out to San Fran. Those of you who've lived in Chicago know what I'm talking about here. Chicago is not the best place to be for an animator. Also being in the school give me some support while I'm getting settled in.

Second, although the school's master's program is not as in depth as the undergrad, it's much more directed twoard character animation than the program I was in. The program I'm currently in focuses much more on programming and concepts, rendering and modeling. (On a side note, I did get a lot of experience programming and especially writing shaders and stuff, which will be great when I try to get a job. Hell, it got me the programming gig I have right now!) ALso the professors are all full time and no one has any world expereince. And even when I'm trying to do animation as an independent study I find little guidence. I am positive that changing schools is a really great decision on my part.

I have recently heard about these pixar classes offered at the school. I'm going to ask the school about it obviously and I read the entries previous on the thread. COuld anyone who's taken them or taught them or knows anything more about them please post? Also, what's a good example of a demo reel to submit for those classes? Perhaps even someone who maybe got in? Eh? Eh? *poke poke*

For those lazy people out there...here's a quote from a post WAAAAAAY back in the stack:

PIXAR DEMO REEL REQUIREMENTS

Sense of Story - Communicating an idea is more important than having just a sequence of shots in a movie.

Possible Exercises that Show Ability
- a walk cycle
- an action
- something animated to dialogue
- something involving weight
- 2D animation skills

Your Label
- name
- ID number
- Pixar class going for
- year at Academy
- phone
- email

Zack Attack

10-20-2004, 07:30 PM

May i ask what the pixar classes are? and how can i get one? its not in the catalog? is it
(plus im a experenced lightwaver does that help)

darktding

10-20-2004, 07:42 PM

When I finished my undergrad courses at another university, I looked around at MFA programs, and requested a catalog from AAC (now called AAU since they changed their name), but didn't actually apply to their MFA program. A month later, I got a letter from AAC saying "congratulations" I had been accepted in their MFA program, despite the fact that all they had from me was a request for the catalog, not any actual application. (I went somewhere else for my MFA, but have seen AAU up close because I now teach there on Saturdays.)

I think that for the sake of accreditation, they need to act as if they have competetive admissions, and act as if the MFA courses are more advanced than the undergrad courses, even if that clearly isn't the case. Grad students can register for the (sometimes more advanced) undergrad courses at AAU by taking them through the directed study program, though.

-jeremy
To futher add up on wht Jeremy said,
I know a friend of mine who is in the BFA course and hes taking the same Pre Production Class and I am. And best of all its the same teacher and the same home work. But inspite of all the similarities in the 2 courses, they are named differently. Mine is Pre Prod Principles wherease my friend's class is Master Session Pre Production Principles.
Seriously speaking I am kinda fed up of getting angry with the system.... its unorganised and theres no meaning to the classes.
The best thing (As morgan mentioned earlier) is to fight for the classes you want to take. Show the advisor that you are worth taking cool classes that will help you rather than classes that wont.
And another advise.... Dont trust the peice of paper they hand you of the classes of your stream.... its wrong.... Register and go online and search for the classes under the Computer 3d dept. There are TONNES of classes that are so important to your major that will help you get a kick ass demo reel. Once you know the classes, the next step is the battle with the advisors...

HardHitta

10-20-2004, 07:59 PM

I wish I had found this thread earlier, I am starting at the academy in the Spring and I was planning on living on campus. :sad: What are some cheap apartments or a good resource to find someone who goes to the school that needs a roomate.

GrahamHRoss

10-20-2004, 08:46 PM

]Dont trust the peice of paper they hand you of the classes of your stream.... its wrong.... Register and go online and search for the classes under the Computer 3d dept.There are TONNES of classes that are so important to your major that will help you get a kick ass demo reel. Once you know the classes, the next step is the battle with the advisors...Can you recommend some classes outside the defined tract that I should look for when I get there?

fattyLees

10-20-2004, 10:22 PM

I have recently heard about these pixar classes offered at the school. I'm going to ask the school about it obviously and I read the entries previous on the thread. COuld anyone who's taken them or taught them or knows anything more about them please post? Also, what's a good example of a demo reel to submit for those classes? Perhaps even someone who maybe got in? Eh? Eh? *poke poke*

Hi Kungfu hampster-

I'm a AAC MFA alumni and I might be able to help you out. First off they say it's a 2 year program, but plan on 2 1/2 to 3. I did it in 3 years I think, but I chose to extend it to make my thesis short better.
Anyways, While I was an animation student there, i took the Pixar animation class ( taught by Dave Mullins and his wife Lisa). I also went on to be a TA for Lisa in an undergrad and grad animation class. Anyways, The Pixar class I took was amazing and very challenging. To get into the class you do have to have a demo reel. I had taken a regular animation class ( Maya Character animation 1, I believe) the semester before, used the animations I did in that class to get into the pixar class. My demo reel consisted of a walk, a run, one acting shot, one action shot, and maybe something else, who knows? Anyways it was when my animation style was straight ahead and if I were to look at it now I would cringe. BUT what is really important is that your reel shows potential! There were some really good animators in the pixar class and there were animators who weren't as good, but they had an eye and really wanted to give 100% into there animations. In the class, we started of with basic animations to make sure the fundamentals were drilled into our heads.

All our animations were 5 seconds long. We started with 3 bouncing balls ( one bowling ball, one rubber ball, one jelly ball). Next week we added tails to our balls to understand secondary animation. Next we focused on blocking out poses in a pose to pose style of animation. We did a walk, and 3 different runs. Then we worked on an action, but instead of animating, he drilled into is the value of thumb nailing, so we drew it out and then animated it. Finally we did one or 2 acting shots.

After i finished that Pixar class, I passed my mid point review and did one on one and group directed studies with more animation teachers and worked on my short until i graduated. Myself and 3 good friends all worked together on our shorts with some great animation teachers. I also did a one on one directed study with Nancy Kato who is another animator at Pixar. I think the most important thing is to make contacts while at school...that's how I convinced Nancy to mentor me.

I gotta get some work done, but I hope that helps and gives a little insight into the MFA degree at AAC

-Fatty

-Vormav-

10-20-2004, 10:33 PM

Maybe I missed this somewhere, but are these Pixar classes only available in the MFA program, or are they available to undergraduate students as well?

fattyLees

10-20-2004, 10:41 PM

undergrad too...atleast it was like that when I was there.

Zack Attack

10-20-2004, 10:48 PM

undergrad too...atleast it was like that when I was there.Thats good to hear can u take it freshman year if so that would be killer.

lazynok

10-21-2004, 02:04 AM

Thats good to hear can u take it freshman year if so that would be killer.
well the pixar classes to my knowledge are maya. and we (you and i) are lightwavers. you beeb working on maya? i've been trying to learn maya but its so backwards from lightwave it confuses me..... i've done lightwave for like 6 years (and i still suck) so switching to the backwardsness of maya is difficult. maybe i should buy one of those gnomon dvds or somethin'...

Morganism

10-21-2004, 02:12 AM

well the pixar classes to my knowledge are maya.
The Pixar classes aren't really application specific. The teachers often don't even know how to use maya, since they don't use it at work. The only problem is that everyone is supposed to use the same rig, so you'd need a similar character with a good rig for lightwave.
But there was one person in my class that did one of the assignments in 2D, so the software doesn't matter that much.

Thats good to hear can u take it freshman year if so that would be killer. If you get into this class as a freshman you probably don't need to be in school :)

Zack Attack

10-21-2004, 02:35 AM

well the pixar classes to my knowledge are maya. and we (you and i) are lightwavers. you beeb working on maya? i've been trying to learn maya but its so backwards from lightwave it confuses me..... i've done lightwave for like 6 years (and i still suck) so switching to the backwardsness of maya is difficult. maybe i should buy one of those gnomon dvds or somethin'...
thats not good so i should take maya classes? which means i have to take the intro maya classes, i didnt want to take any intro classes seeing i already know the basics of 3d and that i wanted more advance classes.

lazynok

10-21-2004, 08:04 AM

oh. haha learned something new.

but to zack.
yeah take maya courses. most of aau is maya anyways. theres a few lightwave classes but not much. if you find an easy resource for the lightwaver to may please tell me =] damn maya is confusing

Zack Attack

10-21-2004, 10:46 PM

lazynok

10-22-2004, 07:18 PM

it is ? do they have a demo
yeah they have a maya "personal learning edition" its maya complete (its complete fully functional. pun) but you get watermarks. good deal! www.alias.com i think

GrahamHRoss

10-22-2004, 08:02 PM

I heard that the newer student edition of Maya has leff of a watermark that the older ones. Instead of going across the entire screen, it's just a small watermark in th e corner of the screen.

Zack Attack

10-22-2004, 08:28 PM

Theres so many things i dont know about this school but i wanna go.

im now woundering if i can take both lw and maya
andvanced lw and beginig maya (dont want my lw skills to go to waste)

Morganism

10-22-2004, 11:45 PM

There have been one or two lightwave classes in the past, but as far as I know there aren't any lightwave teachers right now. (I could be wrong, does anyone know?)
Anyway, your skills wont go to waste, because it will still be a lot easier than learning Maya from scratch. Plus you can put both softwares on your resume. Seriously, though, to get the most out of this school you'll probably have to end up learning maya. (especially as an animator)

Unled

10-23-2004, 12:03 AM

I just got the 2005 catalog and course schedule, and they have listings for 'S'Image 1' 'Lightwave 1' 'studio max 1' and 'houdini 1'

so i'm guessing they must have teachers for those classes.

Morganism

10-23-2004, 06:09 AM

Cool, I stand corrected.

lazynok

10-23-2004, 08:13 AM

i cant find my catalog, but there are a few lightwaves classes but not as many as maya. whence you learn the basics of maya, all your lightwave skills should fall into place of maya, or so i hear.

goto the school site and order a free catalog to learn more about maya classes (i got like 3 and i cant find any =[ )

Zack Attack

10-23-2004, 02:30 PM

I have my catalog too i want to take both classes if its possable a advanced lightwave course
and some intro maya classes. but im skiping all that intro to aninmation classes! i want to get to get in a pixar class.

SpiralFace

10-23-2004, 08:34 PM

Hey I might as well jump in, Never seen this thread before, but I see that my room mate is actively on it so I might as well jump in. I've skimed over alot of concerns over the Game Development major. I'm in it right now and I agree that the SCHEDUAL the school used to have was'nt all that great. But the classes itself are great. And there getting alot better. We just got a Director of games, Keep in mind that the school JUST started its games Degree about a year ago It is true that they do not have any programing classes for things other then MEL. But understand that if you are applying for work in the art end of a game, then you don't NEED programming skills. My friends in the industry say that its a waste of time and money to learn how to do a job you'll never actualy do in the work place. In the end, Artists are payed to be artists, and Coders are payed to be coders. When they say they want a base knowledge of C on the Websites, they are mainly saying that they want the mind set that whatever you do will be linked to a string of code, so you MUST make everything to the specs of the Coders and LABLE FILES APROPRIATLY.

My advice is that if you want to go into game Programing, you will want to look some where else. But for Artists this is the place to be. ALOT of games companys are in the Bay area. EA and Lucas Arts farm alot of graduating students from here, and they both offer internship programs that the school will actively try to hook you up with, as long as you have above a 3.0 by your junior year.

I agree with everyone else when it comes to applying yourself. Anyone can get into this school, but much of the fat is skimmed off in the first year. The first year they make you run the gauntlet as far as hard classes are concerned. After that it gets easier, but if you don't apply yourself, then your wasting your money. In the end this school is great, but just like any other school, you get out of it what you put into it. It does'nt have a magic knowledge hose that you soak in, you need to study. Party your first few semesters, but after that the people who non-stop party usualy get kicked out becuase of a low GPA or they start working there butts off to get a reel going. This school is a school that will get you a job if you apply yourself. If your looking for a party school this is not the place to be after the first few semesters.

Sorry that this turned into a rant, but I need to catch up with 47 pages of disscussions. I'm very active when it comes to making the Game's major better and more benificial to the students. I'm a third year student with about a year and a half left to go. If anyone has any questions about the games major or the school, feel free to give me a private message.

-Vormav-

10-24-2004, 11:02 PM

Well, I just visited the area over the weekend. It seems to have its share of ups and downs. Loved the look of the class that deals with blue screens. :p
I'm still somewhat bothered about the dorms though... The thing is, the two rooms they showed me (from the building on Pine street) were freaking huge. I mean, comparing them to other dorm rooms I've been in...just huge. The double they showed me was twice the size of the double room that I was stuck in last year..
...are most of the rooms really that big, or were they just hiding the bad stuff?
Other than that, it did seem like they had a lot of nice additions to the dorm (pool table, tvs, etc.) but the building really did look a bit trashy on the inside...oh well.

Other than that, I have kind of split feelings about living in that area... On one hand, there is a crapload of stuff in that area, and if you ever get bored there it's probably your own fault. On the otherhand, lots of stuff and lots of people comes with its obvious bad sides...bleh.

Eh, still need to think about it. =/

Blip

10-25-2004, 09:43 PM

And if you don't mind blip, please tell me more about your experience. Like, are you still there, what you're working on in school, ect...
Yeah, I'm still here in my first semester, just got through the midterm. I've decided to take some traditional animation classes for at least a semester. Partially because there's only one more 3D class available to me to take so I might as well save it, but mostly because I think investing more time in 2D will really pay-off when I come back to 3D. Of course I'm going to apply for the Pixar classes for next semester too, so if I get into one of those, that will change my plans quite a bit.

I think that for the sake of accreditation, they need to act as if they have competetive admissions, and act as if the MFA courses are more advanced than the undergrad courses, even if that clearly isn't the case. Grad students can register for the (sometimes more advanced) undergrad courses at AAU by taking them through the directed study program, though.
That's pretty much what I was afraid of. Are you going to stay at AAU for a while? I want to take your class at some point.

My demo reel consisted of a walk, a run, one acting shot, one action shot, and maybe something else, who knows?

All our animations were 5 seconds long. We started with 3 bouncing balls ( one bowling ball, one rubber ball, one jelly ball). Next week we added tails to our balls to understand secondary animation. Next we focused on blocking out poses in a pose to pose style of animation. We did a walk, and 3 different runs. Then we worked on an action, but instead of animating, he drilled into is the value of thumb nailing, so we drew it out and then animated it. Finally we did one or 2 acting shots.
Thanks for the great insight! Helps me plan a little better as far as the reel I end up submitting for the class.

I just got the 2005 catalog and course schedule, and they have listings for 'S'Image 1' 'Lightwave 1' 'studio max 1' and 'houdini 1'

so i'm guessing they must have teachers for those classes.
Unfortunately just because it's in the catalog doesn't mean it's being offered. I wanted to sign up for the XSI class cuz I've always wanted to learn that program in addition to Maya, but it isn't being taught. I guess it's based on cost feasibility, there have to be a certain number of students paying for the class for them to teach it. I went to the Animation & Visual Effects Department town hall meeting earlier in the semester and I recall people complaining about no one teaching Houdini, XSI, etc. I don't think Lightwave is being taught currently either. Right now Maya is the default, and there are Max classes primarily aimed at the Games students.

ambas

10-26-2004, 01:54 AM

Academy of Arts is now on my list of schools I will apply to.. well, once im done with highschool. :bounce: :bounce:

Zack Attack

10-26-2004, 02:17 AM

Unfortunately just because it's in the catalog doesn't mean it's being offered. I wanted to sign up for the XSI class cuz I've always wanted to learn that program in addition to Maya, but it isn't being taught. I guess it's based on cost feasibility, there have to be a certain number of students paying for the class for them to teach it. I went to the Animation & Visual Effects Department town hall meeting earlier in the semester and I recall people complaining about no one teaching Houdini, XSI, etc. I don't think Lightwave is being taught currently either. Right now Maya is the default, and there are Max classes primarily aimed at the Games students.
Damn that sucks i was looking forward to taking both lw and maya classses i dont want intro classes to animation!!!

jeremybirn

10-26-2004, 04:18 AM

Academy of Arts is now on my list of schools I will apply to.. well, once im done with highschool.
Think carefully about that. Replacing so much of your undergraduate education with industry-specific training tends to put all your eggs in one basket.

When I see students paying full price for a four year university education, but coming out academically advanced to less than the level they could get from a cheap two year associates degree at a community college, I know they've gambled a lot (maybe too much) on the future value of all those Maya courses. If you're a reasonably good student, you might consider going to a "real" university first, majoring in something else, and then going for the animation/CG/art degree as an MFA or second bachelors afterwards.

-jeremy

danteort

10-26-2004, 05:00 AM

When I see students paying full price for a four year university education, but coming out academically advanced to less than the level they could get from a cheap two year associates degree at a community college, I know they've gambled a lot (maybe too much) on the future value of all those Maya courses. If you're a reasonably good student, you might consider going to a "real" university first, majoring in something else, and then going for the animation/CG/art degree as an MFA or second bachelors afterwards.
I agree with Jeremy on this. I can't imagine coming here without first having previous college experience, at least a year or two preferably. In my case it ended up being a bit more than that, but that's what happens when you change career paths. In my opinion, this probably isn't the best place to get your feet wet as far as college goes. This isn't exactly a shining example of a "normal" university, though I don't think too many people here expect otherwise.

lazynok

10-26-2004, 09:21 AM

http://img100.exs.cx/img100/7977/paymentinfomask.jpg
just finished my application RIGHT NOW. paid my 100 bucks.

now time to apply for scholarships.... i'm 75% american indian (50% belong to a gov't registered legal tribe)...... does anybody know where I would go to get indian scholarships? I hear a lot of indians getting scholarships left and right but my searching has only found scholarships for "tribal" school which I will never be attending ever.

fall 05 here i come!
been reading http://forums.offtopic.com/showthread.php?t=1230767 ... all 20 pages.... about dormroom life and tips.. it has gotten me pumped up! me, excited for the AAU dorms for a change in life. (note gotta register to view that thread.. which you should do awsome information)

only like 10 months away =[

also wondering.. does it normally not give you a Payment Confirmation Number? cause its blank on mine for some weird reason

Obi

10-26-2004, 09:28 PM

If you're a reasonably good student, you might consider going to a "real" university first, majoring in something else, and then going for the animation/CG/art degree as an MFA or second bachelors afterwards.

-jeremy

Am in europe and might a good student with an avarage B and some A (i think A is the best, am i right?) and I would like to go to AAU for Animation or Modelling. But what do you propose instead this? Classic art won't be good for me, i'm not as good in drawing as i should be :(

In my country I'll go to "Communication and Visual arts" university. Is it good for me? Or should I go to AAU after graduation? (I'm 17 and in the last class)

(PS, sorry for my english :sad: )

ambas

10-26-2004, 09:58 PM

Unled

10-26-2004, 10:47 PM

Think carefully about that. Replacing so much of your undergraduate education with industry-specific training tends to put all your eggs in one basket.

When I see students paying full price for a four year university education, but coming out academically advanced to less than the level they could get from a cheap two year associates degree at a community college, I know they've gambled a lot (maybe too much) on the future value of all those Maya courses. If you're a reasonably good student, you might consider going to a "real" university first, majoring in something else, and then going for the animation/CG/art degree as an MFA or second bachelors afterwards.

-jeremy
One of the things that appealed to me about the Academy was that I didn't really feel like I was putting all my eggs in one basket. They stressed traditional art skills before sitting you infront of the computer. I've actually taken only one computer class per semester, the rest has been Anatomy, figure drawing, color theory, and figure modeling (with clay). These have all really helped with making me a more well rounded artist.
Since starting school, I've learned how to sculpt in clay, paint with gouache, and draw with charcoal, stuff I never did before coming to school. Ontop of that I'm learning Maya and the whole theory of 3d, which can make it easier to adapt to other 3d programs down the road.
So I'm going to respectfully disagree with your opinion in your post. :)

jeremybirn

10-27-2004, 03:42 AM

I knw what you're saying. Jeremy, what makes AAU not a "real" university? And what do you recommend I do? I don't want to spend too much time and money on something I won't end up doing. < This works both ways. Normally when something is called a "university" it has different colleges, there could be a college of arts and sciences, a business school, a theater school, a journalism school, a law school, etc. - normally the word university doesn't just mean an art school, no matter how big it is.

I said "think about it" not to get you to eliminate it from your list, but just to think about the trade-offs involved in attending what is basically a trade school instead of starting with a broader education. Imagine getting out of High School, with no college experience, and getting a full schedule dominated by art classes as Unled described above. Of course, to even count as an accredited university, AAU requires some academic classes, but students get so caught up in the art courses that those seem like a distraction, rather than the heart of their education.

If you went to AAU straight out of high school, there's a very real possibility that academically you'd remain near the high school level through the time you graduate, or at best would advance academically only by what you could have gotten in less than two years at a community college. If you're a good student, and you're just getting out of high school, consider visiting colleges and universities that are well ranked academically, looking at different majors and courses of study, and remember that you can always get more specialized a little later. This is just my $.02, I know there are others who choose different paths.

-jeremy

darktding

10-27-2004, 07:12 AM

I just got the 2005 catalog and course schedule, and they have listings for 'S'Image 1' 'Lightwave 1' 'studio max 1' and 'houdini 1'

so i'm guessing they must have teachers for those classes.
well theres like houdini 3 too listed but guess what! theres actually no teachers for that class!

And I totally agree with Jeremy, AAU is for specialisation. I see many kids who have the $$$ to pay for the classes.... but in the end wht really comes to is how much one puts in the classes.
The side effect is that the AAU has MANY UNNECESSARY CLASSES that a student has to take only becuase those who didnt care about the program never got to graduate.
Becuase of this AAU has made many "easy" classes where students have to pay like $1800 to listen to a teacher talk about something can could have easily well have been realised from buying a book from amazon or going to the library.....
So if you are fresh out of high school you need time to decide your future....
CG is an awesome career but wht comes with is the realization that one has to put in dedication and effort knowing that in the end of it all you may not earn enough but you will still be happy doing what you love......
I will stop my rant for now....

ambas

10-27-2004, 12:55 PM

Normally when something is called a "university" it has different colleges, there could be a college of arts and sciences, a business school, a theater school, a journalism school, a law school, etc. - normally the word university doesn't just mean an art school, no matter how big it is.

I said "think about it" not to get you to eliminate it from your list, but just to think about the trade-offs involved in attending what is basically a trade school instead of starting with a broader education. Imagine getting out of High School, with no college experience, and getting a full schedule dominated by art classes as Unled described above. Of course, to even count as an accredited university, AAU requires some academic classes, but students get so caught up in the art courses that those seem like a distraction, rather than the heart of their education.

If you went to AAU straight out of high school, there's a very real possibility that academically you'd remain near the high school level through the time you graduate, or at best would advance academically only by what you could have gotten in less than two years at a community college. If you're a good student, and you're just getting out of high school, consider visiting colleges and universities that are well ranked academically, looking at different majors and courses of study, and remember that you can always get more specialized a little later. This is just my $.02, I know there are others who choose different paths.

-jeremy
Thanks Jeremy

GrahamHRoss

10-27-2004, 04:44 PM

SpiralFace

10-29-2004, 09:36 PM

The best advice I can give to anyone thinking of comming straight out of high school and into the academy of art is, DON'T. Go to a comunity college first.

I say this for many reasons. Mainly becuase as Jeremy has been stressing, This University is a very SPECIALIZED university, where a "normal" university has different schools in arts and sciences, we have different schools in Film, Fasion, and Animation and the like. It is all well and good on the outside, but a requirement of the State of California to get a BFA is to have a very well rounded education. This means that despite the fact that you are going to be taking a majority of your classes in the arts, you are still required by the State of California to still be well versed in Math, English, and History. And although the Academy does offer these classes to its students, the coarses themselves are at the same price as every other class, around 550 a unit, so for a 3 unit class your going to be paying 1500 dollars. Where at your local comunity colledge you could pay around 20 bucks for the same type of class. And probably get a better education out of it. One of my qualms with the school is that there "Liberal Arts" classes (These are pretty much your General Ed classes) Are at iether an average or a sub par level, because the school itself specializes in its art classes, so there Math and History classes are'nt going to be all that great.

What I whould do if I'm about to get out of highschool is this. Go to your local comunity college and ask their carrer councilers to tell you what classes will transfer over to the Academy of Art. If they don't know, tell them to look into it and you expect them to have an awnser for you by the next week.
The Academy is very picky when it comes to transfer credits. The rule of thumb though is that your General Ed classes WILL transfer, but any ART class you take will iether be transfered over as one of the Four elective classes they allow you in a standard BFA program here, or not transfered at all. Sometimes only a higher level class will transfer over. So you might have to transfer two semesters of English Classes to have it count for one over here. Although this might seem like a big disadvantage, remember that in the end you whould be paying 1500 dollars a class, a semester for the Academy. And alittle colledge experiance is definatly a good thing before you come here. Because once you get to the Academy, you will have to run the Freshman gauntlet that I talked about about a page or two ago.

There's no shame in waiting a year or two to come to the academy to knock out some of the general ed classes at a Comunity Colledge. After you do it you'll be glad that you got all the boaring stuff out of the way first, and you whould have saved literaly THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS by knocking them out of the way first.

ambas

10-29-2004, 10:22 PM

lazynok

10-29-2004, 10:27 PM

blah blah blah goto community college blah blah
yep. thats what im doing. at los angeles harbor college... awaiting next fall at the academy

SpiralFace

10-30-2004, 03:35 AM

hahaha.....

yeah I know that last post was realy long. But I wanted to post it so no one whould have questions for me after it. Well It seems like you guys are well on your way, I'm sure you'll do fine.

Morganism

10-30-2004, 04:40 AM

I suppose I might chime in again and say that I went to another school for 2 years before coming here, and it was a good idea. However, I only had half of those credits transfer, because I wasn't initially planning on transferring. So it's a good idea to make sure the classes you take will actually count for something when they get transferred over here.
But if you're going to be taking regular old general ed, you might as well pay 40 bucks a unit (or whatever community colleges cost these days) rather than 550 bucks a unit over here. Just use this school for the classes you can't get anywhere else.

Zack Attack

10-30-2004, 04:59 AM

so if i got to a community college what courses should i take (want to majot in 3d animation)

lazynok

10-30-2004, 08:19 AM

order a catalog and look at the liberal arts sections

off hand i know...

art history - gothlic-present(?)

western civilization - renaissance-prensent(?)

english fundamentals

astronomy

Digiegg

10-30-2004, 05:25 PM

As a freshman in AAU, overall I like it.
Yes they do leech money off us I totally agree and some classes are just worthless.
But having no art talent and coming here really made me push myself to try my best.
Every school is probably the same. They all have bad side to em.
It's ones determination that'll get you far.
And I'll make sure you guys hear from me in the end =)

SpiralFace

10-30-2004, 07:15 PM

Originaly posted by Zack Attack
so if i got to a community college what courses should i take (want to majot in 3d animation)
I advise that you DON'T take any 3D courses at a comunity college, even if they offer them. Unless you just want to test the waters to see if 3D is a carrerr you seriously want to presue. Becuase they simply won't transfer, or they'll count as your elective classes.

Take the basics. Math, English, History (Both American and Art History), Psycology, Physics, French or Italian.basicaly anything that does'nt DIRECTLY deal with art, but be very carefull when you select these classes, as the Academy will only transfer cirtain levels of classes to count for cirtain classes over here. And sometimes its just worth it to skip those classes till you come over here and just plug away at classes that can directly transfer. For example. When I was in comunity colledge, I needed to take two semesters worth of art history in order to get INTO the class that whould transfer over as one of my art history classes here at the academy. Rather then spending three semesters for only one transferable class, I took American History, English, and math Instead. Three classes that (At my level) transfered imediately over to the school.

The bottom line is that if your planing to transfer credits, it is super important to talk to your carrer councilers. They will be the ones that can give you the information about what level of classes will be able to transfer to the academy and wich ones won't. So go talk to them and ask them for information regarding it. But don't be shy to take classes there that YOU want to take, even if they don't transfer. I took Japanese for all four semesters of my comunity colledge days, and despite the fact that there are forigen languages here at the school, becuase Japanese was'nt on the list, it did'nt transfer. But I did'nt care becuase it was a class that I personaly wanted to take.
College is about noting more then furthering your education and teaching you what YOU want to learn. I know a few people even here at the academy, that go to SF city college to take classes that the academy does'nt offer.

SpiralFace

10-30-2004, 07:26 PM

NissanSeximaAs a freshman in AAU, overall I like it.
Yes they do leech money off us I totally agree and some classes are just worthless.
But having no art talent and coming here really made me push myself to try my best.
Every school is probably the same. They all have bad side to em.
It's ones determination that'll get you far.
And I'll make sure you guys hear from me in the end =)
Yep, all schools pretty much are.
I remember my friends at Cornell University always complaining what a joke his english, and philosophy classes where. Despite the fact that it was an Ivy Leage school.

Its simply becuase no matter what school you go to, there all known for different things that they exel at. Cornell was primaraly a Medical science and engeneering school. So their classes in the arts where pretty much a joke, even for an ivy leage school. The Academy is an Art University. So naturaly we exel at the arts, but I'll be the first to admit that we fall flat on the science end. Unfortunatly thats just the way things are. But thats the same even for Highschools. I went to a Highschool that was very Athletic. And although we had pretty much evey single kind of sport team imaginable for a west coast school, the only computer class we had was a typing class. And this was durring the Silicon Valley BOOM!!!

Welcome to college life, witch means that its now up to you to do the reserch and see if this school will be the right choice for you

peefoo

10-31-2004, 12:44 AM

silicate

10-31-2004, 10:47 AM

Hey did anyone else get the 2004 promo DVD in the mail. I got mine the other day. It was very nice, the "welcome" and "Facilities" tours were great. I was blown away by how professional and awesome all the departments are. The fashion looked professional, like a real fashion show (actually I have the 2004 AAU fashion show DVD too and it's awesome), the Fine art, Industrial Design, Televison/Film, even Graphic Design student's work is top notch. It's what you'd expect to see coming form an art university - except the animation student's work, what they have on it is scary. It looks like bad animation from like 10 years ago. IT really has me concerned. How can they be using this as an example of their student's best work? I mean all the other departments examples are amazing.

Anyone know why this is? was that really the best animation from their 2004 students?

THis has me really concerned.

-Vormav-

10-31-2004, 11:08 AM

I haven't seen that DVD personally, but the video of student work that they had playing when I visited a week back were pretty decent. A lot of it even looked quite familiar. ( ;) )
The New Media department seemed like their strongest department though, from what I saw when I was there. There was some impressive stuff in all of the other departments, sure, but that floor just left a bit of a "holy crap!" impression on me.

Zack Attack

10-31-2004, 05:16 PM

jeremybirn

10-31-2004, 06:06 PM

Does anyone know about the advantages of AAU's MFA program over the BFA program? I'm considering applying to the MFA program for the Fall 2005 semester, but I don't have much of a portfolio as of now, since I'm about to graduate from Berkeley and haven't had any formal art training or art classes. I'm currently learning Maya, and I plan to take some figure drawing and sketching classes in the spring of 2005 to beef up my portfolio. I understand that AAU's BFA program doesn't require a portfolio to apply, but the MFA program does. Anyway, my point is, if I can get just as good of an education and preparation for future work in the BFA as in the MFA, should I just pursue my second bachelor's degree instead of pursuing a master's degree? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!
Take the art classes, and maybe photography too, but don't worry: AAU isn't an institution like Berkeley with true competetive admissions, AAU is a business that doesn't want to turn away paying customers. They require a portfolio as a formality, a part of being accredited to give MFA's, but MFA students actually start with the same beginning level courses as BFA students (see a few pages ago.) Choose the MFA program for more time at the end to focus on your thesis project (something really high quality for your showreel), more freedom in choosing courses, and the one-on-one directed study work with your choice of instructors.

-jeremy

GrahamHRoss

10-31-2004, 10:27 PM

From the advice I've recieved, the MFA program is great if you've got a thesis project in mind, soemthing you don't mind working on for a year or two. But if you're just looking to learn to be a 3d artist, the BFA degree plan is much better.

peefoo

10-31-2004, 11:16 PM

But if you're just looking to learn to be a 3d artist, the BFA degree plan is much better. KungFuHamster, could you elaborate on this? How is it better?
Is it because you get to work on more small projects, and therefore gain a better understanding of 3d art in general, as opposed to working on one huge project in the MFA program?
Would you actually come out of school more prepared for work with a BFA than an MFA?
I'm hoping to get into the game industry as an animator or modeler.

Thanks Jeremy and KungFuHamster for your advice.

Blip

10-31-2004, 11:31 PM

I don't have much of a portfolio as of now, since I'm about to graduate from Berkeley and haven't had any formal art training or art classes. I'm currently learning Maya, and I plan to take some figure drawing and sketching classes in the spring of 2005 to beef up my portfolio.

Where are you learning Maya, in school or on your own? What is it you want to go for, 3D character animation? Are you REALLY interested in having an MFA degree, or are you after development and improving your skills? What KungFu Hamster said is pretty much right on the money concerning this school. I agree with what Jeremy said if you think you'll be ready to do some great animation by the time your thesis rolls around.

There are a couple other scenarios besides choosing between the full BFA and MFA programs. I think you can do a 2-year undergrad study here then go for the MFA, at least that's what one of my classmates did. He's benefitted because now he has a lot of the undergrads (who are typically more skilled) as friends (later on referred to as contacts or connections) and he can continue to get their input, crits, ideas, etc. Another thing that can happen is conditional acceptance to the MFA, where you take a semester or two of undergrad courses (typically foundations like drawing) before starting the grad courses.

The problem I see with the MFA program is students coming with little-to-no animation experience and not getting the skills they need before going into their thesis. So then they spend 1.5 years, yes one and a half years, 3 semesters on their thesis project, and the animation is still crap. It's heart-wrenchingly sad. That's too much time and too much money to spend to be told that you're doing a super job and end up with something that won't help you get a career.

So to conclude, if you're going to shoot for the MFA program, work your ass off between now and then in drawing and animation. When you get here, try to take at least one traditional animation class before mid-point (before entering your thesis) since it sounds like you're beginning animation in Maya. For now, draw draw draw, watch tons of animation in forums, read the crits given, and critique them as well. Get the book Animator's Survival Kit if you don't already have it and keep your nose in it. This is how you'll hopefully get full acceptance into the MFA program and be primed to tackle your thesis when it comes. If you can't commit to that much work before coming, consider some of the undergrad courses. Just don't make the big waste that the majority of the MFA students seem to be making.

EDIT: Okay, so you posted right under my nose as I was typing this :P Going for games, right? Well if you choose to be an animator most of this still applies. Modeler, I'm sure the traditional stuff, now including sculpture and maquette stuff, still needs to be strong. But I don't know about the MFA curriculum for Modeling.

lazynok

11-01-2004, 07:51 AM

ahh!!! I need that DVD.. hopefully it comes tomarrow..

Digiegg

11-01-2004, 07:53 PM

i wasn't really that impressed with the videos.
visual fx were really good but not too many animations that impressed me.
also if you are going to go to community college talk to your admin about the classes you are going to take and see if you can get them transfered.
If not they won't transfer for you. This school is known for not transfering classes.

silicate

11-01-2004, 09:12 PM

i wasn't really that impressed with the videos.
visual fx were really good but not too many animations that impressed me.

I wanted to show that to my friends to show them what school I'm going to go to, now I'll feel embarassed to do so ;). I'll send it to my mom though, she won't know the difference, and when I show her later what I've done (assuming I get that far) she'll be impressed (also assuming I can do good stuff). just kidding!!

also if you are going to go to community college talk to your admin about the classes you are going to take and see if you can get them transfered.

If you look on their website here (http://academyart.edu/admis/transfer.asp?M=3) they have a list of classes that are transferable. I matched them up pretty closely at my local city college, then I asked some one in admissions at AAU (forget name, but it was a nice lady) at the LA academy day if I was on the right track, she said "yes". And just told me not to take certain classes like "History of Film" because you have to take that at AAU, which I guess is understandable. I'm currently in my 3rd math class (yeah I wasted my time in Highschool :sad: ), and I have one more to go which will be College Level Algebra and then I can transfer that (but it's still cheaper than paying 1500 for it at AAU). I'm also in my 3rd English class which is English Comp. I would have liked to take a few more classes, but I'm stuck now that my wife left me and I'm broke with no car. Working Full time and taking the bus makes it hard for me to go to school full time now where I live. However, I enjoyed taking the Gen Ed Classes, I actually learned alot and found that I have an interest in Poetry, Literature, and Philosophy and that I actually enjoyed Algebra and Psychology too! Cultural Anthropology was pretty fun as well, all my teachers have been really knowledgable and I'm glad I took the classes localy. If I had taken them at AAU, I'm afraid I would not have been able to focus on them with with the art classes going too. I'm dieing to take some art classe though, and reading this thread is making me really want to get to next fall so I can transfer already and move to SF!

In my spare time I'm just trying to improve my 2d drawing skills, I figure I can pick the software quickly once I get there. I really want to develop my artistic skills because I think that will make a bigger difference than trying to learn the software first... which I could also be doing in my spare time (which I have a lot of now that I'm poor and can't leave the house on weekends :shrug: )

HA! I just noticed this: Academy Day New York (http://www.academyart.edu/academyday/ny/) on the AAU website, if you are in that area anyone you should check it out! THey have admin people there you can talk to as well as the department people.

Digiegg

11-01-2004, 09:20 PM

the CD has some good stuff too. You should still show them the videos =)
Fashion one was awsome. Very professional.

silicate

11-01-2004, 09:37 PM

I loved the fashion stuff! I loved the models :drool: , I have the 2004 AAU Fashion DVD too! I've watched it a bunch of times already! Other stuff that impressed me on the main DVD was the Illustration, photography and TV/film stuff, my room mate where I live now is going to a local film school called Brooks Institute and the stuff I've seen from that school doesn't compare to what was on the DVD (I guess SF as a backdrop just looks so much better than where I live).

:cry: I want to just go already! I have one more semester then summer and then I can go. I hope that I befriend some people on here to room with (dorms or other) by then ;).

ambas

11-01-2004, 09:48 PM

you guys are talking about the promo dvd? where do can i get one?

silicate

11-02-2004, 12:19 AM

you guys are talking about the promo dvd? where do can i get one?

Last year I requested a catalog, and ever since then they have been mailing me stuff every few months. I also get the news letter, though I don't think I've ever bothered to read it ;). If you haven't requested a catalog it wouldn't hurt to do so.

Incedently, I emailed Nye Warburton, the guy who did the Magnetism (http://www.academyart.edu/ani/ani_news.asp?ID=2004101253259) short that apeared on the promo DVD. He said that he felt the same way about the student real that was out when he attended. He also said that too many people worked on complicated models with a lot of weird rendering that produced results that really weren't worth watching. He said to keep it short and simple and focus on the story. He's working at Electronic Arts now according to the AAU "Where are they now" page.

SpiralFace

11-02-2004, 07:03 PM

Incedently, I emailed Nye Warburton, the guy who did the Magnetism (http://www.academyart.edu/ani/ani_news.asp?ID=2004101253259) short that apeared on the promo DVD. He said that he felt the same way about the student real that was out when he attended. He also said that too many people worked on complicated models with a lot of weird rendering that produced results that really weren't worth watching. He said to keep it short and simple and focus on the story. He's working at Electronic Arts now according to the AAU "Where are they now" page.

Keep in mind though that not everyone at this school is trying to get into Animation. (Although it does take up a sizable chunck of the student population.) So of corse some people's animation is'nt going to be all there, but they tend to have very kick @ss models or textures, or camera moves. Becuase its what there trying to get into. Animation is'nt everything. Someone comented that our stuff looks like stuff from back in the 90's. Well you know what, Thats a compliment for most of us, becuase all the things on that academy CD are INDIVIDUAL'S projects. We are doing Things that took 30-50 people to do as a full time job, by ourselves, and within a rediculous time constraint, while jugglging multiple projects for our classes, and for most of us, paying jobs! Of coarse our things are'nt going to look like lord of the Rings or Matrix, That stuff took years to make with HUGE amounts of people working on Modeling, textureing, lighting, rigging, Motion Capture, Animation, Rendering, and Compositing. And we have to do almost all of that on our own within a 15 week time frame, with projects from other classes, and jobs. (kiss your social life goodbye if you want to make a half way decent portfolio piece.) So keep that in mind when your looking at that CD. Alot of academy students take up independent side projects or internships to fill our portfolio with top quality stuff. But those have nothing to do with the School itself, so there for its not shown on their little hand out CD's. Remember. All that stuff on the CD is from CLASSES. We not only have to make a project, but we are also learning new tools and functions within the program that take time to get our heads around. Cuz thats what the classes are for.....LEARNING! If you want to pump out good portfolio pieces, you more often then not have to do them on your own time. Most of the time its spending time after the semester is over to touch up the stuff you worked on durring the semester.

HellBoy

11-02-2004, 08:03 PM

736 replies, New General Discussion Record

silicate

11-02-2004, 10:17 PM

Keep in mind...

Those are some very good points Shadow Slayer. I'm not even there yet so I hadn't considered that. I'm sorry, I apologize if I came down a little hard on the students there! I hope you guys forgive me :love: I didn't mean to sound so harsh.

Morganism

11-02-2004, 11:25 PM

I'll agree that a lot of the stuff on the student reel isn't very good. But don't worry, there are some awesome animators here, believe me. They don't show up of the reel because a lot of the animations are excercises that don't get submitted to the spring show because the students are too busy animating. :)
By the way, I had a class with Nye last year, he's very good. And last I knew he was animating at EA.

-Vormav-

11-02-2004, 11:35 PM

Just saw the DVD. I think people are kind of over-reacting with those glimpses of people's animation shots. Looking beyond character animation, there was some very good texturing in there, and some pretty cool lighting shots. Can't say much for the modeling from the DVD, but I saw some pretty impressive character models when I was at the studio...
If anything, I get the impression that AAU students could really use a course or two in audio editing...Maybe there was a great quality loss in the transfer to DVD, but most of the sound and music was just...horrid...IMO. Not that that should be the focus of digital works, but it becomes a very important aspect whenever sound is included. I doubt LOTR would have given half as good an impression as it gave me if it came packing the soundtrack of Charlie's Angels 2.
I suppose the background music for the DVD probably just left a sour taste in my mouth though... haven't felt such a need to use the mute button in awhile. But I guess it's no better than the music for the tour DVDs that any other universities offer. http://cgtalk.com/images/smilies/shrug.gif

silicate

11-03-2004, 12:23 AM

SpiralFace

11-03-2004, 02:23 AM

If anything, I get the impression that AAU students could really use a course or two in audio editing...Maybe there was a great quality loss in the transfer to DVD, but most of the sound and music was just...horrid...IMO.

Funny you mention that, becuase your not the only one who has noticed. The animation department is finaly getting a sound editing class added for animation and visual effects purposes next semester. Although your right in the fact that it is kinda an elective when you look at the fact that when you shoot for an animation major, your primary concern will be animation. But if your interested in sound, There adding a class for it now so be happy:)

Also if you want to dive more into sound stuff, the Motion Picture / Television department has more Sound classes for you if you want to take them. Stuff like ADR and the like can be learned in them. Its just that when your in animation or modeling, most students just opt to take a maquet class or illustraion class for an elective instead of a sound design coarse. But it will be there for you next semester if you want to presue that route.

lazynok

11-03-2004, 06:20 PM

I'm taking a new outlook towards it now ;). I'm still psycked to go there, it's what I want to do. I have one more year before I'll be ready... appyling in Jan 2005 (or when ever my current semester posts grades), I plan to attend in Fall 2005. So I'll be looking forward to meeting people next fall.
just wondering what are your reasons for doing this? i applied 2 weeks ago and paid my 100 bucks... should i have waited until i had some grades first? i thought they didnt care about grades.

ALSO im ETERNALLY SAD neither I nor my girlfriend have received the dvds in the mail yet =[ maybe the torrance post office is on crack or somtehing =[

qwertyhuh

11-03-2004, 07:57 PM

iam tring to find the video. and i dont want them to mail me junk. Iam just curious to see it, to see how the school is turning out. iam a 2000 bfa 3d modeling grad. and iam employed by scea. and there are two others here that gratuated from the aaC. also. The one thing i would reccomed to ever one thats going there or is thinking about going there....do not go for the bfa, go for the cirtificate program. the bfa means nothing in the real world, just fills up a line on your resume. you dont need to spend $$ on liberal arts classes and waste your time when you should be in the lab making your port. take only the classes you need..think about this. paying student loans for 20 years sucks, i pay 600 a month....lol

silicate

11-03-2004, 08:51 PM

just wondering what are your reasons for doing this? i applied 2 weeks ago and paid my 100 bucks... should i have waited until i had some grades first? i thought they didnt care about grades.

I guess I could send my transcripts right now, but the semester is getting close to the end now and I might as well wait untill the grades from this semester post. The grades in themselves (as long as they are a "C" or better) shouldn't matter, I just meant that when the grades show up on the transcript which is usually sometime after the new semester has started. Probably around Janurary 5th for me. Plus I get two free official transcripts (the ones in the sealed envelope), so to save a few bucks I will send one in January, and then one after I'm done after next semester. Otherwise I would end up sending three... Maybe I'm just being neurotic...

I would have applied in August, but I had to move into my own place and right now I'm going through a divorce :( and my car is broken down so I'm financialy strapped at the moment.

(at least I'll be single when I get to SF :D ... ladies? ...ladies?)

600 a month... OUCH! Didn't someone make an analogy about it costing about the same as going to med school? I thought I read that in this thread somewhere.

cloudz

11-03-2004, 09:00 PM

i'd say talent speaks for itself more than wut school u go to

Unled

11-03-2004, 10:00 PM

If anything, I get the impression that AAU students could really use a course or two in audio editing...Maybe there was a great quality loss in the transfer to DVD, but most of the sound and music was just...horrid...IMO. Not that that should be the focus of digital works, but it becomes a very important aspect whenever sound is included. I doubt LOTR would have given half as good an impression as it gave me if it came packing the soundtrack of Charlie's Angels 2.

I really agree with you, I haven't seen the DVD so I can't comment on other's work, but from what i've seen from students the sound is often lacking. I think sound can really fill in some fo the gaps in an animation. However I'm not a very skilled sound guy, so I have my friend who does sound production do my voicework / sound effects. It keeps me from having to slap something in last minute and really enhances the project.

lazynok

11-04-2004, 02:39 AM

I guess I could send my transcripts right now, but the semester is getting close to the end now and I might as well wait untill the grades from this semester post. The grades in themselves (as long as they are a "C" or better) shouldn't matter, I just meant that when the grades show up on the transcript which is usually sometime after the new semester has started. Probably around Janurary 5th for me. Plus I get two free official transcripts (the ones in the sealed envelope), so to save a few bucks I will send one in January, and then one after I'm done after next semester. Otherwise I would end up sending three... Maybe I'm just being neurotic...

I would have applied in August, but I had to move into my own place and right now I'm going through a divorce :( and my car is broken down so I'm financialy strapped at the moment.

(at least I'll be single when I get to SF :D ... ladies? ...ladies?)

600 a month... OUCH! Didn't someone make an analogy about it costing about the same as going to med school? I thought I read that in this thread somewhere.
just apply. might as well get it out of the way. you dont need to send your transcripts. are you going to take a spring semester of community? well then your going to have to send another transcript later, so save the free one to that, and send the other free ones to scholarships and such.

that guy with the certificate program idea got me thinking...........

SpiralFace

11-04-2004, 02:51 AM

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i'd say talent speaks for itself more than wut school u go to
Could'nt agree more as far as when your going for a job interview. But as far as computer art jobs go, Talent is something that gets you the job over the other guy, but TRAINING is what will get them to look at your portfolio in the first place. And THAT is what you need to go to school for. The Academy is very good at training you for what is to come, becuase they are constantly working on improving both their facilities and there Ciriculum. And no matter how talented you are, you still need training. The only thing that the talent will do is make you acell at what your training in.