is Academy of Arts a good school to go to

[silentsamurai]

Like I said, I did my first year online, and I thought it was a great. I liked how it was done and put together. But that's just me.

I don't think it would be a complete waste of time. But I can see the merits of being on campus, in fact that's why I am on campus now, not because I didn't like the online at all, it's just that, the major advantage to on campus vs online, is that you can get immediate feedback. But I didn't think the feedback was terrible. The way to beat that is to make sure you do your work early on in the module (week), and that way you can get feedback and work on it. Make sure you say you want feedback in case you want to fix it before the due date as well.

That's my two cents.

[Digiegg]

guys guys. If you want to take Online classes and get rid of some of them before coming here, take stuff like Online Art History, English, and so forth...
Their Online art history classes are pretty good. I've taken 2 and I've still learned alot.

As for foundation art, PLEASE PLEASE come to the school and learn it...
The workshops and classes will improve your skills. try not to take them online

oh and there IS no campus... hahaha
just buildings around SF... =P

As for your "style" ... one teacher said noobs like me have no "style" in the beginning.
So just follow your teacher's path... your style will find you along the way. =)

[samel]

hello..

i just got the AAU info package and the catalogue outlined four different options AA,BFA,MFA and Certificate Program..
i'm from sweden so i'm not very familiar with the way american degrees work but to my understanding (from looking at the curriculum and course outlines)
a certificate degree is narrower than a bfa and offers more focused training but still runs over 120units , almost as long as a bfa...

is this correct..or whats the difference..? can i get a certificate degree without any prerequisites? what would be the benefits/drawbacks of a certificate degree?
.. or have i just gotten this all wrong..?

another thing, the AAU catalog says "The estimated expenses for Undergraduate and Graduate program are USD$30,000 per year"
can someone already enrolled tell me if this number agrees with reality or is it more/less expensive..?

thanks //samel

[Digiegg]

it's more like $20k a year... taking out the living expenses

[silentsamurai]

I personally would go with a BFA, I think that will help you out more in the long run. As for it costing 30,000 a year, I don't know about that. My classes were 7,000 for tuition and all those fees that come with stuff. Second, I added another 1,500 for supplies and commuting money (I live in Mountain View). So, I would say it will run me under 20,000 a year. So I think that's a little high. I guess it all depends on if you live in the dorms or something like that.

But I would stick with a BFA if a certificate seems just as long. I think that BFA would help you out more in the long run. So, I guess that's really up to you, and what you plan on doing.

[danblomberg]

Samel:

Well im from Sweden aswell and i just started at AAU this fall.. as an international student you have to show proof that you can pay for 30,000USD per year (thats 2 terms... 15weeks each..fall/spring for ex.... summer term is cheaper and is not included in this estimation of costs..) Now i know the Swedish student loans organ/CSN wont cover this on its own.. so you can do like i did... show that you got fundings that will cover atleast one semester.. thats 15,000USD.

It probably wont be this expensive(but pretty close).. it all depends on where you're living (dorms/shared/apartment)... what you are eating...(school mealplan/cooking on your own/jack in the box..heh) ...and who you're partying with.

As for degree.... hmm... do you really need a degree??... i guess it would help if you're trying to work in America maybe.... think its easier to get a working visa with a degree... but if you already have some sort of higher education degree from sweden i say **** the degree.

Im in the Personal Enrichment Program... so im not really going for a degree.... it allows me to be more free in my choices of classes... right now im taking classes from 3 different departments for ex... anyway.. you could start with the PE program.. and then transfer the credits/classes and go for a BFA degree later on... youre allowed to stay in the PE.program for one year only as an international student btw.

As for if the school is cool or not.... its a huge school... yeah some parts of it do suck... and some parts are kinda cool... its like with everything here in life i guess.

..and the foundation classes... hmm i see some of the homework the ppl at my dorm are doing... and whoah hell, WTF!? -__-... im.. going to have to think more about this one.. but shit.

Aye well if you need further help Samel just send me a mail...

oi!

[mangual]

Samel:

Well im from Sweden aswell and i just started at AAU this fall.. as an international student you have to show proof that you can pay for 30,000USD per year (thats 2 terms... 15weeks each..fall/spring for ex.... summer term is cheaper and is not included in this estimation of costs..) Now i know the Swedish student loans organ/CSN wont cover this on its own.. so you can do like i did... show that you got fundings that will cover atleast one semester.. thats 15,000USD.

It probably wont be this expensive(but pretty close).. it all depends on where you're living (dorms/shared/apartment)... what you are eating...(school mealplan/cooking on your own/jack in the box..heh) ...and who you're partying with.

As for degree.... hmm... do you really need a degree??... i guess it would help if you're trying to work in America maybe.... think its easier to get a working visa with a degree... but if you already have some sort of higher education degree from sweden i say **** the degree.

Im in the Personal Enrichment Program... so im not really going for a degree.... it allows me to be more free in my choices of classes... right now im taking classes from 3 different departments for ex... anyway.. you could start with the PE program.. and then transfer the credits/classes and go for a BFA degree later on... youre allowed to stay in the PE.program for one year only as an international student btw.

As for if the school is cool or not.... its a huge school... yeah some parts of it do suck... and some parts are kinda cool... its like with everything here in life i guess.

..and the foundation classes... hmm i see some of the homework the ppl at my dorm are doing... and whoah hell, WTF!? -__-... im.. going to have to think more about this one.. but shit.

Aye well if you need further help Samel just send me a mail...

oi!

The homework they are doing is... impressive or crappy? It wasn't too clear what you meant. Are there many talented people or were you saying WTF why do they have no artistic talent? hehehe

[Digiegg]

The school requires no portfolio.
There are lots of students who really suck at art (me being one of them) but then they have alot of people who are really really talented artists.

[geo5sf]

Its interesting reading this thread now that I attend AAU and am deep in the MFA VFX emphasis. All I can say is I love it, and I'm learning so much. It's not perfect... but those are little things in the grand scheme of things. I'm learning so much and meeting so many talented people that I hope to work with in the future.

[qwertyhuh]

is Academy of Arts a good school to go to..NO
do your research and look what students demo reels look like when they leave, you will see that vfs reels are getting more attention.example (cgtalk) they always have students from there on there front page. its so annoying to hear about pixar this disney that, ah man enough give it a rest.
well good luck
laters...aaC grad 01.....
ok iam just looking at modeling/texturing stuff by the way

[StapleGun]

is Academy of Arts a good school to go to..NO
do your research and look what students demo reels look like when they leave, you will see that vfs reels are getting more attention.example (cgtalk) they always have students from there on there front page. its so annoying to hear about pixar this disney that, ah man enough give it a rest.
well good luck
laters...aaC grad 01.....
ok iam just looking at modeling/texturing stuff by the way


And don't believe their 80% figure, the number of grads working in the "art and design" industry. This figure includes Advertising, Fashion and Graphic Design. The VFX and Animation dept even claims that its no where near 80% who actually get jobs.

[rblitz7]

Hey all of you current AAU students, I was wondering how the school deals with SAT scores? if they deal with them at all.

[Michael5188]

It doesn't, doesn't look at SAT at all. The school is open enrollment, meaning you apply, you get in! It took away a bit of the excitement when I got my acceptance letter but hey, it's a great school and I'm loving it here.

[OpenUrEyes]

Hey all of you current AAU students, I was wondering how the school deals with SAT scores? if they deal with them at all.

If you have at least one eyeball you will get in. I know they even allow people with metal disabilities, which means that when you are in class you have to sit there and listen to the instructor try to teach the retarded student for an hour, the difference between warm and cool colors. And what the difference is between the X and Z axis in Maya. That's a lot of time wasted for the rest of us.

You'd wish this was a rarity but it wasn't for me. Maybe I'm the retarded one.

[rblitz7]

...you have to sit there and listen to the instructor try to teach the retarded student for an hour, the difference between warm and cool colors. And what the difference is between the X and Z axis in Maya. That's a lot of time wasted for the rest of us.
Wow, that sucks I would think they have special classes for them.

[OpenUrEyes]

Wow, that sucks I would think they have special classes for them.

That's what I thought too but it would be too costly for them to do so. There's not that many students who are mentally disabled to justify putting them seperately. But it sucks when the few draw away time from the teacher.

To be fair, since the Academy does not interview or test students, there's no way for them to know the mental level of students they let in.

This is nothing new and its not just the Academy. I've been to other schools (non art) who try to be "inclusive" of everyone. Even those who require SAT scores.

[mangual]

If you have at least one eyeball you will get in. I know they even allow people with metal disabilities, which means that when you are in class you have to sit there and listen to the instructor try to teach the retarded student for an hour, the difference between warm and cool colors. And what the difference is between the X and Z axis in Maya. That's a lot of time wasted for the rest of us.

You'd wish this was a rarity but it wasn't for me. Maybe I'm the retarded one.

Here's a question for the people who have a problem with the open admission policy... and who claim you have to waste your time waiting for teachers to explain things to "retarded" students:

Why did you choose to attend that school then? And if it's so bad, why haven't you left for a better one that requires a portfolio?

[OpenUrEyes]

Here's a question for the people who have a problem with the open admission policy... and who claim you have to waste your time waiting for teachers to explain things to "retarded" students:

Why did you choose to attend that school then? And if it's so bad, why haven't you left for a better one that requires a portfolio?

LOL.

By "retarded" I meant "retarded." Sorry was that not a very PC term? I'm talking about mental disability, ADS, can't perceive 3d space, etc.

AAU does not advertise that they have mentally disabled students on their brochures, their spam mails, or in their squadren of telemarketers.

Open admission is not bad, but no one really realizes HOW open it is.

[mangual]

LOL.

By "retarded" I meant "retarded." Sorry was that not a very PC term? I'm talking about mental disability, ADS, can't perceive 3d space, etc.

AAU does not advertise that they have mentally disabled students on their brochures, their spam mails, or in their squadren of telemarketers.

Open admission is not bad, but no one really realizes HOW open it is.

Ok but now that you know how it is, why are you staying there? Or did you finish already?
I thought about going to the school but never did for financial reasons.

[omni]

LOL.

By "retarded" I meant "retarded." Sorry was that not a very PC term? I'm talking about mental disability, ADS, can't perceive 3d space, etc.

AAU does not advertise that they have mentally disabled students on their brochures, their spam mails, or in their squadren of telemarketers.

Open admission is not bad, but no one really realizes HOW open it is.

I dont think you answered the question really. It does not seem really logical to continue at a university that really suck!? I would not stay if that was my belief.

[geo5sf]

the truth is from a vfx empasis standpoint... that people learn at their own pace... but the good students who come in with no knowledge in vfx.. pick up fast. It may take a semester or two for them to catch up... but Ive seen begore my eyes, people who knew nothing about Maya and AE, in the beginning figuring it out. I assume the people who dont figure it out, will leave.. or continue to get slammed by the amazing artists that do attend the school. Me? I am becoming better, cause there are people around me who are better..and now I am more inspired to improve what I am creating... or I get great ideas from the other students around me...

and as far a s those retarded statements, openyoureyes... you are a bastard. if you have a problem go speak to someone at the school about it, don't spout it off in here... if nobody who can help knows you are bothered by it then they cant solve the problem... its the idiots like you who make things worse...

[samel]

and as far a s those retarded statements, openyoureyes... you are a bastard. if you have a problem go speak to someone at the school about it, don't spout it off in here... if nobody who can help knows you are bothered by it then they cant solve the problem... its the idiots like you who make things worse...

if this is true, that AAU puts mentally disabled people in classes together with "normal" kids then i think openyoureyes does people a favour telling about it here..as far as what he does about his own situation, talk to facultymembers or drop out..that is completely irrellevant.. the bad people here, still if this is true, would be the school who make people pay ridiculous amount of money for very questionable teaching methods..sorry if i offend someone but not telling me that my classes will be held together with mentally disabled (not mentioned anywhere in the AAU catalogue as far as i can tell) is just absurd..and quite frankly i can not see any other reason for AAU to apply open admissions but to suck as much money as possible from people..this bussiness is really hard and misleading people into thinking that anyone can get a job is just wrong..

however, i find this statement hard to believe and would appreciate if someone could verify what openUreyes say as i'm thinking of applying and this leaves me very hesitative..

//s

[MuSoolSa]

if this is true, that AAU puts mentally disabled people in classes together with "normal" kids then i think openyoureyes does people a favour telling about it here..as far as what he does about his own situation, talk to facultymembers or drop out..that is completely irrellevant.. the bad people here, still if this is true, would be the school who make people pay ridiculous amount of money for very questionable teaching methods..sorry if i offend someone but not telling me that my classes will be held together with mentally disabled (not mentioned anywhere in the AAU catalogue as far as i can tell) is just absurd..and quite frankly i can not see any other reason for AAU to apply open admissions but to suck as much money as possible from people..this bussiness is really hard and misleading people into thinking that anyone can get a job is just wrong..

however, i find this statement hard to believe and would appreciate if someone could verify what openUreyes say as i'm thinking of applying and this leaves me very hesitative..

//s

I can partly verify that there is a very tiny number of students who fit into the category of being mentally challenged. I am in my third year at the academy and i had only one class with someone like this. However, it did not prevent me from learning anything.

Open admissions means just that: it's open to anyone. Here's a quote from AAU website about open admissions:

" One of our objectives it to maintain an open admissions policy that afford all people access to an institute of higher education."

Notice that it didn't say "qualified people." Just people in general. What's wrong with making money and giving everyone the chance to learn, all at the same time?

[jeremybirn]

[ Thread: is Academy of Arts a good school to go to ]

[silentsamurai]

I can partly verify that there is a very tiny number of students who fit into the category of being mentally challenged. I am in my third year at the academy and i had only one class with someone like this. However, it did not prevent me from learning anything.

Open admissions means just that: it's open to anyone. Here's a quote from AAU website about open admissions:

" One of our objectives it to maintain an open admissions policy that afford all people access to an institute of higher education."

Notice that it didn't say "qualified people." Just people in general. What's wrong with making money and giving everyone the chance to learn, all at the same time?

I agree with you there. I don't see the problem with it either. I haven't been in any classes with mentally challenged students, but then again this is my first semester on campus (I did my first year online.)

I like the school. I think for the most part the instructors are pretty good, and it's not a bad thing to have instructors with backgrounds in the industry. That helps more than it hurst in my opinion. The only way where it hurts, is that a lot of them generally aren't used to teaching classes, and honestly, I don't really think most artists are inclined to teach classes like most academic teachers are. Some are just better at handling it than others.

I don't think there is anything wrong with the school at all. Generally the people who are griping about either A) don't attend there or B ) do or have attended there and aren't doing work that's quality enough to get them a job, so instead of buckling down and doing better themselves and learning from experience, they blast the school because then it makes them feel better for not being at fault. No the school is not perfect and it can't make YOU better as an artist. Only YOU can make yourself better as an artist. And that's done through discipline and hard work. They can teach us the skills and the techniques, it's up to us to use them to the best of our abilities and adapt to make them better.

And my instructors aren't perfect either. I have Chris Newhard for Intermediate figure drawing, and I think he's pretty good. I think he grades a little hard, but he's positive about it. He's geniunely there to help us see our mistakes and correct them and work hard. Arnie Wong is my Storyboarding instructor, he's the guy I like the least right now, because his assignments tend to grow over the week. You come in prepared with what you thought the assigment was the week before and when he says to get ready to present the assignment, somehow it's grown over the week to encompass more objectives than you were originally told. Plus, my Grandfather had open heart surgery last thursday, so naturally I didn't go to class. And he didn't act like that was a valid reason to miss class. Yet, his industry experience as a storyboard artist is very valuable. So, you have to balance the good with the negative, if you let the negative overshadow the good of something, then you'll never be satisfied. Never.

[Digiegg]

haha silentsamurai, I have Christopher Newhard as my Int. fig drawing teacher as well.
I think he's great at teaching. He's one of those teachers that gives everybody a chance to improve and actually is concerned about them. I won't say that he's the best figure drawing artist out of our school, but he is certainly one of the best figure drawing teachers. When I say teachers, I mean teachers who actually KNOWS how to teach and deal w/ his students. Anyways...
I'm in the morning class. tuesdays. you?

[-Vormav-]

I don't think there is anything wrong with the school at all. Generally the people who are griping about either A) don't attend there or B ) do or have attended there and aren't doing work that's quality enough to get them a job, so instead of buckling down and doing better themselves and learning from experience, they blast the school because then it makes them feel better for not being at fault. No the school is not perfect and it can't make YOU better as an artist. Only YOU can make yourself better as an artist. And that's done through discipline and hard work. They can teach us the skills and the techniques, it's up to us to use them to the best of our abilities and adapt to make them better.
While I generally agree with the point, I don't think you've given a very fair assessment on the people that have said negative things about AAU, because many of the complaints are certainly valid. AAU is extremely good for some things, and just okay at others. And as high as tuition is here, I think people generally expect it to be "extremely good" all around, and that is probably a fair expectation.
There certainly have been people saying negative things about AAU, that have never attended there, and decide that AAU is the "laughing stock of the industry" based solely off of some random thread online, which is absolutely ludicrous. At the same time, there are others that have gone to AAU, that did put in all of the effort to make themselves better, but in the end found the school to just be a waste of their money. They've 'buckled down' by switching to a better program for their area of study. I think it's perfectly reasonable to consider that that probably happens. And I definitely respect many of these people take the time to warn others (not so much bitch to cover others), because some of their issues with the school are certainly valid. Some of the issues with the school that have come up have been argued by various instructors that are already successful, and don't really have any selfish reasons to be saying things against AAU.
Just as there are ridiculous complaints (some people will complain about how the computer labs aren't packed with top of the line, 64bit dual-core amds yet :rolleyes: ), there are most definitely valid ones, so we shouldn't be so fast to place them all in the same group.

I'll still maintain my view that this school is worth it: The location is perfect, you have tons of resources available to you, and I've had nothing but great instructors so far (much much better than the average instructor you get at most public colleges). That makes the tuition worth it to me, but I'm sure it isn't that way for everyone. :shrug:

[Darktwin]

I'll still maintain my view that this school is worth it: The location is perfect, you have tons of resources available to you, and I've had nothing but great instructors so far (much much better than the average instructor you get at most public colleges). That makes the tuition worth it to me, but I'm sure it isn't that way for everyone. :shrug:

Agreed, location is great, instructors are professionals that are much better than any public school cg programs in the industry,(hint=connections). It is true that some of the instructors that teach, can't, but thats why you have to search out those intructors that are good through your peers and fellow students. At any school you have to let yourself be heard if your presented with a problem. A really cool thing AAU does is it has town hall meetings - which is a chance for students to voice there concerns in front of all of the department heads. I actually went to the first one this semester, and you know how many people were there? less than 25 people out of the entire school. The department heads are really concerned with how instructors are doing in teaching specific courses, and how they're rated towards the end of the semester because they really do care about the quality education we're paying for. Now we all know that they can't cator to every students needs but all the department heads are really concerned and want to help if your having problems anything, teacher, class proposal, clubs, etc. Most importantly if you have a problem just go talk to one of the directors, your paying them for your services, take advantage of it. AAU is not perfect, NO school is perfect.

This is my first semester attending AAU as an MFA student, and I would consider myself as a very critial individual, and so far I'm very pleased with AAU.

[silentsamurai]

haha silentsamurai, I have Christopher Newhard as my Int. fig drawing teacher as well.
I think he's great at teaching. He's one of those teachers that gives everybody a chance to improve and actually is concerned about them. I won't say that he's the best figure drawing artist out of our school, but he is certainly one of the best figure drawing teachers. When I say teachers, I mean teachers who actually KNOWS how to teach and deal w/ his students. Anyways...
I'm in the morning class. tuesdays. you?

I'm guessing it's a fair bet we are in the same class because I have him on tuesday mornings too. 8:30 to 2:50? Yeah, we are probably in the same class. Just look for the guy with the green wind jacket and blond hair.

[silentsamurai]

While I generally agree with the point, I don't think you've given a very fair assessment on the people that have said negative things about AAU, because many of the complaints are certainly valid. AAU is extremely good for some things, and just okay at others. And as high as tuition is here, I think people generally expect it to be "extremely good" all around, and that is probably a fair expectation.
There certainly have been people saying negative things about AAU, that have never attended there, and decide that AAU is the "laughing stock of the industry" based solely off of some random thread online, which is absolutely ludicrous. At the same time, there are others that have gone to AAU, that did put in all of the effort to make themselves better, but in the end found the school to just be a waste of their money. They've 'buckled down' by switching to a better program for their area of study. I think it's perfectly reasonable to consider that that probably happens. And I definitely respect many of these people take the time to warn others (not so much bitch to cover others), because some of their issues with the school are certainly valid. Some of the issues with the school that have come up have been argued by various instructors that are already successful, and don't really have any selfish reasons to be saying things against AAU.
Just as there are ridiculous complaints (some people will complain about how the computer labs aren't packed with top of the line, 64bit dual-core amds yet :rolleyes: ), there are most definitely valid ones, so we shouldn't be so fast to place them all in the same group.

I'll still maintain my view that this school is worth it: The location is perfect, you have tons of resources available to you, and I've had nothing but great instructors so far (much much better than the average instructor you get at most public colleges). That makes the tuition worth it to me, but I'm sure it isn't that way for everyone. :shrug:

You make great points, and I really think that we are on the same plane on thinking concerning this school and people who have negative things to say about it. That's why I said generally, meaning not all people who gripe about the school do not have valid complaints. That's why I said the school is not perfect. And that's why I gave my storyboarding instructor as a good example for both negative and positive aspects. I don't think my Maya 1 instuctor Ed Katz is all that swift, but he's obviously no slouch because he's teaching. And yeah I think the tutition is a bit on the high side, but not all of that is just because they want to make money, they have to make money to live, and the cost of living in this area of the country is atrocious. So I can understand why it's as high as it is. And I'm like you, I haven't yet had any instructor that I've just been, good grief this guy is horrible and hard to work with. So far all my instructors have been great. Despite their shortcomings.

One thing that really bothers me about people in general today, is that when we find a negative aspect to anything, be it in a person, society, a school, what have you, it's automatically NO GOOD, and we should just drop it all together and we forget the good that comes out of these things. Ok that's enough of my soapbox. Later.

[mangual]

One thing that really bothers me about people in general today, is that when we find a negative aspect to anything, be it in a person, society, a school, what have you, it's automatically NO GOOD, and we should just drop it all together and we forget the good that comes out of these things.

That is so true. It's become "cool" to see everything in black and white, all or nothing... where in reality we're dealing in more shades of grays than ever before.

Some might call that "nuanced" or "sensitive" but I call it being fair-minded and logical.

[pisano]

I am an 18 year old college graduate form the Maltese Islands, /anybody ever hear of ‘em?) u know those 3 little dots(which sum up to 27miles) in the Mediterranean sea/, well anyway… I’ll get right to my dilemma: Our educational system differentiates much from any other system I ever heard of, its government funded, thus we pay nada dinero we are even given a stipend, (although its just a measly “30 maltese liri / 96 US dollars”per month, ), the point is I have no clue on how foreign systems work, when each of you start mentioning grants, financial aid, dorm housing etc..my mind starts questioning its potential? ;) I’m not totally oblivious to the situation but this does worry me, What I am asking for is could any of you provide me with a quick and brief write up on how your system works (send it via mail to aidan87@maltanet.net (aidan87@maltanet.net)), I would really appreciate it , help a fellow animation enthusiast out, could you?

I am interested in Student life in America, Canada or the UK, as my only opportunity to attend Malta’s UNI does not intrigue me since there isn’t even a single course that is in relation to animation, and there is little support from the community on such aa vast and intriguing industry.

[Darktwin]

That is so true. It's become "cool" to see everything in black and white, all or nothing... where in reality we're dealing in more shades of grays than ever before.

Some might call that "nuanced" or "sensitive" but I call it being fair-minded and logical.\

Finally some people with sense, I couldn't have said it better myself my friends, there are people who still reason, there is still hope yet for humanity.

This is world is very gray, didn't mean to get philisophical, but I couldn't help myself.

[Digiegg]

to all 3D majors::
Time to open up our eyes guys.
http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=292213

[piajartist]

I hate to be the one to jump on the bandwagon but DIGEGG is on the money. This school needs a makeover and fast since im watching my money go to waste.

[TBone310]

There seems to be a lot of information and discussion on this thread regarding AAC's 3D modeling and animation programs, but how does their Illustration program compare to other schools? What kind of placement do they have? Does anyone have any experience with the Illustration BFA program at AAC? I'd appreciate your point of view.

[Unled]

There seems to be a lot of information and discussion on this thread regarding AAC's 3D modeling and animation programs, but how does their Illustration program compare to other schools? What kind of placement do they have? Does anyone have any experience with the Illustration BFA program at AAC? I'd appreciate your point of view.

As far as I know, the illustration department is the most highly regarded in the school. The school already has a high emphasis on traditional drawing skills. A lot of the work I see coming out of the illustration department is really very good.

[Digiegg]

yea.. illustration majors... Wow... we have some really talented people.
I always get dazzled when visiting the Illustration Department.

[silentsamurai]

actually I basically disagree with you on this Digiegg, since you talked about it in class today. I'm not saying that you don't have any valid concerns, because yeah there are some, but some of the classes that you don't want to take, I think would be pretty important. Taking clothed figure drawing twice, you may not think you need it, but think about how much it will help. YOu don't think you need History of Animation, I think you're wrong on that. It's not as Vince said, it's just cartoon time, you need to know what the people in your field did before you, so you can know how to build on top of that.

Plus, as one kid said, you can argue to get in and out of certain classes. And yeah, you're right there are classes that I am suprised to see on the cirriculum, but I can speculate as to why they are there. Business law, yeah doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but if you plan on freelancing, or even starting your own busines, (since most animation gets outsourced overseas), I can see the importance of this class.

I know the program is not perfect no school is, but you're boiling it down to, "oh they just want our money," well, I hate to say it, but that's a tad naive. You were talking about the President of the school having limos, and helicopters. Do you honsetly think he/she bought that with just the money that came from AAU students? I highly doubt it. Most savvy business people have money coming in from several places, and I'm sure if you asked him/her, you'd find out that AAU tuition is not the only source of income. Plus, the President is not beholden to you as to what he/she buys, that's his/her perogative and none of your business. (I'm sorry, it just aggravates me to see say people are gipping them out of money so they can go buy themselves expensive toys.) I'm sure if the President popped up on your doorstep and wanted a detailed budget of everything you were going to spend your student loan money on that didn't go to tuition, then I'm sure you'd tell him/her it's none of their business. So why is it your business what he/she buys with the money he/she earns.

Yes, I can see the need for some change and some added classes in the 3D department. But you have to look at it all in context of your major what you are doing. Yeah, there are some electives that should be on your curriculum, others I can see not on your curriculum because it's not specifically in the modeling field. Texturing is not in the Character Animation field, but I'm taking it either way. (Of course I am a 2nd degree student, so the boat I'm in is a little different.)

Honestly, yes, I agree there needs to be some changes. But not to the extent that you propose. A) for one it's an ART school, not a polygon pushing school, if you want to learn just how to push polygons, then go find a school that teaches you how to push polygons. B ) drop the money excuse, it's just not a valid excuse. To say they are gipping you because they just want your money and they could care less about you, does a disservice to the staff that does care, and in their eyes will make you look like just another whiny spoiled student who wants everything handed to them on a silver platter without you having to work for it.

Before you talk to the director of the school, it would be wise to rethink your argument.

[OpenUrEyes]

I know the program is not perfect no school is,

I am getting really sick of that statement being thrown around in every 5 posts about the Academy. That statement only gets made when defending completely crappy "schools" like AAU, SCAD, Art Institute of [insert city name], etc.

So, because "no school is perfect," or "it's like that in other schools" give a reason to just sit back and accept it and take it up the butt? At the same time giving them your own money?

[darktding]

I am getting really sick of that statement being thrown around in every 5 posts about the Academy. That statement only gets made when defending completely crappy "schools" like AAU, SCAD, Art Institute of [insert city name], etc.

So, because "no school is perfect," or "it's like that in other schools" give a reason to just sit back and accept it and take it up the butt? At the same time giving them your own money?

the way you talk seems like you fought wars or stood for rights in a huge scale.... care to share your opinions or stories that you thought or felt that you did a great job in standing for the rights or changing a whole system?

If you feel obliged that the school doesnt deserve your money dont go there then. quite simple really. If you havent gone to AAU, worked hard on you project, interacted with fellow students and teachers, you dont have the right to call this school crappy or good.
A good example is me not going to a movie and saying it sucks.

True its easy to talk about the school isnt perfect, but it isnt also fair to say that action must be taken asap to remedy it... we are talking about a system that is getting lots of noobs and ametures and the school is trying to cater to those needs 1st and after that of the pros. When you understand the issue you will realize the problem.

Mind you AAU isnt a standford or mit, its an arts school. The 3d division is one of the many other sections. So not only the funds need to deal with one department but LOTS of them. But I am sure, you know what your talking about becuase from your post you know how to change systems to cushion your needs and forget those who also goto AAU.

I am fed up of people coming here and saying how crappy the animation of this school is or how poor they think the portfolio of the students are...
AAU or any school surely depends on the students portfolio work, thats a given. But the fact is that just because some student did a great job doesnt mean you too will have an equally great peice. So goto any school, I can safely say that even though the work from that school is awesome chances are that if you dont put any effort dont expect the school to make your portfolio...

regarding taking classes, heres my view, I for one really dont care whats said in the syllabus. I take all the classes I feel that is going to help me in my career and when I am sure I have taken all of them and that there are none left I take the secondary classes. This helps me becuase I can pay less attention in the sec classes while finishing up on incompleted homeworks in my major ones I took. Polishing my work and getting ready to compose a reel. Think about it, if you use up all your foundations you will not have the oppurtunity to practice on basic skills. thats just me....
enuf said

[OpenUrEyes]

True its easy to talk about the school isnt perfect, but it isnt also fair to say that action must be taken asap to remedy it...

I can't believe you actually wrote that.

[Digiegg]

um.. do I even have to bother replying to these comments?

Darktd... honestly... come on... u know u had your share of complaints before getting things the way you wanted. I'll leave it at that.


Silent. ... I don't know where to start... should I even bother?
Let's just see who ends up with a job later on. No.. not as a business teacher, not as a Popular culture teacher at AAU... a actual 3D job.
I'll leave it at that.


OpenUrEyes. You seriously need to calm down. Stop calling the school is bad and it sucks...
As you can see they are trying to work with us. If you just sit there and complain all day, nothing is going to happen for you. Talk to your advocate. If you need help, just ask me. I'll try to help you myself, but first, please calm down.

[Michael5188]

Oh man, this thread really needs to die or something, it never ends... This discussion could go on forever and it'd be the same thing over and over.

AAU sucks

No it doesn't

yes it does

no, it doesn't etc.

sigh :argh:

[Digiegg]

hahahaha...

nice one~~~

[darktding]

Oh man, this thread really needs to die or something, it never ends... This discussion could go on forever and it'd be the same thing over and over.

AAU sucks

No it doesn't

yes it does

no, it doesn't etc.

sigh :argh:

cant wait for this baby to his 100 then it would like the crappiest thread to read... I wonder if this thread will still retain its 3 stars till then!

[silentsamurai]

OpenUrEyes, first off if the AAU is completely crappy. Why are you here or why did you go here?

Because you don't like the cirriculum? because it was too hard? because you didn't get a job afterward? You get all ticked off when people say "no school is perfect" to defend it's crappiness. Well, I guess it's a matter of perception, because, suprise, not everyone holds the same opinion of the school as you. I don't know why you dislike the school so much, but if you're going to get ticked at me for defending it, at least give me the reason that you hate it so much. Because right now, all I know from you is that it is just crappy. That's not an argument.

DigiEgg, your post shows me one thing. That you didn't read mine. I told you, you had some valid concerns. And that kind of retort, all it does is show a lack of thinking and unwillingness to look at your own argument and evaluate what needs to actually be said and what needs not to be said.

If it's a matter of getting more of this class, that class, etc.... then yeah I'll stand beside you. But if you're just going to go in there and rant about tuition and the president's helicopters and limos, then no, I'm sorry I don't support that. Because I'm sorry that's just not a valid argument. And honestly, the other day in class, I found your argument to go and talk to the director quite flimsy, and I think the amount of dissenting voices when you made that argument ought to make you pause and think before you go in and start demanding changes.

[Digiegg]

Okay. First off, it was my bad to mention the principle's purchases of the whole Sutter St., personal helicoptor, Car Showcase at the warehouse, and limos licensed "ILOVEART". That was totally not my business. Am I going to go talk to the director and ramble on about the principle? No. I'm going to talk to him about the curriculums and why so many students have no idea of what's going on with the curriculum. I'm going to do whatever is possible to get what I and many other students want with the Academy.
Now, if you don't want to support me, that's fine. No damage done to me.
I'm going to be getting the classes I want to be in.

[silentsamurai]

I guess what I don't understand is why you think students don't understand what is entailed in their curriculum. If they don't, then they need to be paying attention. At least you know and have a concern. However, I don't think that the school is "dicking" anyone around as you put it. That's just not good business. It just doesn't make sense for the school just to throw a bunch of classes together and say, "ok this is our 3D cirriculum. Who cares if it's not a lot of what the students need, we just want their money."

However, that's not me making a blanket statement just to cover their mistakes. Yeah, go in, say I want more bang for my buck, I want to take more of these classes and less of these. Go for it. But I just happen to disagree with the idea that the school is screwing us over on classes just because they want our money. If they just wanted our money, they wouldn't have some of the staff that they have right now. We wouldn't have the Pixar classes if they just wanted our money.

You don't think you need 2 clothed figure drawing classes, that's fine, get out of one. I started out as a 3D modeling major, but knew that I wanted to do character animation more. So I switched over. But as someone who's going to be doing 3D modeling, I think the observational skills are important, even so as an animator, so that's why I don't see the problem with two figure drawing classes or even 2 clothed figure drawing classes.

Yeah, there are classes on there that I can see why you don't think you need them. Popular Culture, yeah, why is that class there? I don't know. The thing to do is ask why they decided that you need class, then make your case as to why you don't need it, before you just say, it's because they want your money.

Because I disagree with some of reasons why you are going into get some classes changed, does not mean that I am not getting the classes that I want. As of right now, I will have 3 Advanced animation classes, before I graduate, hopefully I can land in a couple of the pixar classes before I graduate. Now, honestly, I don't think I need any more animation classes than that. What am I going to learn in Advanced animation 4 and 5 that I haven't already learned before? I should already have that technical knowledge. The only way to get better then is to spend time animating or modeling and honing your skills that way. And that's what you have lab times for, or if you have the equipment at home, then you can spend time doing it there too.

Ultimately, it's not the classes that are going to get you a job. It's going to be your passion for your field. And how much time you spend on creating, modeling and animating OUTSIDE of class. That's what's going to separate the people who get jobs and who don't from this school. Their passion for their field. And there are a lot of people that I see at this school who are going to walk out these doors when their done and their going to spend a lot of time looking because the passion is just not there.

I'm going to get all the classes I need and want to be in. I don't have any doubt of that. And I'm not trying to be a jackass to you, I'm just trying to get you to think about your argument before you make it.

God bless

[StapleGun]

If they just wanted our money, they wouldn't have some of the staff that they have right now. We wouldn't have the Pixar classes if they just wanted our money.



The Pixar classes are a MAAAAJOR draw for the school. They are the reasons why so many animation students come, only to find out that it's incredibly hard to get into. And if they don't they end up with trash animation classes. But on the flip side, it is the student's responsibilty to find out that you need a portfolio review, even though they don't state it in their brochures. I admit that I am at fault regarding this. They can easily find out about it by reading forums such as this one. There has been so much controversy about picar classes on these threads and students in general. I'll try not to pound this into the gorund again.

[silentsamurai]

I am only in Maya 1 this semester, and I have advanced animation 1 next semester, so I can't really say whether or not that the animation class will be trash. From some fellow students I have heard some good things about some of the instructors. But I think that it's good that the Pixar classes are hard to get into, because there needs to be some competition at this school. Competition helps students strive to do better. I'll submit a reel to get in. Hopefully I will, if not then I'll work harder.

Good point staplegun.

[-Vormav-]

Just incase any of you are on the VFX track here, I'm interested in knowing just how worthwhile the intro compositing class. I'm technically, a second year student right now (with all of my transfer credits), and have already waived out of a lot of the basic classes (Maya 1/2, photography, etc.). My advisor expressed concern that if I waive out of too many classes, I'll quickly run out of classes to take. And while I agree, I don't want to take too many lower-level classes if I really don't need them.
My compositing background comes from a fair amount of work in Combustion and After Effects. So, nothing node based (I believe the class teaches Shake, no?), but I've worked with enough node-based systems that I think it'd be a fairly quick process to switch over to using Shake or DF.
Think the class would be worthwhile, or should I try and move past it?

[StapleGun]

I am only in Maya 1 this semester, and I have advanced animation 1 next semester, so I can't really say whether or not that the animation class will be trash. From some fellow students I have heard some good things about some of the instructors. But I think that it's good that the Pixar classes are hard to get into, because there needs to be some competition at this school. Competition helps students strive to do better. I'll submit a reel to get in. Hopefully I will, if not then I'll work harder.

Good point staplegun.

If you come across an advanced animation instructor whose name resembles a major tobacco company, stay far far away and wait the next semester to see if another instructor teaches. I had that guy for one of the advanced animation classes. He starts class about 10 minutes late, runs out of things to say in the lecture after 15 minutes and for the rest of the class everyone just works on their own homework OR they just go on the Internet and play games. Did I mention the 45 minute break time? This happens for EVERY single class. Everyone wrote up a bad evaluation for him (3 times a semester) but he's still here because the school does not care about the non-Pixar class students. Right now he is teaching both animation 2 and 3. He never follows the syllabus because he doesn't understand it.

Save your $1,650 plus $500 lab fee and take something else instead. Or go to school part time and don't take any his animation class if he's the only option for you next semester.

[Digiegg]

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=292213&page=1

[StapleGun]

http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=292213&page=1

GREAT job digiegg! I am very curious about the new animation track and I hope they will start changing before i graduate in Spring 2006. I doubt it though.

[silentsamurai]

If you come across an advanced animation instructor whose name resembles a major tobacco company, stay far far away and wait the next semester to see if another instructor teaches. I had that guy for one of the advanced animation classes. He starts class about 10 minutes late, runs out of things to say in the lecture after 15 minutes and for the rest of the class everyone just works on their own homework OR they just go on the Internet and play games. Did I mention the 45 minute break time? This happens for EVERY single class. Everyone wrote up a bad evaluation for him (3 times a semester) but he's still here because the school does not care about the non-Pixar class students. Right now he is teaching both animation 2 and 3. He never follows the syllabus because he doesn't understand it.

Save your $1,650 plus $500 lab fee and take something else instead. Or go to school part time and don't take any his animation class if he's the only option for you next semester.

Off hand I don't know who my Advanced Animation 1 instructor is. Grace is my advisor too, as an advisor I think she's pretty solid. She told me the name of who I was probably getting. That's one of my gripes is not knowing where your class and who your instructor is until like a week before class starts. That needs to be remedied. I've made complaints about that before.

However, I can't remember the name of the person she gave me as my Advanced Animation 1 instructor. I'll have to shoot her another email and ask again, because when I set up my schedule I specifically asked for who she thought would be the better instructors. I also have Camera for Animators. A couple of class mates said that I should get out of that class. So I emailed her about it. I still haven't heard back from her yet.

At least the 3D department realizes that it needed to make changes and has done so. I wonder if Grace wasn't somewhat going off of that new curriculum when we talked about setting up my semester classes, because she actually read off quite a few computer classes to me when she read what I needed to take. But then again, I remember her also saying that she was waving me out of Maya 2. I don't know I'll have to bug her and ask her some questions. If she doesn't get back to me before Thanksgiving, I'll give her a call and ask her about it.

[Digiegg]

maya 2 is no longer a class.

[silentsamurai]

yeah I read your link ... and that's why I was unsure of whether or not she was going off the new or old curriculum for me because she said she usually waived 2nd degree students out of the Maya 2 class. .. However, I remember her also reading off a lot of computer classes.

[camjam26]

Hey everyone - my first post here. Glad to be part of the community. I'm actually an online student (3D character animation) and have been rather frustrated with many things. I've voiced my concerns through the many surveys I've been given, but my main concerns had to do with the instructors. Some classes I definitely have questioned about their validity towards what I want to do, but as I said, my main concerns had to do with the instructors.

Concerning classes though, I did talk with Grace Johnson a little while back when I was getting prepped for what to take spring of next year. She also mentioned that I wouldn't have to take Maya 2 and I should go ahead and go with Advanced Animation 1. Taking Maya 1 was a disaster for me (mainly because the instructor I had would have a tendency to disappear for weeks and never seem to comment about anything on the discussion boards). So unfortunately I'm going to have to teach myself Maya. I went ahead and ordered some DVDs from DigitalTutors to help with that. I plan on schooling myself during the winter break in preparation for Advanced Animation.

I must admit that I am a terrible artist when it comes to drawing. It really is a liability of mine. I understand that it's good to have the chops, but unfortunately it may be something I never quite get the hang of. And here I am taking Perspective and Intro to Anatomy this semester...it's been a looooooong semester. Thankfully it's about over though!

[StapleGun]

Hey everyone - my first post here. Glad to be part of the community. I'm actually an online student (3D character animation) and have been rather frustrated with many things. I've voiced my concerns through the many surveys I've been given, but my main concerns had to do with the instructors. Some classes I definitely have questioned about their validity towards what I want to do, but as I said, my main concerns had to do with the instructors.

Concerning classes though, I did talk with Grace Johnson a little while back when I was getting prepped for what to take spring of next year. She also mentioned that I wouldn't have to take Maya 2 and I should go ahead and go with Advanced Animation 1. Taking Maya 1 was a disaster for me (mainly because the instructor I had would have a tendency to disappear for weeks and never seem to comment about anything on the discussion boards). So unfortunately I'm going to have to teach myself Maya. I went ahead and ordered some DVDs from DigitalTutors to help with that. I plan on schooling myself during the winter break in preparation for Advanced Animation.

I must admit that I am a terrible artist when it comes to drawing. It really is a liability of mine. I understand that it's good to have the chops, but unfortunately it may be something I never quite get the hang of. And here I am taking Perspective and Intro to Anatomy this semester...it's been a looooooong semester. Thankfully it's about over though!


Hey, I just took a look at the class schedule and the only online animation class they have there is one taught by Steve Seagel, who is famous at the school for being in a three-way tie for the worst animation teacher at the school.

There are so much written about the low quality of online programs at AAU and it's not just the animation program. I highly suggest you come here and be taught live if you can. But even being here physcally does not guarantee you a good teacher. Remember that on the class description, its very rare that it's accurate. the syllabus is never similar to the course descriptions, especially regarding character animation.

I'm thinking of taking another, much more reputable online animation school to supplement my degree at AAU. But there's another thread dedicated to that at cgtalk.

[silentsamurai]

I guess that I have been blessed. Because my first year of online classes went extremely well. I didn't really have any complaints at all. As compared to other online programs, I think the AAU's is pretty sharp. And yeah, my primary goal was to be on campus, because I know there is just that extra advantage to being on class, with the instructor talking with them, the deadline for your work being due is a little different (you may still have a week, but there's just something a little more demanding about the deadline on campus than online). You're interacting with other students face to face, even working with them and learning how to work as a team. Yeah, it definitely beats online, so if you can relocate, do so.

However, I don't think the online system is poor. Yeah, there are valid complaints.

I never had a problem with technical issues. There were a couple of times when the server would go down, but that happens anywhere. My major complaints were this ...

1) The instructor not getting back to you quickly. Yeah, I understand that frustration when you email your instructor with a question and it takes them like 2 or 3 days to get back to you, and you don't have that 2 or 3 days to wait.

my counter argument to #1) ... First, that motivated me to do my work earlier in the week, instead of waiting until the last minute to get it done. That way I had all week to work on my assignments and get them to the best that they could be, which resulted in A's for me. Second, I realize that the instructors also have students on campus that they have to work with too. So, there's a reasonable excuse for them not to get back to you in one or two days, after that, they should have emailed you back.

but cor camjam .. that sucks, there's no reason for your instructor to disappear for a couple of weeks at a time, even a week at a time. They need to be available for the students online as much as they are available for their students on campus.

2) in the case of my intro to animation class ... the instructor did not put together the online coursework. My 2D animation instructor was Tom Arndt ... the online class was put together, including videos and sound clips were put together by Ken Hamm. And honestly, I would rather have had one instructor and learn from him, Tom Arndt's critiques were good. But I don't really felt that he was as involved as he should have been. He was available to answer questions and gave good critiques, and I can't fault him for that, but the course work was from a different instructor.

However, though, it does sadden me to see others have a bad experience. I want others to have the same experience that I have had. And here's what I say to that. Look at those who have had good experiences and look at those who have had bad experiences. See why both have had good or bad experiences. Talk to both groups of people. And listen intently to what both sides have to say. Starry eyed praise and seething hatred are often indicators of an opinion that's not really rooted in fact.

The thing is to be informed, ask questions. Ask instructors questions. Ask hard questions. If you're here and have a problem. Talk to the instructor about it first. Don't be afraid to say "hey I think you need to do better at this." After all you are paying his/her salary. The thing not to do, is to let the whole semester go by, and the problem just get's worse and worse, and you just get madder and madder. It's at that point that your opinion becomes just a little clouded, and you're focused more on your own ideas and your own dislikes and when you finally do go talk to someone, nothing gets done because all they see is an angry little kid with no real argument.

I checked that animation mentor website out. That looks pretty cool. However, I watched the preview of classes video, and it looked like more of an overview of animation principles rather than a preview of classes. Do they offer drawing classes?

Come to think of it, I was talking with another student about animation mentor. We didn't talk all that much about it. If I remember correctly he said that they don't offer drawing classes. Which, I would think that they should. And for those of you who think that your drawing sucks. That's ok, the main thing that you are learning in your drawing classes, is how to observe. It's the observation skills that you learn that are the most valuable.

But anyway, I think animation mentor along with AAU, that's gonna give you a pretty good rounded experience there. I may just learn from others and take that route myself. We'll see. That's a lot of work and lot of money. And I have enough student loans as it is. HA HA HA.

ok I'm off my soapbox now. NEXT!

[MuSoolSa]

I checked that animation mentor website out. That looks pretty cool. However, I watched the preview of classes video, and it looked like more of an overview of animation principles rather than a preview of classes. Do they offer drawing classes?

Come to think of it, I was talking with another student about animation mentor. We didn't talk all that much about it. If I remember correctly he said that they don't offer drawing classes. Which, I would think that they should. And for those of you who think that your drawing sucks. That's ok, the main thing that you are learning in your drawing classes, is how to observe. It's the observation skills that you learn that are the most valuable.

But anyway, I think animation mentor along with AAU, that's gonna give you a pretty good rounded experience there. I may just learn from others and take that route myself. We'll see. That's a lot of work and lot of money. And I have enough student loans as it is. HA HA HA.

ok I'm off my soapbox now. NEXT!

I also agree about the animation mentor site. The intro looks like a very flashy but professional movie trailer for the school. And there was so much name dropping of studios that it was exciting but a bit annoying at the same time. Just like what our school does.

I was thinking about the animationmentor program since it was first launched in Spring. To my delight the students created BLOGS for us to read and learn from! I've been religiously stalking the blogs to see if I learn what they are learning and to see if the program is worth it, and wallerbedarned! There's so much info out there and I actually learned much more from these BLOGS than from the animation classes at AAU! Here are some of the blogs I read constantly and learn from:

Rebecca (http://www.wik-id.com/reb/AM/) the best student animation I see from that school
Kenshi (http://www.kenshianimation.blogspot.com/) the tell-it-all, gut spiller
Aja (http://www.belligerentandnumerous.com/) the uber optimist
Jeff (http://kimotion.blogspot.com/) reads like a brooding writer's journal (also an AAU -> AM convert. this blog is of particular interest)
Anthea (http://antheakerou.blogspot.com/ ) the newbie turned pro in 6 months (just got a job at Disney Feature Animation!)
Kenny (http://kennyrap.blogspot.com/ ) the all-american hard worker
Pamela (http://www.theeviltwins.com/AM/blog.html) the freshman

If any of you guys whose blogs I listed are reading this, keep it up! I know you are also cgtalkers, cus thats how I found you all hahaha! I can't sign up for Animationmentor because i need to finish up AAU and can't afford both. :sad:

[silentsamurai]

Man those were some pretty slick animations. These are pretty dang good and yeah a lot to learn from these people. I have to admit after seeing some of this, I am seriously considering maybe doing some classes in conjunction. However, it would be after I see where I am at after the spring semester.

However, these are just seven people from this school. That's not indicative of how the school does as a whole. Unless these are the only seven people there. There could be 150 more students at this school who can't animate to save their lives, and then pretty soon you'll start seeing threads like this. "Is Animation Mentor Really Woth It's Salt?"

I think people forget, it's not the school that makes you an artist, an animator, or even gets you a job. It's you that gets you a job. It's you that has done the work, that has the talent, that has busted his/her balls to get the job. Yeah, the school plays a part, it has to equip you with the knowledge you need. The rest is up to you. How do you use what you've been given? Do you need to stand up and argue for the school to reevaluate who is teaching? How do you spend your time away from class? Are you furthering your skills? Or are you doing just what you have to to get buy? Are you on time to class? Are you giving your all in class? Are you there because you love doing what you're doing? Or are you there just because you thought an art degree would be easy?

These are the things that are going to be getting us jobs. Not so much the schools we go to. If you automatically assume someone from this school or that school is going to get a job and you're not because you go to AAU or The Art Academy of Wherever ... then you've short handed yourself, you've already admitted defeat. And no, you're not going to get a job. Because when you interview and send out your reels, that defeatist attitude will come across in your work. And the thing is, there are people at the better schools who have the same attitudes and they won't get a job either.

As for Steve Segal ... I haven't had him as an animation teacher, but I do have him for my History of Animation class. I know it's a completely different class, but I think he is a great instructor for that class.

Why staplegun is he one of the worst animation instructors?

[StapleGun]

I never actually had him but I was one of those who avoided him like the plague because EVERYONE who took him for animation 1 and animation 3 told me to stay AWAY! So I ended up switching to another teacher who may have been worse. I can't tell you his name because I would feel bad and hes personally a nice guy.

Here's a quircky site that rates teachers of each school in the US:

ratemyprofessor.com (http://ratemyprofessor.com/SelectTeacher.jsp?sid=3&orderby=TLName&letter=S)

On there, the people who had him for history of anim say he wasnt bad. but for an actual animation class? Wow. As for the OTHER bad animation teacher (the nice guy) check under the letter M category. As for the third aweful teacher, she's not listed there anymore because I think the ratings were so bad it caused the site to crash!

[AjaBogdanoff]

Haha, wow! I've been checking in on this thread on and off for... over two years now, I guess! Didn't expect my name to pop up in it. Thanks MuSoolSa! :)

[silentsamurai]

Not all the ratings were negative but a lot of them were. That's an interesting site there staplegun.

However, I have a hard time with negative reviews for teachers. Especially when my experience with his online class right now is quite good. I think his student interaction is really good for an online class. I think his comments toward ours are pretty good, regardless of whether or not he agrees.

The thing is, when you look at people who give a bad review of a teacher. Is it legit or not? And that's hard to say, because I've seen too many people project their own faults onto others as to why they are doing poorly in class X. I've seen too many students blast a teacher because they were just lazy and they found a class they had to work in, and yeah the instructor was rude, because the student was rude first. And as a substitute teacher myself, it's pretty easy to tell the kids who are there to work from the kids who are there just because they think the class will be easy, or they just don't want to work period. And their attitudes reflect that as well. So that's why I have a problem with negative reviews. And if I could go in and look at those students grades, that would, for most of them, be a good indicator of whether or not their review was revenge based or not.

I hope Aja looks back at this board, because I have a question for you. Would you recommend doing the animation mentor in conjunction with the the schooling I'm doing at AAU now? Or what?

thanks.

[AjaBogdanoff]

Hey Silentsamurai, unfortunately I don't have any experience with AAU, so I can't really comment on what I'd do in that situation. And it's probably going to be different for everyone. :)

[Kimotion]

Jeff (http://kimotion.blogspot.com/) reads like a brooding writer's journal (also an AAU -> AM convert. this blog is of particular interest)


Eerrrr?? Brooding writer!? I'll take that as a compliment :)

Here's a link to all the AnimationMentor student blogs: there's about a 100 of 'em. Please note that the majority of students don't blog either.

AnimationMentor Student Blog Webring (http://p.webring.com/hub?ring=animationmentorb)

[damage inc]

I am currently in my first semseter at the Academy majoring in 3D Animation And Visual Effects focusing on character animation. While I haven't experienced the computer classes yet, (the only computer class I have right now is intro to digital graphics for animation which is very basic photoshop, after effects and maya stuff) it is a very good school for getting into ILM or other similar companies. Aside from learning the 3D stuff, you also learn art history, take classical and traditional art classes and liberal arts like english composition for storytelling throughout your time there. You get a degree in art and not just in maya. It's really cool to see and learn all of these different things that you can incorporate into your work. One of my teachers got his masters as the Academy in fine art and another teacher has one in illustration so it's not just computers. All of the teachers are great and highly qualified. Most are still working in the field as well as teaching.

To answer your question better, my intro to comp grahpics teacher worked at Pixar. She worked on crowds in A Bug's Life and she modeled Andy's dog in Toy Story 2. The teachers know what it takes to get a job in the industry and they teach you that. The director of 3D animation here worked at ILM at one point as well. One of the video game teachers that I know worked at Sony and Konami and EA and he always takes his students on a field trip to EA to talk to people there to find out how to get a job in the industry. There are plenty of job listings on bulletin boards and in the resource center.

I once saw a poster from EA saying that they will stop by on a certain day to look at the seniors' portfolios. I'd say it's pretty good if the companies come looking for you.

Today I looked at the list of where some of the graduates from last year are now. 3 went to Pixar, one went to Lucas, one to EA, and there's some more there too. This is definitely a great school to go to in this area.

http://www.academyart.edu/medlib/pdf/2005grads.pdf

[silentsamurai]

Hey thanks for those links.

What do you think about about doing the two in conjunction Kimotion? I don't know if you went to AAU or not. But even if you didn't. What do you think about doing the two together? Feasible? Not feasible? ...

[Kimotion]

Hey thanks for those links.

What do you think about about doing the two in conjunction Kimotion? I don't know if you went to AAU or not. But even if you didn't. What do you think about doing the two together? Feasible? Not feasible? ...

Conjunction Kimotion: now there's a tongue twister!

Hey SilentSamurai, I did attend AAU for about 2 years but left for AM. My situation is kind of unique and different from other students.

I came to AAU to study character animation and got very disappointed at the quality of the program overall. There were other issues that affected my decision to leave, and I've written about them in the past as well as another forum and I won't get into it here on this post, due to laziness as well as the fact that I've moved on.

I heard about AM last year when my friend told me about it and decided anything was better than the program at AAU. I took a gamble and in spring of 2005 I took classes at AAU part time (just two, because those were the only onces I could find that were worth it, but again I was wrong). At the same time I was working on a short (which was a finalist at the Spring Show...shameless plug hehe), and did AM. It was pure hell! AM work was about twice the work than the two AAU classes combined, but I enjoyed every moment of it because I was finally learning and getting real critiques that pushed me further and further.

For those thinking of doing full time AAU and AM ... DON'T!

You wrote in your previous post that it's what you put into and it's so true. But I'd like to add that if you are willing to shell out hard earned money for an education, you should spend it on a program that actually benefits you. A class at AM was the same price as a class at AAU and it was money well spent. My thought is that you pay for the critiques, the constant non-stop passion of others, and the knowledge that the instructor passes onto you. I got none of that at AAU. When you pay for an education, there is a certain amount of faith that is placed on the authorities who run an educational institution. They broke that faith when it was obvious that they didn't care about the regular students, no matter how many times I voiced my concerns to them. And it didn't help that they kept on changing directors, although I do acknowledge that the current ones are finally ones who seemed to take students seriously.

Again, this was just my situation.

As for the degree, again, I am unlike other students. I have a degree already so my purpose at AAU was just to build a skillset. It's a tough call for others: do I pay for a BFA or do I pay for a good education? Most would automatically say the latter, but if you think about it, a BFA sticks with you for the rest of your life. And AM can't provide a BFA.

If you decide to do full time AAU, then surround yourself with passionate students. Try for the Pixar classes because no other animation class was worth it. If you can't get in, then befriend those who are: trust me, you will learn more from them than the actual "alternative" animation classes. It's not that the instructors were bad or unqualified; it's the ciriculum that was totally flawed, unlike the Pixar classes.

If you decide to take AAU and AM concurrently (and I know several who do that) try to take 3 AAU classes max. If you have a job, take 2 AAU classes.

There's more about the AAU/AM issues on this thread:

AAU vs. AM (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=255929&page=1&pp=15)

Just read the first 4 pages: after that it becomes kinda nasty with pseudo flames.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do. Feel free to PM with with any questions.

[Kimotion]

Today I looked at the list of where some of the graduates from last year are now. 3 went to Pixar, one went to Lucas, one to EA, and there's some more there too. This is definitely a great school to go to in this area.

http://www.academyart.edu/medlib/pdf/2005grads.pdf

I'm curious. Did the list specify they went in as character animators?

[3FnD]

Thanks MuSoolSa! Great name, btw. Out of all the AM blogs it's sortofan honor to be mentioned among the others in your list! I'm glad you've been able to learn a little something from some of the blogs. I've been planning to include more of my AM work on mine, so should start as of my next entry.

[camjam26]

Hey, I just took a look at the class schedule and the only online animation class they have there is one taught by Steve Seagel, who is famous at the school for being in a three-way tie for the worst animation teacher at the school.

There are so much written about the low quality of online programs at AAU and it's not just the animation program. I highly suggest you come here and be taught live if you can. But even being here physcally does not guarantee you a good teacher. Remember that on the class description, its very rare that it's accurate. the syllabus is never similar to the course descriptions, especially regarding character animation.

I'm thinking of taking another, much more reputable online animation school to supplement my degree at AAU. But there's another thread dedicated to that at cgtalk.

I actually have had Steve for History of Animation and I didn't think he was too bad of an instructor. Granted the class was just one full of discussion topics, but he seemed alright. Perhaps things will be different when he actually has to critique our work, but I will try to remain optimistic. By the way, who are the other two in this "three-way tie"?

Unfortunately I am unable to relocate, hence the need for online classes. Believe me, I would much rather be on campus, especially for the interaction. I try to interact with some of the instructors as much as I can to develop some kind of connection, but I kind of feel like an outsider as an online student.

[camjam26]

1) The instructor not getting back to you quickly. Yeah, I understand that frustration when you email your instructor with a question and it takes them like 2 or 3 days to get back to you, and you don't have that 2 or 3 days to wait.

my counter argument to #1) ... First, that motivated me to do my work earlier in the week, instead of waiting until the last minute to get it done. That way I had all week to work on my assignments and get them to the best that they could be, which resulted in A's for me. Second, I realize that the instructors also have students on campus that they have to work with too. So, there's a reasonable excuse for them not to get back to you in one or two days, after that, they should have emailed you back.

2) in the case of my intro to animation class ... the instructor did not put together the online coursework. My 2D animation instructor was Tom Arndt ... the online class was put together, including videos and sound clips were put together by Ken Hamm. And honestly, I would rather have had one instructor and learn from him, Tom Arndt's critiques were good. But I don't really felt that he was as involved as he should have been. He was available to answer questions and gave good critiques, and I can't fault him for that, but the course work was from a different instructor.

I checked that animation mentor website out. That looks pretty cool. However, I watched the preview of classes video, and it looked like more of an overview of animation principles rather than a preview of classes. Do they offer drawing classes?

Come to think of it, I was talking with another student about animation mentor. We didn't talk all that much about it. If I remember correctly he said that they don't offer drawing classes. Which, I would think that they should. And for those of you who think that your drawing sucks. That's ok, the main thing that you are learning in your drawing classes, is how to observe. It's the observation skills that you learn that are the most valuable.

But anyway, I think animation mentor along with AAU, that's gonna give you a pretty good rounded experience there. I may just learn from others and take that route myself.

Regarding instructor feedback, I have had some that will give you much feedback so you can improve on your work provided you turn something in early. However, one of my instructors this semester flat out said they wouldn't provide early feedback because of how busy they are with both online and campus students. I can understand that, but it sure would be nice to be able to improve work during the week rather than just turning something in and waiting on the results...especially when sometimes the results/critiques may not come in until two weeks later. In my perspective class this semester, we turned in thumbnails for an assignment one week, we were supposed to do a final comp from one of those thumbnails the next week...but the instructor never even critiqued the thumbnails until after the final comp was turned in. Whee! Oh well, c'est la vie.

I also had Tom Arndt and was curious as to why the video demos were done by someone else, as was the course work. Regardless, I did have fun in the class. I thought Tom was a pretty good instructor.

I am planning on doing Animation Mentor somewhere down the road (provided I get in of course). I had contemplated dropping AAU for it at one point and also thought about doing those classes at the same time as AAU. But to keep my sanity, I thought I would just continue on with AAU. I'm now more than halfway through. If I had only completed a few courses, I may have dropped AAU altogether and moved on to AM. I figured with as far as I've already gone though, I should keep going.

[silentsamurai]

Camjam: I have Steve for Animation HIstory as well. I think he's pretty good for that class. I have also talked to a couple of students who have had Steve for Intro to 2D animation and they said he wasn't all that bad.

However, which instructor has said they won't give you early feedback? and for what class? (I ask because I'm just wondering if I have already had that class or not online.) Also, who is your perspective instructor? I had Leandro Ng, and I'd be really suprised if it was him that is not giving critiques, because he's a pretty sharp instructor.

I had fun in Tom's class as well. I liked his critiques, they were good. Thinking about it as well, it's not bad to get instruction from basically two different people. The only thing I would have liked is to see if Tom had any differing opinions on the cirriculum.


Kimotion: Thanks for that explanation man. I'm sorry that you had a bad experience at AAU. But at least you are getting what you want now. God bless to that. Also thanks for the thoughts on taking both in conjunction.

I will agree on this though, I think the BFA might do people a little better because more and more, when I check animation studio's requirements. They are looking for degrees, I know this is an industy which is based on the quality of work that you do, but even so, without the degree or the work experience, you're not likely to get hired. And you're work may be spectacular, but I believe that degree will help you to know how to work in a scheduled environment like that. However, I think if you could do both in conjunction that would even give you a better leg up. It may be something I consider, if in my last couple of semesters I don't have that many classes left to take. It just depends though.

However, honestly, my experience with the school so far has been pretty good. Except for that dang model in figure drawing class with the grossly fake boobs who couldn't sit still to save her life. HA HA HA.

Really though, my experience has been good. I have had good instructors, at least I've thought they've been pretty good. No, they haven't been perfect, (but then who is?), but from every one of them, I've gotten good feedback, good crits, good instructions. And with them adding more computer classes (which according to another student I talked to today, has been in the works for a while), I think that will help. Now, if I can keep up with the good instructors, then I'll be set. :)

[damage inc]

I'm curious. Did the list specify they went in as character animators?

It did not specify what they went in as. All it said was that somebody from animation, advertising, and graphic design went there. That link is the list that I looked at.

[camjam26]

Camjam: However, which instructor has said they won't give you early feedback? and for what class? (I ask because I'm just wondering if I have already had that class or not online.) Also, who is your perspective instructor? I had Leandro Ng, and I'd be really suprised if it was him that is not giving critiques, because he's a pretty sharp instructor.

Concerning the early feedback, it's James Xavier Barber for Intro to Anatomy. I've had some issues with a few of his critiques, but overall he's alright. I'm a bit tired of trying to copy old master works in that class though. Feels more like I'm trying to work on technique in crosshatching than concentrate on anatomy itself. Kind of a pain.

I do have Leandro for perspective. I don't doubt that he's talented, but he's not very timely this semester with critiques. Still waiting on critiques from our assignment from two weeks ago. I'm sure it'll be coming soon, but it would be nice to receive more timely critiques.

I'll be taking Advanced Animation I and Internet Design (with Ryan McClaughlin) next semester. I know internet design isn't part of the curriculum, but it's something I want to do (and my current place of employment will comp. me for it) and I enjoyed Ryan as an instructor in NLE. I was going to be taking Intermediate Figure Drawing as well, but I dropped that. Apparently Jason Bowen is teaching that and I already had him for Figure Drawing. One of my worst experiences ever. I know I will have to take this class still, but my wife and I are expecting our first child in mid April and I didn't want to completely load up on classes. I also work full-time, so I would like to keep some sanity. :)

[Digiegg]

You guys can say all these things here:

Daniel,



Tuesday, November 29 I am going to put together an informal Town Meeting for mid-career students so we can talk about curriculum.

It will be at 7:00 somewhere in the building. I’ll put up some posters and let you know where.



Chris Armstrong

Academy of Art University

Director

School of Animation and Visual Effects





Please attend this meeting if you want to know more about the new curriculum proposal.

[camjam26]

I'd love to if I could, but unfortunately I'm an onliner. Give 'em heck for me though!

[silentsamurai]

Concerning the early feedback, it's James Xavier Barber for Intro to Anatomy. I've had some issues with a few of his critiques, but overall he's alright. I'm a bit tired of trying to copy old master works in that class though. Feels more like I'm trying to work on technique in crosshatching than concentrate on anatomy itself. Kind of a pain.

I do have Leandro for perspective. I don't doubt that he's talented, but he's not very timely this semester with critiques. Still waiting on critiques from our assignment from two weeks ago. I'm sure it'll be coming soon, but it would be nice to receive more timely critiques.

I'll be taking Advanced Animation I and Internet Design (with Ryan McClaughlin) next semester. I know internet design isn't part of the curriculum, but it's something I want to do (and my current place of employment will comp. me for it) and I enjoyed Ryan as an instructor in NLE. I was going to be taking Intermediate Figure Drawing as well, but I dropped that. Apparently Jason Bowen is teaching that and I already had him for Figure Drawing. One of my worst experiences ever. I know I will have to take this class still, but my wife and I are expecting our first child in mid April and I didn't want to completely load up on classes. I also work full-time, so I would like to keep some sanity. :)


Yeah, I kind of had the same problem with Barbour for anatomy. I would ask him questions about stuff and he wouldn't answer me until like right before stuff was due. And he never said anything about not doing work early for critiques. It's just that he was late with it.

(See here people, this is a glaring example of letting your outlook on things be optimistic. Because I pretty, much forgot about about Barbour not being real good about getting back to us on some things. But then again, I thought his critiques when we did get them were insightful. I ended up getting an A in that class).

However, I understand why we copied the master drawings. Simply that, they were the Masters. I think the point of that exercise is not so much to get the drawing to look exactly the way Michelangelo did it, but rather to understand the approach he took for anatomy.

Now, honestly I'm suprised that Leandro is late with his critiques. I guess cause that's because I've never heard anything bad about him and on top of that his critiques in our class were pretty quick, even if we turned in our work early. So, I am a bit suprised and saddened for you to see that.

SInce I'm in the city that day, I'll certainly be attending that meeting. I'd like to learn more about what's going on. That's how you stay informed and on top of things. I'm going to assume the building is the 180 building?

[camjam26]

Yeah, I kind of had the same problem with Barbour for anatomy. I would ask him questions about stuff and he wouldn't answer me until like right before stuff was due. And he never said anything about not doing work early for critiques. It's just that he was late with it.

(See here people, this is a glaring example of letting your outlook on things be optimistic. Because I pretty, much forgot about about Barbour not being real good about getting back to us on some things. But then again, I thought his critiques when we did get them were insightful. I ended up getting an A in that class).

However, I understand why we copied the master drawings. Simply that, they were the Masters. I think the point of that exercise is not so much to get the drawing to look exactly the way Michelangelo did it, but rather to understand the approach he took for anatomy.

Now, honestly I'm suprised that Leandro is late with his critiques. I guess cause that's because I've never heard anything bad about him and on top of that his critiques in our class were pretty quick, even if we turned in our work early. So, I am a bit suprised and saddened for you to see that.

SInce I'm in the city that day, I'll certainly be attending that meeting. I'd like to learn more about what's going on. That's how you stay informed and on top of things. I'm going to assume the building is the 180 building?

Maybe at the meeting you could mention how they shouldn't forget to let online students know what happened at this meeting (heck, even a transcript would be nice if it's possible) or even do some kind of similar online meeting so that we have a chance to share our views. I've asked for similar things in surveys I've responded to so that we can feel more connected to the campus/school.

I believe the highest grade I'll get in Anatomy is a C, but again, drawing challenged here. :) I do my best to observe, but it just doesn't quite come out very well in my compositions. Barbour has been late in some critiques in my class as well, so it's probably a pretty common thing with him.

That's a shame that the Leandro experience has been different for me. The class as a whole is pretty quiet. I would say the interaction among everyone (instructor included) is rather non-existent. Hasn't been one of the better classes I've taken. Oh well...it happens. Just never fun when it happens to me!

[silentsamurai]

yeah, I think that I'll say something for you about that. Yeah, the online students are just as much a part of the school as the on campus students and you guys need to feel connected as well. I know there's that degree of separation, I felt it as well too when I was an online student, despite the fact that my online experience in general was pretty good. Since it's the next week after Thanksgiving .. be sure and remind me again before then so I don't forget. :)

Like I said about being drawing challenged. Don't necessarily worry about that, but rather the skills you are learning as you observe. Believe me down the road, even if your drawing skills aren't that great, your observational skills will be much better and I think that's what's important and why we take so many drawing classes here. But yeah Barbour was late with crits in my class too.

That is a shame for the different experience with Leandro. I would simply chalk that up to some outside factor, personally, that's preventing him from getting critiques out in a timely manner. But then again, who knows.

[Digiegg]

yes. it's going to be at 180 i think.

[silentsamurai]

I don't know where else it would be. Thanks.

[camjam26]

yeah, I think that I'll say something for you about that. Yeah, the online students are just as much a part of the school as the on campus students and you guys need to feel connected as well. I know there's that degree of separation, I felt it as well too when I was an online student, despite the fact that my online experience in general was pretty good. Since it's the next week after Thanksgiving .. be sure and remind me again before then so I don't forget. :)


So I don't know if anyone else knows him, but I'll be talking with Vince DeQuattro today and will get a chance to voice all my concerns to him. My student advocate dropped me his name and I sent an email to him and received a voicemail back 20 minutes later. I wish I would have known he would call so quickly since I didn't have my phone on me at the time. Thankfully we worked out a time where it would be easier to talk with each other. Does anybody else have much experience in talking with him? I was just kind of curious what to expect. I checked out some of his credentials and it looks like he's done quite a bit (with ILM especially). Might be a safe assumption he has a great deal of knowledge to offer about the industry.

[silentsamurai]

I've never met him or talked to him. Hope it all goes well for you.

[-Vormav-]

Vince is actually the most helpful faculty member I've spoken to, personally. He can really help out if you're starting to get into the technical aspects of CG (rigging, particles, matchmoving, whatever). Definitely a good guy to have on your side.
From what I've gathered in talking to him and Grace, they're starting to form a new curriculum that's catered more to the technical CG guys as well.

Just be careful if you're a modeller or animator. He might try to convert you. ;)

[MuSoolSa]

Thanks MuSoolSa! Great name, btw. Out of all the AM blogs it's sortofan honor to be mentioned among the others in your list! I'm glad you've been able to learn a little something from some of the blogs. I've been planning to include more of my AM work on mine, so should start as of my next entry.


Thanks for the compliment for my cgtalk name, 3FnD! I felt kind of wierd posting your blogs and you may think i was stalking you guys! But trust me, we read your blogs a lot!

And I just found this little gem from our own school (Pixar Classes!): Spline Doctors (http://splinedoctors.blogspot.com/)

So if you can't get into their classes, then learn them here! What's going on with all the animation blogs! :bounce:

[revolutionzen]

will i just finished from matc with an ass in animation and iam wondering if any of you had financed your schooling(aac) with loans/f aid ..did it cover everything including your living expenses?
oh do you know how i can contact an advisor there?

[silentsamurai]

revolutionzen - no, I think you have to get extra loans to cover all of school, at least from most people that I've heard and seen say about it, it doesn't cover everything. For me, it actually doesn't completely cover all of tuition, so I hd to get about 3,000 extra for the rest of tuition, supplies and etc. ... it all depends on how much you need. So budget it wisely if you choose to come here. That way you're not taking out too much extra, cause you'll have to pay it back. And go to their website http://www.academyart.edu/ and you should be able to find out how to contact someone there.


To all you whiners who are griping about the 3D dept sucking, especially the animation side of things. You have absolutely no reason to gripe anymore, because as DigiEgg said there was a townhall meeting on Tuesday. And you know what? All of 2 people showed up. 2!!! ... And DigiEgg wasn't one of them. I talked to one of the guys who showed up, and he was pretty ticked that it was only him and one other guy. (I wasn't able to go, due to a group project meeting.) Granted the meeting was held 3 weeks before the end of the semester and people are have to focus on finishing up school work, but I hear too much griping for people to have missed this meeting. And the guy that went to the meeting felt that he wasn't heard. I don't think that's because the dept doesn't care. I think that's because there was a lack of people showing up to ask enough questions to get some real answers. Nothing gets done if you set at home on your butts people and think oh there will be enough people there.

[-Vormav-]

To all you whiners who are griping about the 3D dept sucking, especially the animation side of things. You have absolutely no reason to gripe anymore, because as DigiEgg said there was a townhall meeting on Tuesday. And you know what? All of 2 people showed up. 2!!! ... And DigiEgg wasn't one of them. I talked to one of the guys who showed up, and he was pretty ticked that it was only him and one other guy. (I wasn't able to go, due to a group project meeting.) Granted the meeting was held 3 weeks before the end of the semester and people are have to focus on finishing up school work, but I hear too much griping for people to have missed this meeting. And the guy that went to the meeting felt that he wasn't heard. I don't think that's because the dept doesn't care. I think that's because there was a lack of people showing up to ask enough questions to get some real answers. Nothing gets done if you set at home on your butts people and think oh there will be enough people there.
While I'll agree, I think they could do a little more to advertise these meetings. If I had received one simple little email about it, giving the exact place and time, I would've been there. :shrug:

[Digiegg]

Wow they held the meeting?
Mr. Armstrong told me that he would send me an email on the exact location and everything.
Never got an email notifing me where the place was going to be or anything.
I suggested that he tell the advocates when he has the meeting schedule to be solid, and not one single email. So I just thought he gave up on it.
I had few people that wanted to go with me but they weren't even notified either...
Maybe a better communication with the students?
I won't blame anyone about it though... they still held the meeting.


Where was the advertisement on this anyways?
My friend told me yesterday he saw a piece of paper talking about it.
I went around to see if anything was posted up and found nothing.

[Digiegg]

Once again... if you missed out on the meeting and you really wanted to attend it,
You can always schedule an appointment to meet with the 3D Director, Taraq or the Advisor to see if you can take a look at Taraq's proposal curriculum.
It's really great. You all should seriously go take a look at it if you're a 3D modeler.

[Sidra]

Questions to AAU Students:

1. I am in high school now, and im thinking of applying to AAU for the animation and 3d department. I have a little 2d expierence, and a little 3d. Is it nessecary that for applying to get my BFA I need to already be a master of 3d, or can I start off at page 1 when I go there?

2. Is the campus nice? I live in Sacramento, CA now and I love going down to SF so its seems nice. Is the housing nice too?

3. What is the application proccess? I looked on the collegeboard website and it said I needed to do an interview to apply for undergraduate, and thats it. That doesn't sound too right, so can anyone tell me how most people apply, and whats the best way to try to get in?

Any help appreciated since I am very eager about AAU.

[-Vormav-]

1. I am in high school now, and im thinking of applying to AAU for the animation and 3d department. I have a little 2d expierence, and a little 3d. Is it nessecary that for applying to get my BFA I need to already be a master of 3d, or can I start off at page 1 when I go there?

You definitely don't need to come into the school with any experience. It helps, but most people that just start out here haven't even touched 3d apps for more than a couple hours.


2. Is the campus nice?

Eh...It has its ups and its downs. You're pretty much right down in the middle of SF - around the financial district. Lots of places to go, lots of things to see and do. But it has its obvious downsides...

Is the housing nice too?
No.


3. What is the application proccess? I looked on the collegeboard website and it said I needed to do an interview to apply for undergraduate, and thats it. That doesn't sound too right, so can anyone tell me how most people apply, and whats the best way to try to get in?

AAU keeps an open admissions policy: If you can afford to go, you can get in. So yeah, that's pretty much it.


I'd really recommend taking a year off at another cheaper school to get some of the basic credits (english, history, etc.) out of the way first. You'll save yourself (or your parents) a very significant amount of money.

[Sidra]

Whats wrong with the housing? Just disgusting or small or something?

And so maybe going to a Junior College first would be better?

[geo5sf]

I saw something posted on the walls in 180 about some sort of town hall meeting... I already went to one town hall meeting this year so i ddnt feel it was neccessary to go... Or maybe cause it was an animation, bfa or modeling meeting only? I can't remember why I didnt go. I really have no gripes though, I find if you have a legitimate problem, the school is willing to help - even go out of their way to help, at least in the MFA/VFX side of things,

The animation film festival was great. Gary Trousdale gave a great speech, and the student films were fun to see. On wednesday, John from Giant Killer Robots gave a great and informing presentation to the Missing Pixels club.. anyone else go? It's refreshing to hear someone speak so honestly and bluntly...good stuff.. He also said that he is impressed by the caliber of AAU students and ranked it as one of the best schools for VFX.

[Michael5188]

Anyone who thinks the housing for this school is no good, hasn't seen housing for many colleges. I'm in the Pine Dorm and it's great, my sister went to a different college and her room was like a closet compared to mine. So I'd say the housing is good in comparison to most school dorms. But they are really expensive, so the choice is yours.

(I'm trying to get into an apartment as soon as I can just cause it's cheaper)

[-Vormav-]

Whats wrong with the housing? Just disgusting or small or something?

Having to share rooms with 4 (sometimes more) people, the general quality of the buildings, etc.
If you're new to the school, it can be a good experience for a semester. But any longer than that and I'd go insane.
My previous dorms may have been pretty bad, but at least they didn't stick so many people into one room.

geo- What all do they usually do at Missing Pixels anyway? I haven't really had the time for it this semester, but I've been thinking of checking it out at some point.

[silentsamurai]

Ok my bad. ... I didn't get an email either, and I also wasn't around the 180 building to see any info on the meeting as of late. My bad. Yeah they should have advertised the meeting more.

[pisano]

I've been following this thread for some time now, but i',m still considering AAU as one of my prospective schools to further my education to a degreee level.I am a citizen of Maltese islands way over in the maltese islands, i was wondering how does the policy react towards foreigners and such? and if it is possible can anyone explain to me how your educ-system works?

MY only choice to put forward a career in animation is thruogh studying abroad since our one and only UNI on our 27mile island does not offer an course in relation to animation. Our system is similar to the British education system (that is a-levels and intermediate levels etc...) however it is much tougher in comparison (besides the grading having such a harsh touch our system demands that you achieve 6 of these exams at a single go whereas in england for instance one only needs 2 or 3 to get inbto a UNI and furthere his studies).
if anyone could get me how to convert my exams into your credits it wuold mean a great deal, thankz .

some extra info-
ALtough it may be one of the toughest in europe its good to know that our higher education is government funded and we actually get paid a little change monthly (Lm60 or $175 (american))to help us through our studies, however teh quality is not to doe for as at most lectures you get a student attendance of about 100+ a; crammed into one hall with a microphone armed lecturer, and like the rest o fthe worlds UNIs we are treated like hsitheads and dumbassess throgh our studies as well. just visit : http://www.um.edu.mt/

[jeremybirn]

i was wondering how does the policy react towards foreigners and such? and if it is possible can anyone explain to me how your educ-system works?

A huge share of the students are foreign. Maybe there are more foreign students than students from the United States, or at least it seems that way in some classes.

AAU offers a BA and an MFA. Most US students graduate from High School around age 17 or 18. They can go to a 4 year college to get a Bachelor's degree or BA. If they want to go on and get another degree after that, then often it is a 3-year Masters degree, such as an MFA, Masters of Fine Art.

Many students get some college education somewhere else first, before they come to AAU. Some of the credits will transfer, but whether or not that happens, it is often good for your education to study at a place that isn't over-focused on art and computer graphics topics.

-jeremy

[Digiegg]

The website has all the answers to these frequently asked questions really...
You should check out the whole website first.

Man... we should just make a page on what new students should do.
haha...

oh and Mr.Birn, I'm going to try to take your classes Fall 06 =)
Taking Lighting and Texturing to prepare for Advanced one. hehe...

[silentsamurai]

Jeremy, are you the same Jeremy Birn that wrote the Digital:Lighting and Texturing book? I know it may be a dumb question, and how many Jeremy Birn's are out there right?

Either way, thanks for writing that book. That certainly helped me get started out back when it came out.

Ok everyone laugh at me now, because I'm an idiot and I can plainly see it in your sig under your post.

[Rumr]

Can anyone bring this thread up to date, hows the school doing how are the students doing. im very interested in whats going on down there. Ive been wanting to attend for some time.

[TheRedDread]

I am thinking of attending Acedemy of Arts University, but was wondering what is the estimated tuition for Animation & Visual Effects with the housing as well. Thank you.

[Sidra]

7,000 per semester
14,000 a year

I think

and

2,500-6,000 for housing

[Michael5188]

Bring you up to date...hmmm...well, I'm doing good, enjoying it, having fun and learning a lot. Kind of stressed with finals right now, but hey, thats because I want to turn in quality work. My friend won a computer in a raffle the school held, so that was exciting. All in all it's been a really good semester.

[geo5sf]

darn...i missed the raffle!

[darktding]

I want to post here to warn students who are international and love doing internships to be aware of the politics that they might face at aau.
1) aparently all international students can do only 6 credits meaning only 2 internships in their whole 4 years or 2 years they are there. (BTW it also means 6 months in total not less or more).
2) You need to PAY for the internship classes becuase if the internship is paid then the school needs to do some paperwork and to say "this student is allowed to get paid." Doesnt make any sense, but wth bite the bullet and do the internship that is what I say.
3) Dont forget to have your company hr sign the performance sheet otherwise you will not get credit for the classs
4) Chris Armstrong is your friend, so make sure he is on your side.
5) You only have to deal with all this only when you are getting paid in your internship, if its free then do not worry about it and dont even tell the school ur doing it.
I am telling you all this becuase this is my second time I am facing this politics at AAU and becuase my internship will be going for 7 months I will need to go get permissions, signatures, and emails will fly around just to get me approved.
It is a back and forth process from one building to the other literally begging the heads to get you in, so get ready ur sad face on and all the best.
It is amazing that a school that says "Our kids got into Pixar, Dreamworks, ILM, ... yaddi yaddi yadda" dont bother helping those who want to get internships.
Students work so hard to put their demo reel, look for the job, do the interviews, get approved by the company, and the last thing that the student needs is the internaional department preventing the student from doing the internship becuase his internship duration exceeds his limited quota.
Anyways my troubles can be seen by those who read this thead as a fore warning on what to look out for.
Cheers

[SpiralFace]

Keep in mind that the Academy is limited by the laws of the State of California, and more importantly, the Federal Government of the USA.

I beleave they have to fill out paper work and go through all that red tape in order to comply with the Governments stance on Student Visas. I'm not international, so I'm not sure on the exact policy regarding this, but I whould'nt go barking at the academy for makeing you jump though all those hoops, when I'm sure the government is breathing down their throughts to make sure that they are'nt useing the school as a way for companys to get out sorced labor.

Wish I could elaborate more, but I'm late for Christmas Eve dinner, so I'll get back to this if this topic continues in a few days.

Happy holidays everyone.

[Simathew]

Hey is anyone in the MFa VFX program. I know with any program it's all comes down to what you put into it, but I was wondering if this particular program is worth it in terms of education , resources, and networking opportunities. Anything you guys can tell, I'd appreciate. BTW-was also wondering if anyone has heard of NYU's MS degree at CADA and have any thoughts on it. Thanks

[OpenUrEyes]

Did you guys get the letter about the tuition increase? It's now $600 per unit for undergrads and $650 for grads. So one undergrad 3D class (3 units) is $1800, plus the lab fee of $500, which makes it $2,300 for one 3D class? So one semester (4 classes in 3D) can be up to $9,200?

Am I calculating this correctly?

Well there's goes my monthly budget for food. Happy 2$$6!

[Digiegg]

dang...
why would they do that to us?
sigh... there goes my food money...

[elhaz]

that is new but i havnt seen a change on my student self service. perhaps you guys can double check.

[Morganism]

I don't think it goes into effect until next fall.

[geo5sf]

I´m in the VFX MFA program at AAU-... and I am really learning a lot and enjoying it. My fellow students all come from different backgrounds in education, proffessions, etc..

The networking you will gain there is priceless. And yea, it is what you puit into iot, but you will begin to learn what you want to focus on after you take your VFX 1 class with Vince DeQuattro. If you know you dig VFX, then I highly recommend the school..


good luck to you.---

Hey is anyone in the MFa VFX program. I know with any program it's all comes down to what you put into it, but I was wondering if this particular program is worth it in terms of education , resources, and networking opportunities. Anything you guys can tell, I'd appreciate. BTW-was also wondering if anyone has heard of NYU's MS degree at CADA and have any thoughts on it. Thanks

[jjcoolio]

darktding, You are so right.

I personally feel that it's really sad to be an international student here. The international office is not approving a lot of chances for us.

But on the otherhand I learned so much from a number of great 3d modeling instructors(well. a lot of them left semester by semester. At least no one I know would be teaching at school now....). I just hope the school pays the instructors enough to maintain a good faculty team.

[Ziah]

The academy of art is somewhat a good school as people say its what you put into it.

However it has many issues like some other schools maya be. E.g you are force to learn imo a maya base pipline period!!.... and rather than getting the concepts as 3d in a more broad form you learn it only in one way.

When zbrush came out i had to fight with some teachers and director of the department about how powerfull the app was they finally added it. This goes for alot of other software.

I also think that sadly to say the digital media area lacks somethings which i hope they are improving finally adding classes for dealing with mocap etc this semester

Lastly San francisco is a very racist place and being that it is.... it does rub off on the school. So yeah some teachers handle it professionally although you can clearly see they are. But no matter you have to try and get past the ignorance of many every single day
and yes some may say it not true, don't fool yourself the city is open only to certain ideas but not everything and everyone


and before i forget.. many of the students who go their are great. The networking in the area is very good and honesly i think thats why im paying the tuition.Alot of things i have learned there 3d wise i have learned better from gnomon dvds and the web specially cgtalk :) but i know everyone learns different. But its funny when some teachers tell you the first week "What were doing for this whole semester i can teach you in this one class i don't know why some people need to pay for these things that long but we all learn different"

Any who the fine arts department is great in terms of teaching techniques etc. Not much room for freedom untill later but they are great

[geo5sf]

Lastly San francisco is a very racist place and being that it is.... it does rub off on the school.

Theres a new one! San Francisco is NOT a racist place. Thats the most perplexing comment I have read on this board ever... I´d like to find why you say that... and keep in mind AAU brings in students from different regions around the US too.. So you may be judging a whole city on a selected few students...which I myself am aware exist. But "racist" is such a strong word, I never witnessed any racism at the school.. And yes there may be a bias towards a liberal way of thinking, but thats why many young people move there; to escape their perceived ignorance from other parts of the country. Thats one reason I moved to SF, and why I love it. But that is by no means racist... I´m confused...

[geo5sf]

Well there's goes my monthly budget for food. Happy 2$$6!

You actually have money for food? wow... you must be doing well

[geo5sf]

delete me...

[Ziah]

So i will say THIS AS BEST AS I CAN WITHOUT LEtting my tongue get to short


The Damm city is racist and if i judging a selected few im sorry. I hate generalization as mmmany of my friends are of different creeds.But as black person having to walk down a street and see people hold there bags tighter every single time like your in damm crash( movie) or just came out of jail what is it. Hey mine as well say there goes one of them What is walking into a store and get followed every single time Walking into macys and have not 1 but five people follow you at once ??" well then what is it. I know these things happen to alot of people all the time in other cities and states but not as blatant as it is.And believe me i travel alot and have lived in alot of different countries and places.

How many black students are their at the school please don't be dumb and say many. And i can gurantee you that 99 percent of them will agree when they can say the city is racist. The fact that it is open to many different forms and life of people does not mean >>>>blah im done



And to say again i never called the school racist they tkae all nationalities of students
I am saying the area is racist so thus some of it bleeds into the school.

[silentsamurai]

I think with that comment it's about time to shut this thread down and start a new AAU school thread.

Personally, Ziah, I think you're full of baloney. And I get real sick of people like you who sit around and cook up racism where it doesn't exist. The racism you think you are seeing is in your head. It's percieved because somewhere along the line, someone has filled your head full of this BS and you've just eaten it up like candy. So everyone you look at and anything anyone says that could even minutely be construed as racist you see it. And that's just sad.

I'm not saying racism doesn't exist in the city or in the school. I'm sure if you look hard enough you'll find it. In fact you might just try looking in a mirror.

[Ziah]

I think with that comment it's about time to shut this thread down and start a new AAU school thread.

Personally, Ziah, I think you're full of baloney. And I get real sick of people like you who sit around and cook up racism where it doesn't exist.


LOl what a very offensive thing to say. But sadly it is so expected maybe i should ask some of my buddies to join up and verify what im saying or maybe my girlfriend who is white but it wouldn't make a difference would it

Fact is i expected a reply of this nature.I expected it from the first time i posted it. But do you know who i am ? no i sit around and cook up racism?
Ohh watch out this kids a racist frigging extremist black panther


Now fact is i could be pissed about it bit more but honestly i feel sorry for you. I feel sorry for you and your closed eyes. I feel sorry cause if you can't acknowledge or ask why would I said that maybe your probably the same. Would it be wrong for me to then assume based or what you said that you get home chew on grass put you feet up on a confederate flag while cleaning your gun and scream this is my America?
How would you feel? Its wrong to say stuff like that to people .

Same as me generalizing someones home I guess so i can see why some people may get offended

But fact is if something happens in my home and i know its wrong i can at least acknowledge it because


A) I don't know what or who you are
B) i don't know what kind of friends you have and if you guys break racial barriers in publci by telling all kinds of racist jokes on each other in good fun.

C) That your moms could be black and your father white

D) That you hate (strong word which don't like using)racism or generalization in any form so thus you aviod joining groups with names on them that brand it for a particular race

E)You live your life on the principles of Buddism/ hinduism which if you know forces you to treat all maner of life equally and kindly

But don't know that you just know Im a mix up little crazy person who plots on world domination

[Ziah]

Personally, Ziah, I think you're full of baloney. And I get real sick of people like you who sit around and cook up racism where it doesn't exist. The racism you think you are seeing is in your head.

Im sorry LOL BUT WOWWWWW!!! ahahaahha

[Digiegg]

so I left for vacation to Virginia... how's the weather in San Francisco?
....

[Michael5188]

so I left for vacation to Virginia... how's the weather in San Francisco?
....


Ha ha ha, I heard it was really crummy on new years eve. I'm out of town right now, can't wait to get back.

[Morganism]

It's rainy. But tomorrow it's supposed to be nicer.

[silentsamurai]

Digiegg ... it's wett today. It was pretty nice the past few days. But I live in Mountain View, so sometimes it's a little different. But most the time it's the same.

Ziah ... what you said makes absolutely no sense.

[Digiegg]

Schedule time!!
Tell me how these teachers are


Texturing and Lighting: Marckwordt,Gonzalo Marroquin

3D: Organic Modeling: Lew,Stewart W.

Ecorche: Perkins,Stephen


Clothed Figure Drawing 1: Gronbukt,Thomas



Man... I got the news few days ago, Tareq Mirza (3D LEAD) left for EA...
I was really excited to take his class... sigh... this sucks...

[StapleGun]

Schedule time!!
Tell me how these teachers are


Texturing and Lighting: Marckwordt,Gonzalo Marroquin

3D: Organic Modeling: Lew,Stewart W.

Ecorche: Perkins,Stephen


Clothed Figure Drawing 1: Gronbukt,Thomas



Man... I got the news few days ago, Tareq Mirza (3D LEAD) left for EA...
I was really excited to take his class... sigh... this sucks...

My ex had Gromukt for Clothed Figure 1 and said that it was one of her favorite classes at the Academy.

As for Tareq leaving, that sucks man. I heard only good things about him. This is the typical experience, like you wait until you do all the bullcrap prereqs for a class you've been waiting semester after semester to take, only to find the teacher leave just before it's your turn. This happened to me three times and after 10s of grand.

[jjcoolio]

Today I saw the new schedule for spring classes. I saw a couple of new 3d modeling instructors like Lew,Stewart W.(I know tom meade). Is there any recommendations or does anyone know these instructors profile or where they are working? thanks in advance.

[DoctorMonkeyFist]

I had Steve Perkins for Ecorche last semester. He's an amazing teacher. Probably the best I've had at the academy. I don't know about the others though. Has anyone had Robert Steele?

[Digiegg]

AH! Home Sweet home! =)
Wow. Thanks for the replies. Good thing I have some good teachers for foundation classes...
I wonder how the 3D teachers are like...

[Michael5188]

I really want to go to Italy on the study abroad program! I was already planning on taking 3 credits out of the way this summer online and this program will do that for me. Anybody else planning on going?

[SheepFactory]

Man... I got the news few days ago, Tareq Mirza (3D LEAD) left for EA...
I was really excited to take his class... sigh... this sucks...

I would recommend you get Tareq's DVD. It is still one of the best modeling training dvds ever made in my opinion.

One tip to you guys , there is always a way to get good classes. forget about the prerequisites and closed classes , just go find the instructor , show them you are serious and get those signatures. In my 4.5 years at the academy , i have taken classes from all the best instructors this school had and not once the class was open or i worried about the prerequisite , for example , i took advanced modeling in my second semester , never took maya 2 and 3 etc. you have to sculpt your way yourself , if you leave this stuff to the advisors you will not be happy at the end.

now one last class left for me , just waived out of color and design , so taking a studio class and getting out of here :)

Edit: One other thing , Jennifer Fallin is the BEST advisor working at this school , do not go to any other advisor , she really helps you out.

[Morganism]

Hear hear!

Sheep is absolutely right. Don't think you have to trust the advisors, most of the time they don't really know anything. There's usually a way to get what classes you want if you're determined and obnoxious enough. Talk to your teachers, take control of your destiny! :)

[Darktwin]

So does anyone know who replaced Tareq as the modeling head at the academy?? I'm really curious who they got to fill his spot?

[rblitz7]

Does Fall 2007 look promising for AAU Computer Animation? :D

[Digiegg]

well i was supposed to have tareq for my class but I have Lew, Stewart W.
I'll see how the class goes and post em up.

[jjcoolio]

I am really sad that Tareq has left but bid him good luck:( I hope someone as good as him could teach in the coming semesters. Looking forward to your post digiegg.

[Digiegg]

Went to Lighting and Texturing - Marckwordt,Gonzalo Marroquin

I recieved good impressions. Cool thing is we get to basically work like a production company working on an animation we'll hopefully submit for the Spring Show.
Excited to be in the class actually. Good stuff. =)
Don't want to make too many points since this was only my first class.

I asked around to see if they replaced Tareq. There's no one at the moment but I'm confident that they'll take their time to find a well qualified person.

We should have a CGtalk AAU meeting before school gets crazy.

[Rayan]

If you want work for ILM or pixar and ..... arts is not enough.you need to know math and software.
I want to work for ILM too and now I am going to study software engineering or math.

[darktding]

If you want work for ILM or pixar and ..... arts is not enough.you need to know math and software.
I want to work for ILM too and now I am going to study software engineering or math.
haha you ARE kidding me no?
Please say you just said that to make a joke becuase if you actually meant it then I feel you are wrong.
ilm, pixar and other companies, all they worry about is the final image. You have your smart coding gurus and brainy people for the r&d side, but in the end no matter how much coding you know and how much math you may learn, what it all comes down to is the final result.
If you want to break your head over why a fluid sim isnt functioning then yes going through aau wouldnt be a good choice. If you are concerned with the final looks be it animation, modelling or lighting, etc then an arts school is a better choice.
all these companies take not only brainy people, but also artists too. Yes I have to agree with you that one MUST know some basic programming skills but cmon math and software engineering? thats hardcore rd work there.....

[LiquidMetal]

Hi I am planning on attending AAU this fall.I will be visiting San Francisco to see what I am getting into.How is the job market there?I know for a fact that I will need to work part-time while going to school?Are there a lot of (odd) jobs for the college folk there?Thanks.

[SpiralFace]

Hi I am planning on attending AAU this fall.I will be visiting San Francisco to see what I am getting into.How is the job market there?I know for a fact that I will need to work part-time while going to school?Are there a lot of (odd) jobs for the college folk there?Thanks.

depends what experiance you have elsewhere. I've found that if you have the experiance in a cirtain feild, you can find a job easy, but if you don't have any experiance, then you can kinda be left behind in the dust, even for realy low end jobs like starbucks. There is just so many people here that its tough to find something to just start out in.

For example, If you get a waiter job at almost any restraunt here, you can make decent enough money if you work hard enough at it, but they will tend to only hire people who have waited before even if its at a Chevy's or an Olive garden.

Even if you don't have experiance its not impossible. Its just a bit more chalenging.

[piajartist]

Ive already posted in this monotonous forum so Ill make it short. AAU(where I attend now) is a great school for 2D art. The 3D department lacks the right instructors, and substitutes them with too many lab techs. The curriculum is there for the most part but you have to make sure to make appointments with advisors and teachers to get the right instructors. That's what I had to do and its working out fine.

[Digiegg]

I thought you guys would like to know few events that are coming to our school.
Bauhaus Software - Feb 8 3:30-6:30PM (79 Montgomery Audit)

Nickelodeon - Feb 9 10:30AM (Morgan Audit)

San Francisco Siggraph(Making of Narnia) - Feb 15 7pm-10pm (Morgan Audit)


Incase you don't visit the computer lab often, those are some important events you guys should attend.

[silentsamurai]

thanks for that ... yeah those should be attended.

[SyphinXero]

Im in quite a hitch. I am wondering how schools like Vancover Film School stacks up with AAC. Some of the Student work at VFS is pretty darn good and it looks as if the instructors really are amazing teachers. VFS is one year and AAC is 4. I previously went to the Art Institute of San Francisco and found it to be lacking substance. Some of the teachers where great some of them were not. I left the school after 3 quarters and now am deciding between Gnomon, AAC, VFS. Please Help =)

[OpenUrEyes]

I previously went to the Art Institute of San Francisco and found it to be lacking substance. Some of the teachers where great some of them were not. I left the school after 3 quarters and now am deciding between Gnomon, AAC, VFS. Please Help =)

This is unfortunate, because I know of a couple of students at the Academy who are spending more money to go to AI san francisco because they found the Academy lacking.

[Digiegg]

You guys haven't seen the new stuff that came out.
The academy never really shows off the 3D work in the galleries or anything.
Go to the 3rd floor of 180 Mont. and check out the new stuff they have up.
Some crazy stuff going on. Also you should have a look around the lab around 3-6pm and see what people are working on. Just because they don't post it up doesn't mean they don't have anything to show off.

[SpiralFace]

You guys haven't seen the new stuff that came out.
The academy never really shows off the 3D work in the galleries or anything.
Go to the 3rd floor of 180 Mont. and check out the new stuff they have up.
Some crazy stuff going on. Also you should have a look around the lab around 3-6pm and see what people are working on. Just because they don't post it up doesn't mean they don't have anything to show off.

Even the stuff that is posted up around the 3rd floor does'nt reflect the tallent of some of the students at the school. Just looking at the reels of some of the senior colabrative guys realy shows how much this school prepares you for the outside world. Although I will admit that your greatest portfolio peices are going to be from iether group projects like the Senior colabrative, or by working at internships, and not from the school, but the school prepared me for my internships so I can't complain.

[geo5sf]

yea I saw a clip of a group pproject.. and it blew me away. They should show those off some more.

[Morganism]

Now if we could only finish it.....

[piajartist]

im definitely looking forward to the Making of Narnia tomorrow and will definitely show up for that one.

[Simathew]

Hey guys,

I recently got accepted into the MFA program at AAU in VFX. I studied mostly broadcast design and 3D. I have teaching myself other 3D apps, combustion and AE. That being said, I feel I need to learn more techniques and of course expand my netowrk of people, so grad is more logical for me. I've talked to some people about it elsewhere, but I thought I give a shot here and ask anyone their thoughts on the program there. I'm kinda worried because it's a huge time and money commitment. I was also wondering what kind of demand out west is there for aspiring compositors especially one's with an AAU MFA. I am also looking at NYU's program in their Center for Advanced Digital applications. I am simply trying to weigh out my options. So if you guys got anything to say about their VFX program, I'd like to hear it. Thanks.

[Simathew]

just wanted to get out that I know my reel is the most important thing for me to be successful instead of the name of the school, but I like to know if the level of instruction there is valuable as well.

[rblitz7]

To all AAU students, I was wondering how the AAU housing is? is it better to get an apartment or something?

[jjcoolio]

I wouldn't recommend the dorms since it's expensive. I think renting a studio or share a house with roomates would be better.

[Noggy]

I attended AAU's summer art experience last summer where I lived in San Fran for 6 weeks and took classes up there. I loved it. I took an animation class and 3D modeling class while I was up there. What I found out was, You determine what you learn by your work. If you apply yourself and spend extra time in the labs, which are awesome, then the time will be worth it, but if you blow it off and get distracted, easy to do in SF then it's a complete waste of time.

I liked SF but I am attending Savannah College of Art and Design instead. It's alittle closer to home and it has a more college experience compared to AAU. The downside is the job opportunities are on the West coast where AAU is but SCAD has a group of people that will assist you in getting hired after graduation.

[rblitz7]

Hey Noggy im gona have a similar experience when I attend the Otis College of Art and Design program in Los Angeles this summer when im there for a month. Im also gona be applying to SCAD and AAU. I know that AAU has some great animation teachers, see SplineDoctors, (http://www.splinedoctors.com/) and was wondering how good the animation teachers are at SCAD?

[TDebG]

Hey Noggy im gona have a similar experience when I attend the Otis College of Art and Design program in Los Angeles this summer when im there for a month. Im also gona be applying to SCAD and AAU. I know that AAU has some great animation teachers, see SplineDoctors, (http://www.splinedoctors.com/) and was wondering how good the animation teachers are at SCAD?

What most dont know who dont go to AAU is that you have only like 10percent chance of ever getting into the classes taught by the Spline Docs. You have to send them a demo reel to get in. For about 20 slots there are 300 or so trying to get in. So most likely you will have been there about two years just to not get in. If you do get in its gonna rock so hard cus their animations are so well done! I tried twice and cant get in. But be ready to test your patience. I know someone who got in after his sixth attempt.

The regular animation classes can't hold a candle to the pixar classes but I hear the new woman who is teaching some animation classes is awesome. She animated the the ballroom sequence in Beauty and the Beast! I think he name is Lisa Bell or something like that. If I'm wrong please correct me!

I don't know anything about SCAD but they are in the same category as AAU, which means that they are a diploma assembly line. I think locationwise AAU is much better.

[jeandenis]

That's a crazy tuition fee!

I might be wrong about that, but so far I (as a graduate from the AAU) haven't been allowed to use their library or even get into buildings. Once you graduate from there, they cut you off.

Ok, it's been 2 years, so has anything changed in regards to that?

[LiquidMetal]

Does anyone know how the Illustration department is?Im looking to switch majors from modeling to illustration.Hopefully applying for the spring semester.Thanks.

[Digiegg]

the illustration department kicks ass...
but very competitive... good luck surviving!haha.

[Digiegg]

3D Department students:::

Spring 2006 Animation Town Hall Meeting

· Thursday, March 16th
· 10:30am-11:30am
· Room 352, 180 New Montgomery

[Sparks]

I am in the Character Animation MFA program at the Acadamy and it has gotten much much better over the last two semesters! We now have Tom Bertino for our Dir. of Graduate School, he has spent the last 20 yrs as animation sup. at ILM, and we just got Linda Bel for an animation instructor, she has also spent the last 20 years working in animation at Disney on Alladain, Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast, then went to ILM where she worked as Animation Lead for Yoda and Watto and then she went to PDI/Dreamworks where she woked on Shrek and Madagascar. They are both extremely passionate about animation and are both very good at helping you to streamline your student films into clear, readable, and entertaining pieces. We also recently got Kim Thompson of ILM. and Angus MacLane of Pixar.


Check out their fim credits at www.imdb.com (http://www.imdb.com)

[Quantium]

I'm also very interested in attending this school as a transfer student. However, thankfully after finding this post, and reading alot of what current and former students have to say, I have ammunition when I fly out there in a month or two to see what things look like first hand. Now, for the BFA Animation & Visual Effects program, I wanted to go into the Compositing/VFX program. Is this how it works? Like do you pick your "major" within the Animation & VFX program? I'm a 2nd year student at Digital Media Arts College in Florida, so I'm hoping I'll be able to get some transfer credits into there. Oh, before I continue, if any of you have heard or are interested in my school, PLEASE advise anyone thinking about it to look elsewhere! It's the BIGGEST money trap you'll ever fall into! If you'd like a "Complete Insider's Report to DMAC", let me know, I'll email it to you. It contains a small report that I typed up, detailing everything that is wrong with the school. I've also included a section in there that details each class, how they word it, and how the class really is. Anyways, to the BFA VFX majors, is it worth it? I'm basically transferring out of here because of previously stated reasons, but also because of the fact that I feel that I'm no longer paying for an education. I don't feel like I'm learning anything, and my creativity isn't being "molded" correctly down here. I originally was going to go to AAU, but stupid me, I wanted to live in Florida (coming from Michigan). Oh, another important thing, to those other students that have transferred to AAU, does it have enough accreditation to defer previous student loans from other colleges? Thanks!

[Digiegg]

Pay 'em more money to get those instructors in MFA?
I don't freaking think so...
They should put some better instructors up in the undergrad classes.
MFA's get all the goodies and we're left with...

[geo5sf]

Didn't you see their god awful website before attending? All you have to do is see the sophomoric student gallery and notice how bad the school is.

and to answer your question about focusing on VFX/COMPOSITING...straight from the AAU website

" By advisement of the department directors, the student is guided to take classes focusing on one of the main areas of the Industry which includes: Visual Effects, Games, 3D Modeling, Character Animation, Storyboarding, Visual Development, and 2D Layout and Background Painting."

I am in the MFA VFX program there, and I love it.

[geo5sf]

Tom Bertino is awesome, by the way. In the Missing Pixels meeting, he showed us clips and boards from ILM's botched animation feature "Frankenstein"...amazing. He also was director towards the end but it got ditched. The project later turned into the short "Work in Progress" which he also directed. ( http://www.ilm.com/ilmshorts.html ) Oh yea, he also worked on "Howard the Duck" - interesting fella

[-Vormav-]

Hey geo5sf, how many people usually show up at missing pixels anyway? I keep meaning to go so time, but always manage to forget somehow. =x

...and to ask a question from several posts back, avoid the dorms...

[Digiegg]

anyone here that can summerize the townhall meeting?

[micster]

TownHall meeting? Doh! I missed it again... and my goal this semester was to make it to all the events and club meetings (Missing Pixels rocks!).

I want to clarify something about the dorms




Yes they are expensive for having 3-5 roommates
Several dorms now have Internet service included
I think they are a good idea (at least for your first year)
I stayed in the dorms for two years and I didn't really think it was that bad. The only thing that really got to me was that I was paying $975 a month for a shared studio... there were 3 of us total :sad: The good news is that living in the dorms kinda forces you to meet some new people and get out and about in the city (they have dorm scheduled activities, like trips to Berkley or the movies).

Like someone mentioned at the beginning of this thread, stay in the dorms when you first get to the City so you don't have to hassle with looking for an apartment. Then move out with your new found friends. I'm currently living with my old dorm roommate and now we only pay $600 each for our own rooms in a "Town-House" just a couple blocks from school. No yucky BART commute for me :)

Oh I forgot to mention, you get less Financial Aid when you live "Off-Campus" which might not mean too much because chances are you will be paying less for housing but something to keep in mind.

[joker999]

I previously went to the Art Institute of San Francisco and found it to be lacking substance. Some of the teachers where great some of them were not. I left the school after 3 quarters and now am deciding between Gnomon, AAC, VFS. Please Help =)

I would probably avoid VFS from what I heard you will likely have a similar experience from what you had at AI San Francisco. I looked at going there when I did my animation degree some 4-5 years ago before I ended up going near home (at that time) in Minnesota. You will find what you got from your experience at AI similar at most places. I just graduated from there and was 100% satisfied with my end education mostly because of how many teachers I had who are now in the industry at many of the companies I want to work for, well would dream to work for. Such as PDI, ILM, Lucas Arts, Pixar (3 teachers from there), and many teachers that have or worked at other companies I like.

I did have some crappy teachers, in fact some awful teachers there as well, it was for one class that I ended up going into and working on other stuff for projects. I am now talking with many companies and have ILM actually contacting me :-D

[Digiegg]

What the heck is missing pixels?
Is that for just VFX people?
How about modelers??

[SalvadorRuizJr]

Just my opinion: I've seen some of those animations and models for their commercials, and they are pretty "bad" examples of student work. You would think they would choose some of the "better" work (which im sure there is).

[micster]

Missing Pixel is a relatively new club (this is it's second semester) to kinda fill the hole that was there in the Visual FX/Animation department. It's deffinately not just for compositing type of people, but modelers and animators too! I'm a modeler myself and I try to make it to the meetings which are on Tuesdays at 12.

-Mic

[artshou]

Hello.

I've been keeping an eye on AAU for some time, and while my decision isn't final I had some questions addressed to anyone about their MFA program.

I'm currently finishing a B.A. in Studio Art and a B.S. in the IT field at another university. My concentration for my Studio Art is a mix of traditional oil painting and 2d animation/conceptual illustration.

I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding the portfolio review process to be accepted into their MFA program. In addition, if I say bychance write my statement of intent to initally be a painter, would it be possible to switch my concentration to 2d animation even if I do not have the "proper" or "well-grounded" background?

Thanks for your time.

[micster]

I will attempt to answer your questions as best as I can, though I'm enrolled in the undergraduate program. What I know is from my roommates and other peoples experience...

I have the feeling that the portfolio review is rather lax based on two things:


My friend Marie got a full "Summer Art Experience" scholorship based on a few mediocre art assignments from high school.
The Academy of Art above all else wants your money. So as long as you do have a portfolio I think you will be okay.
With that having been said, my old roommate Chris who was studying for his MFA, was required to take some introductory art classes or what the Academy calls "Foundation" classes. Those classes included Figure Drawing, Perspective, and Anatomy. Knowing what we do about the Academy wanting all of our money... don't be surprised if they say you have to take this class or that one. This is where your portfolio comes in handy, because if you say "But I've already taken Life Drawing during my undergrad" they will say "Show us."

In regards to switching your major after the fact, I know of two people that have done it. The one, Jeremy, seemed not to have too much trouble by the way that he talked about it. I think what it comes down to is being able to work the system a little bit. If you don't have the prerequisites to a class (which you wouldn't if you switched from Fine Art to Animation) you have to get a guidance councellor to sign off on it. I've seen this go both ways. Sometimes it's no big deal and they just say sure and sign the forms... and other times they try making you take classes you might not need.

In the end it comes back to the money issue. Joan in the Records Department tried to tell me that only 22 units from my old school would transfer, but after threatining to leave the school and take my education (and $60,000) else where... they suddenly became more receptive and *magically* all 36 units I had transferred in.

Hope that helps you make your decision even if I don't have any direct experience with the MFA program.

-Mic

[Marc10edora]

Yeah,
The students that graduate from there come out with some awesome portfolios. But the downside is that the tuition can get really expensive. I've also heard that the tuition price goes up every semester so you're not locked in as far as pricing goes. There are some students that transfered to my school from the Academy because they couldn't afford the tuition towards senior year. But if you can afford it, I'd say go for it.

[micster]

About Tuition,
The Academy DOES NOT raise tuition every semester. In fact they raised it for the first time in four years just this past semester. No doubt it is expensive, but I got grants to pay half of my tution plus I took as many general classes as I could at a community college first which ended up taking a year and a half off of my time here at the Academy. I think it really is a good school and encourage you to look into it more.

-Mic

[Spritemare]

its 7100 a semester + lab fees + supplies + housing + living expenses.

you are looking at 40.000$ a year for 5 years = 200.000$

of course they might increase the tuition like they did last year so thats subject to change.

jesus...one year of that school is almost twice of what I spent to get my MBA :argh:

[Digiegg]

=)
Censored.

[aaronholly]

I attended the MFA program at the AAU (at that time AAC) way back when. At that time the SGI lab (yes... remember those?!) was in the basement of 79 NM and because Pixar had not yet even completed Toy Story, folks like Pete Doctor, Oren Jacob and Ed Catmull would come in and talk or teach every semester.

Like any college you will get out of it what you put into it. The focus on fundamentals was essential at that time. The learning curve was STEEP... no tutorials online or DVDs even available to buy. You couldn't run the software on anything but irix at that time.

But everyone came away with a solid education and many of us from that period have done relatively well in the industry since then. For a while, when I returned to teach there part-time, I felt that following tutorials by rote was the dominant teaching method rather than teaching a solid fundamental understanding. It has been a long time since I attended or taught there, so someone else would know better at the quality of instruction.

They have always had great equipment and are situated in an area with the potential to attract some really good industry-experienced instructors in visual effects, feature animation and videogames.

I dunno what it costs nowadays. But I have to admit that I am thankful for the education and friends I met there!

[Sparks]

The MFA Animation program is a 3 yr. program. I'm not sure what the AAU housing costs are...as i live in an apt. but you can plan to pay about +-$82,000 including all your living expenses, over the 3 yrs....and that is living simply.


The school is currently upgrading from HP Workstations to Dell Precision dual 3.6G Xeons and they scream!!

[Digiegg]

times have changed.

[Quantium]

Dual Xeons?! Doh! Well, atleast I'll still have my Alienware workstation with dual 2.0Ghz Opterons! :)
I flew out to the school last week, and I was very surprised and pleased at the level of work being done there. The character modeling and drawings were unreal. I should be able to secure the financing to attend, but the only thing I'm worried about now is trying to find a part-time job in the area of the school. I don't really want to have to ride the BART like 15mi. away just to find a job.

P.S. I also visited the ILM complex while I was there (walked across the city to get there), and was too afraid to ask where the main office was. :P

[Digiegg]

If you saw the model stuff that you've seen at the labs, don't think that the school will be the only thing getting you to that point.
The "kickass" models you saw there are made by people who go to the computer lab everyday(Monday-Sunday), 8am in the morning till 10pm at night. These guys study things by themselves or from their mates who are ahead of the game.
Don't come to this school expecting to learn "unreal" modeling unless you're willing to make the computerlab you're first home. You can also work at home of course.
I repeatedly hear this from upper classmates who are out there working.
School won't teach you everything for you to get a job.
You have to go wayyyy beyond that and work your ass off.
All the good modelers at our school will tell you the same thing.

[neonneo]

this all sounds very AI-ish

[Digiegg]

How is AI by the way? I haven't really seen any work from there.
I should go and check it out since I can just walk over...

Oh and I'm not trying to bash the school.. although at times I really want to.
Any school will take you so far, it's you that have to push yourself into another level.

[maunilpatel]

what is "MFA Animation - Visual Effects" all about?
Does it concern more on Animation or Visul Effects or both?

[geo5sf]

You choose... A Master of Fine Arts is for someone who has already received a Bachelors... You can choose, Modeling, Visual Effects, Character Animation, 2D Animation, or Games as your choses path. The Second half of this 2.5-3 year degree is spent working on your own thesis project...

what is "MFA Animation - Visual Effects" all about?
Does it concern more on Animation or Visul Effects or both?

[SanjayChand]

what about Gnomon?

:thumbsup:

[maunilpatel]

what about Gnomon?

:thumbsup:

I am sure.. there is a seperate thread for it.. and also I don't think Gnomon gives a degree(correct me If I am wrong) Though it's known to be very good school.. and expensive
It's located in Hollywood, California..

[SpiralFace]

I am sure.. there is a seperate thread for it.. and also I don't think Gnomon gives a degree(correct me If I am wrong) Though it's known to be very good school.. and expensive
It's located in Hollywood, California..

From what I have heard, its more targeted for people who have worked in the industry for many years, and never got a degree, or for people that are trying to get a masters degree.

Everything I've heard says its not the best school in the world for beginners as they don't realy "dumb it down" for people just starting out. It is a phenominal school if you do have the basic skills from what I have heard, but once again, it is targeted for people already IN the industry going back for a degree they never got. Not for people out of highschool just trying to get a degree.

[SanjayChand]

I am sure.. there is a seperate thread for it.. and also I don't think Gnomon gives a degree(correct me If I am wrong) Though it's known to be very good school.. and expensive
It's located in Hollywood, California..


Hi Maunil.

You realllyyyyyyyyyyyyyy shouldnt worry about who gives a degree and who doesnt.

A degree doesnt mean anything in this industry, unless you want to teach at a University (and I have a BA in Studio Art)

What matters is the training.

Gnomon has excellent training and is located in an area where alot of worka nd 3d jobs exist.

As far as expense, pretty much every school that deals with 3d Animation or VFX is going to be expensive. Gnomon actually isnt THAT bad in price compared to some of these art schools like SCAD.

Finally, alot of the people who come into Gnomon do have experience. BUT... quite a few do not. Many are complete neophytes and havent touched a 3d package.

I would highly recommend though that you do have SOME experience and KNOW that this is what you want to do, regardless of which school you go to.

[SanjayChand]

Oh and btw, Gnomon doesnt admit many people straight out of high school.

so what I would recommend is that you go to a 4 year university or a 2 year community college and take alot of traditional art classes or get a degree in some form of traditional art.

sculpture
figure drawing
painting
design
photography
illustration perhaps...

try to take classes in all of these so you can develop a strong background in traditional art, then submit a portfolio to Gnomon with your traditional art and youll probably get in if its decent.

[SpiralFace]

Hi Maunil.

You realllyyyyyyyyyyyyyy shouldnt worry about who gives a degree and who doesnt.

A degree doesnt mean anything in this industry, unless you want to teach at a University (and I have a BA in Studio Art)

What matters is the training.


This is something right here that a disturbing amount of people still beleave. Yes, many people in positions in the industry now did'nt have an education, but that was predominantly becuase no education program was around back then like it is now. That ship has sailed years ago.

Your skills are what will get you the job, but the thing is your degree is just as important, because it seperates you from those that got a degree. Ask any art director if he had to choose between two reels that showed him everything he wanted to see, one had a degree and one did'nt, more often then not he's going to take the one with the degree.

Now I'm not saying that you can't get a job without a degree right now, but look at the reality of the situation. Year by year more and more studios are requireing degrees for possitions expecialy lead positions, and more and more college graduates are comming out of schools on a yearly basis. If things go the way they are now, in the next 4-5 years, your not even going to be able to get a demo reel into concideration without haveing iether alot of industry experiance, or a degree if your just starting out.

Its like playing russian roulette with your carrer, yeah you might get by, but its only a matter of time before your going to hit the chamber with the bullet in it.

I'm not one to tell people if thats the path they want to take, but just realise that your doing that if you choose that path.

[Digiegg]

I disagree. Right now industry still goes for pure skill based employees.
It's basically all about the demo reel. Not if you go to some college or not to get an education.
Why do we go to art colleges? To make a good solid demo reel.
What do people who teach themselves want to make? Good solid demo reel.
I don't think it really matters right now if you got a degree or not.
It's all about what you can bring to the table and how fast you can do it.
I have found no industry that requires you to have a art degree to get in the CG business.
Please list some if you have any.

For me, degree is just a paper saying you went and learned at a college.

[faridz7]

Damnit, why oh why didnt i come across this post sooner. *hits self on head for not going to the cg news section as often as the rest*.

Well Digiegg, speaking from my experience..i guess going to a college/uni just puts you on the right track for completely cg newbies. Thats how i felt 3 years ago after coming from a traditional animation background. Then again, i agree with your point that those learning by themselves like you said in your previous post bout the modellers being goddamn awesome modellers probably learn a few tricks here and there from their peers rather than in class. Hell, i think i learn more from my mates than my tutors..with the exception of 1 tutor. He's the best thing in the course to be honest.

Anyway..Im currently doing a digital animation degree here in Hertfordshire, about 40 mins frm London. Im actually thinking of doing a second degree in AAU as my main aim is character animation and since i started off in traditional hand drawn animation..anyway, the course over here is not really aimed at character animation really, its a much more generalized as in you get to play around with vfx, modelling, texturing, animation etc.

Question for past/present AAU students...hows the masters program like? Spoke to a few friends whos been there and some of them said that the masters program are for ppl who're completely 100% new to animation though and are looking to come out with a short film. Truth is, to be honest whats attracting me to AAU are their pixar animation classes. Thats the money winning attraction right there. And yes i know that just AAU has those courses doesnt mean Ill automatically get a job with Pixar and all..anyway I know im going slightly off topic here, with reference to the above post but much appreciated if anyone could give their insight onto AAU and all that.

Thanks in advance to those who provided info like staying off campus is better and all that. Really useful.. Haha, anyone thinking of enrolling into the january intake next year? Have a house mate yet? Me! Me! haha. Is it really that expensive to live in SF? even more than here in London?

[SpiralFace]

For me, degree is just a paper saying you went and learned at a college.

For you mabe, but for art directors it means that your willing to put time and effort behind something, and that you can make deadlines. I've talked to many of them and as one of them told me, " I have two demo reels on my desk where both show me exactly what I want. One has a degree, and one does'nt. More often then not I'm going to go for the one with the degree."

Your right that your reel will get you the job, but the Degree puts you above everyone else in the fact that this market is flooded with people that want to get into movie VFX or games, and expecialy people wanting to become animators. Yeah, alot of them don't have what it takes to get a job, but tons of people do have potential, and schools are produceing more and more of them on a yearly basis, whether they went to school and droped out, or they got a degree. The degree is what will set you appart from most of them, and realise that although there might not be that many in great number now, the way schools are pumping them out in 5 years they will be in great number. People hired now on portfolios alone is because the supply of hugely talented artists with degrees is short at the moment, but who is to say that this industry, being as popular as it is, will stay that way in 5 years.

Here is a chart for right now as to what a degree will do for you compared to a demo reel,

Degree alone < Great Demo Reel < Both a Great Demo Reel, and a Degree

Its an extra push that will put you in a better position then many other out there, as well as open doors that will not be available to you if you don't have one.

Anyways I've had my say, its up to you guys to make your own decission. As I said before, not getting a real degree is like playing russian roulete with your carrer. I'm not one to play that game, but mabe you guys are.

[SpiralFace]

Truth is, to be honest whats attracting me to AAU are their pixar animation classes. Thats the money winning attraction right there. And yes i know that just AAU has those courses doesnt mean Ill automatically get a job with Pixar and all..


Don't go to this school just becuase it offers those classes. That class is taught by actual pixar people,because of that, they can only teach once a week, and pretty much REQUIRES a portfolio submittion for every level of the classes. And to let you know how competitive it is,

Only 30 people can get into each level of the class a year (I think there are 3 levels, but I'm a modeler, so an animaiton student can correct me if I'm wrong.) Each semester, over 200 people try to get into EACH level of the class. So it is a HUGELY competative thing to get into at this school. So although it is offered, don't come to this school based on that class alone, because unless you are at the top of your class for animation, there is a very slim chance that you are going to get in.

[Digiegg]

Damnit, why oh why didnt i come across this post sooner. *hits self on head for not going to the cg news section as often as the rest*.

Well Digiegg, speaking from my experience..i guess going to a college/uni just puts you on the right track for completely cg newbies. Thats how i felt 3 years ago after coming from a traditional animation background. Then again, i agree with your point that those learning by themselves like you said in your previous post bout the modellers being goddamn awesome modellers probably learn a few tricks here and there from their peers rather than in class. Hell, i think i learn more from my mates than my tutors..with the exception of 1 tutor. He's the best thing in the course to be honest.

Anyway..Im currently doing a digital animation degree here in Hertfordshire, about 40 mins frm London. Im actually thinking of doing a second degree in AAU as my main aim is character animation and since i started off in traditional hand drawn animation..anyway, the course over here is not really aimed at character animation really, its a much more generalized as in you get to play around with vfx, modelling, texturing, animation etc.

Question for past/present AAU students...hows the masters program like? Spoke to a few friends whos been there and some of them said that the masters program are for ppl who're completely 100% new to animation though and are looking to come out with a short film. Truth is, to be honest whats attracting me to AAU are their pixar animation classes. Thats the money winning attraction right there. And yes i know that just AAU has those courses doesnt mean Ill automatically get a job with Pixar and all..anyway I know im going slightly off topic here, with reference to the above post but much appreciated if anyone could give their insight onto AAU and all that.

Thanks in advance to those who provided info like staying off campus is better and all that. Really useful.. Haha, anyone thinking of enrolling into the january intake next year? Have a house mate yet? Me! Me! haha. Is it really that expensive to live in SF? even more than here in London?


Masters? I don't know much about any master classes for animation.
The Pixar classes are just people from Pixar ripping apart on critiques. =P
Thing is, it's very competitive. You have to compete with all the 3D animation students at the school to get in. I think they accept 10-12 people for that class?

[SanjayChand]

This is something right here that a disturbing amount of people still beleave. Yes, many people in positions in the industry now did'nt have an education, but that was predominantly becuase no education program was around back then like it is now. That ship has sailed years ago.

Your skills are what will get you the job, but the thing is your degree is just as important, because it seperates you from those that got a degree. Ask any art director if he had to choose between two reels that showed him everything he wanted to see, one had a degree and one did'nt, more often then not he's going to take the one with the degree.

Now I'm not saying that you can't get a job without a degree right now, but look at the reality of the situation. Year by year more and more studios are requireing degrees for possitions expecialy lead positions, and more and more college graduates are comming out of schools on a yearly basis. If things go the way they are now, in the next 4-5 years, your not even going to be able to get a demo reel into concideration without haveing iether alot of industry experiance, or a degree if your just starting out.

Its like playing russian roulette with your carrer, yeah you might get by, but its only a matter of time before your going to hit the chamber with the bullet in it.

I'm not one to tell people if thats the path they want to take, but just realise that your doing that if you choose that path.
do you work in the industry or are you a student?

Most of the people I have talked with who work in the industry say a degree doesnt really mean anything.

And if they find two people with equal skill level, and one has a degree and one doesnt, then theyll pick who they like more based on personality through the interview.

Ofcourse you could say "what if they like both applicant's personalities"..

THEN I suppose a degree would help but thats an extreme situation.

Skill level and experience take precedence over everything else, especially a degree.

It doesnt HURT to have a degree, but you dont NEED one to work in this industry (according to people I have talked with).

This is especially true for freelancers.

[SanjayChand]

another problem with getting a degree is that it involves two things:

1. time.
2. money.

and really has no short term benefit (in most cases).

Most people dont have the time or the money to go to a Uni and a CG school and have to choose between one or the other.

Ofcourse, there are good CG schools that give degrees, but id say those are few in number.

But if someone does have the time and the money to get a degree and recieve the training for high-end CG work, I say go for it.

it definitly wont hurt.

[Digiegg]

I totally agree with you araya.

another problem with getting a degree is that it involves two things:

1. time.
2. money.

You gotta take all these other BS classes at an art school. Okay.. not BS but waste of time kinda thing. Sure they can help you out but you're main goal is 3D. Also by going you spending money on classes that doesn't really help you get into the industry.
People I talk to at school tell me degree is just a piece of paper.
Only people that really need it are the international students. Just to stay in the country.
It's still pure skill.

1. SKILL
2. EXPERIENCE
3. PERSONALITY/Communication
4. Degree.

this is why I'm trying to get a job as soon as possible so I can stop spending money at my school.
Then again... my dad is telling me to get it... but honestly, you don't need it once you get a job because you're gaining experience.

Here's an example:::
3D modeler for hire:

Person 1: No degree.Worked at Dreamworks.
Person 2: Has a degree. No work experience.

Who you going to hire?

[SanjayChand]

oh art classes are definitly recommended.

Id say the best thing to do is to take some art classes at a community college, develop a strong traditional art background and portfolio, and then submit an application to a school like Gnomon, VFS, or Ringling (or any of the other esteemed CG schools).

[Digiegg]

foundation stuff are definately important... im talking about language courses like history english and etc..
they're still 1600 per class.*correct me if im wrong*

[jeandenis]

A degree is important for foreigners who need a visa. If you don't have a bachelor's, then you must have an equivalent number of years of working experience. If the job requirement is a master's degree, then more years of experience are needed.

[maunilpatel]

so how much would it cost(astimate) for the following degree?
"The Bachelor of Animation & Visual Effects (BFA) Degree"
http://www.academyart.edu/anm/outline.asp

thanks..

[maunilpatel]

no replys?

[faridz7]

i think its like what...600 per credits or something like that..and you gotta take 22? or something..cant remember..called recently like last month but i think its best if you call their admissions office dude, theyre a friendly bunch.

[geo5sf]

I'm a VFX MFA student, and I can say I am learning a lot. Some classes are more helpful than others, but all in all., I'm having agood experience and I'm confident I will have what it takes to land a job when I get out. Also you cannot forget the whole networking aspect. I am becoming good friends with students who will also be working in the industry. My future work mates. The teachers have tons of connections in the industry, mostly ILM and the Orphanage.. and one teacher of mine is a VFX Sup for a full length Indie film, and she is offering us the chance to get experience and shots for our reel by contributing to the film. This is priceless.

As far as teachers, like all schools some teachers are better than others... I have one teacher this semester who has absolutely done a great job and what I've learned is invaluable.

If you have the drive and the energy, there is a lot you can get from this school, if you plan on just cruising through the classes, and hope to land a job...you probably wont get much out of it.

[rblitz7]

Ok I know AAU is not that hard to get into but I cant find the admission requirements on the site. Like do have to submit an essay, transcript, portfolio, etc.?

[OpenUrEyes]

Ok I know AAU is not that hard to get into but I cant find the admission requirements on the site. Like do have to submit an essay, transcript, portfolio, etc.?

If you have a credit card, you will get in.

[micster]

There are pretty much no requirements except:



High School Diploma or GED equivalent
$140 registration fee
After you have paid your registration fee ($100 goes towards tuition, $20 goes to registration fee, and $20 goes to student activity fee) then you can get a little further into the system. You will beable to apply for financial aid and stuff like that to try and come up with the $16000 for your first semester.

I highly reccomend that you first attend your local community college. Talk to your community college councellor and ask to see their "Articulation Agreement". Every college should have a file that says what classes transfer as what to every other college. For example:

I attended Saddleback Community College in Southern California. I took "Math 7: College Algebra" and "ENG 1B Pincipals of Composition". I took these specific classes because in the counceling office there is a file cabinent with an "Articulation Agreement with Academy of Art University". According to that file the above two classes transfer in as... "LA 256:College Math" and "LA 110: English Composition 2 Narrative Storytelling".

By doing this I was able to complete almost all of my general education for about $300 instead of the thousands it would have cost at the Academy, not to mention the 2 years in time I saved. This also ensures that you only take the classes you absolutely need at your community college. For example... if you attend a community college they will reccomend you follow the IGETC or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum which requires you take some science classes. Guess what.... you don't need no stinking science classes to graduate from the Academy of Art! So why waste your time?

There are a few important things to remember when transfering in to the Academy:

You can only transfer credits your very FIRST semester at the Academy and even then it has to be within the first few months of that semester.
A maximum of 66 units can be transferred of which only 45 can be Liberal Arts and 9 Art Electives.
Beware of Joan Hill. When I started at the Academy she was in charge of deciding if or not your classes were transfered. At first she was nice, but then she tried to tell me the Academy wouldn't except half of my classes.
The "Articulation Agreement" between your school and the Academy is your friend. It is a legally binding contract... a guarantee that all of your classes will transfer.
Hope that helps someone!

-Mic

[diginime]

Hi there,
in BFA animation has 7 track right (Storyboard Art, Background Painting, Visual Development, Character Animation, Games, Visual Effects & Compositing, and 3D Modeling)? Is it choose one out of the seven? By the way, anyone attend the online courses before?

[micster]

It's more like "Choose your own Adventure." You should deffinately head in the direction of one of the particular tracks, but nothing is set in stone. If you are starting out your college career at the Academy as a freshmen (your first year in college with no transffered credits) then you have plenty of time to decide. You really don't take any core specific classes until close to your Junior year (3rd year).

That doesn't mean you won't be taking any cool classes because there are lots, they are just more general and apply to any of the seven tracks. For example, nearly everyone in the Animation/FX major takes "Intro to Computer Animation" and "Computer Animation and Production C.A.P.'s". Theres also your foundation courses like "Figure Drawing", "Anaylsis of Form", "Sketching for Communication", etc. Not too mention your Liberal Arts like English and History.

The importance of choosing a specific track is to make sure you have the correct prerequisites, and this doesn't really come into play until after your second year. There is lot's of cross polination going on between the different tracks. I want to be a modeler, but I have taken 3D animation classes like "Advanced Animation" and Games classes like "Games Texturing and Lighting". All of which apply to my credits for graduating. The only time you might run into trouble is if the class you want to take is WAY off from your major.

My advice is to take what the advisors tell you with a grain of salt. You deffinately want to make sure you take all the classes you need to graduate (Advisors are really good at this) But you might be better off taking the new cool "ZBrush" class over say the "Environments" and for these choices it's better to talk to other students.

What I did for myself is opened the handy school catalogue and just flipped through the whole thing making a list of all the classes that sounded really cool, exciting, fun (insert adjective here) and made a list regardless of what major that class fell under. Then I would talk to my fellow students who have taken some of those classes and get the real deal. This helps you whittle away some of the classes that SOUND really great, but in fact are lame. Then with this new list in hand, you can go speak to your advisor and *suggest* what you think might make a good schedule for your upcoming semester.

Not all the school advisors were created equal, some are better then others and none of them can tell you how good a teacher REALLY is (talk to students for this info). It's your money so take charge, don't let them put you in crappy classes... believe me they will try!

-Mic

[Fenster]

All you need is the cash! (kinda dissapointing, aint it)http://forums.cgsociety.org/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=3588792#

[arip96]

Hello, I am taking summer classes in AAU and I was just wondering if anyone knows what the summer classes are like. Do a lot of people take them? I am staying in the dorms and everything...

[micster]

Yes lot's of people take the summer classes. It's the only way to go if you want to graduate within four years. I've taken two (2) classes every summer for the last three years and have been very pleased. I'd suggest taking classes you don't really care too much about, or aren't that important because the summer semester is half as long (8 weeks) instead of the full 16 weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters.

Summer classes aren't exactly easier because thoretically you do twice as much work during each class/week. Your instructors will usually remove a few things from the curriculum (though their not suppose to) like maybe some of the required reading. Try to take your Liberal Arts (English, Speech, Art History, Math, Popular Culture) and not any studio classes durring summer. I did take "Color and Design," a studio class, over the summer and it was just fine, but you will most likely get more out of a class during the full 16 week course.

Living in the dorms for summer is fine (I did it for 2 years) But be aware that they will kick you out durring intersession unless you pay roughly an outrageous $45 a day, so make sure you have some where else to go (if your coming back they will let you keep your stuff in your room). Intersession is a 3 week period before and after each semester where you can take a single class. Durring summer there is two intersessions: first 3 weeks right before Summer semester, and 3 weeks right before the Fall semester in August.

Durring Summer the dorms will be about 1/3 as full as they are durring the normal year, so it sometimes feels a little empty but it is much easier to meet/make new friends I found. I think living in the dorms is a very good idea for your first year, but deffinately keep an eye out for potential roommates to move off campus with. In some cases you pay twice as much in the Academy housing as you would with a couple of buddies in your own apartment.

Good Luck,
Mic

[arip96]

Mic- Thanks for the reply! Awww, shucks. I wish I had wrote this earlier. I am taking Analysis of Form and Still Life Painting. Too bad, I would have liked to get some of those painful classes out of the way.

[micster]

Hey I'm taking "Still Life Painting" too! What time is your class? Mine is Tues./Fri. 8:30-3:30 maybe I'll see you there :)

Don't feel too bad about taking those classes during the Summer. There are only so many classes that get offered during Summer and even less choices for intersession... You might want to see what classes are available for intersession and only take those at that time, else you might find yourself wanting to take a intersession/summer class later and not having any left to choose from.

-Mic

[CCDrkNrgy]

I'm in the MFA VX program, and I start school in about 2 weeks. I'm taking Aesthetics & the Renaissance and Figurative Concepts. Anyone know if they're difficult classes? Is it painful to take these classes during the summer? :shrug:

Here's me so far:

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/uclickcomics/20060604/cx_nq_uc/nq20060604

[arip96]

Hey I'm taking "Still Life Painting" too! What time is your class? Mine is Tues./Fri. 8:30-3:30 maybe I'll see you there :)

Don't feel too bad about taking those classes during the Summer. There are only so many classes that get offered during Summer and even less choices for intersession... You might want to see what classes are available for intersession and only take those at that time, else you might find yourself wanting to take a intersession/summer class later and not having any left to choose from.

-Mic

Aww, no. My class begins @ 3:30 and ends at 6:30 :(

[micster]

I'm in the MFA VX program, and I start school in about 2 weeks. I'm taking Aesthetics & the Renaissance and Figurative Concepts. Anyone know if they're difficult classes? Is it painful to take these classes during the summer? :shrug:I haven't taken those classes, but they are Liberal Arts so I'd say it will be okay. Unless of course they are different because there Master classes, i doubt it though. Wait to buy any of the "required reading" because those Art history books are usually a little pricey and your teacher might change it up on you.

Aww, no. My class begins @ 3:30 and ends at 6:30 :(Ah you might be in my friend Kristin's class though.

[Valraven]

I am going to be a senior in high school next semester, and I have been seriously looking into AAU as a college choice. I'll also be going to San Fran this summer to Attend the Academy's Summer Art Experiance for the second time.

After reading some things(particularly on this forum), I have considered first going to a community college and then transferring a year or two's worth of credits to AAU to save money. I also planned on considering Animationmentor.com's program while attending the community college, so i could engage in an intense animation program while getting the commmunity college courses out of the way.

My question is how can i find out what colleges have a matriculation agreement with AAU. Can i find out from AAU or will i have to check out individual community colleges? If anyone has some experiance in this area, I would really appreciate some advice. I want to get my facts strait so i figure out what i want to do ASAP.

[micster]

*Note*
I wrongly stated this contract as a "Matriculation Aggreement" the correct term is an "Articulation Agreement".

You would want to start at the "Admissions and Records" office for the Community College(s) in your area. Every accredited college will have these type of agreements with the other major colleges. If no one at your prospective community college has ever transferred to the Academy of Art, then your school might not have an agreement on file.

Don't worry though... just talk to one of the sweet old ladies that works in the Admissions and Records office at your community college and they should be able to obtain one. If they don't or say they can't then politely ask to speak to someone else further up the food chain.

Here is a concise definition of what an Articulation Agreement is so you will know what your talking about:
An official agreement in which one collegiate institution agrees to accept specific courses or groups of courses from another collegiate institution in place of its own courses. In California, this process generally refers to agreements involving sets of community college courses that CSU and UC faculty agree to accept as having the focus, content and rigor necessary to meet course requirements at the baccalaureate institutions.

[CCDrkNrgy]

I haven't taken those classes, but they are Liberal Arts so I'd say it will be okay. Unless of course they are different because there Master classes, i doubt it though. Wait to buy any of the "required reading" because those Art history books are usually a little pricey and your teacher might change it up on you.

Ah you might be in my friend Kristin's class though.

Actually, because I work during the day, I have to do the online program. I got talked into it after meeting Vince DeQuattro (aka Mr. Hotshot in my blog). I was originally going to go into the BFA program, but he suggested I go for the MFA. After submitting my portfolio, I miraculously got accepted. Go figure! :eek:

My only concern is the amount of work that goes with each Masters course, particularly the production courses. Since I work during the day, I'm afraid they're going to be so hard and time consuming, I'm going to end up failing out of school. :scream:

[rblitz7]

Hey micster, were you at the community college for a full two years before transferring? btw great job answering all these questions.

[micster]

Actually, because I work during the day, I have to do the online program. I got talked into it after meeting Vince DeQuattro (aka Mr. Hotshot in my blog). I was originally going to go into the BFA program, but he suggested I go for the MFA. After submitting my portfolio, I miraculously got accepted. Go figure! :eek:

My only concern is the amount of work that goes with each Masters course, particularly the production courses. Since I work during the day, I'm afraid they're going to be so hard and time consuming, I'm going to end up failing out of school. :scream:Several of my friends, including 2 of my current roommates have taken online courses and simply loved them. In fact I haven't heard one bad thing about the online classes. Personally for me, I'd rather have the teacher in front of me since I already live in The City and the classes cost the same. As far as the MFA program goes, my roommates Dan and Matthew both are currently enrolled (MPT and V/FX respectively) and it sounds like some pretty intensive work. The main difference I can tell so far is that the MFA program is centered around each individuals "Thesis" project. So you don't exactly have homework assignments, your just supposed to make progress on your final project. In that sense I'm sure you can set your own pace seeing that you might have all semester for a single project.

As a note the Academy of Art does offer second BFA degrees in case you didn't want to go on to the MFA program.

Hey micster, were you at the community college for a full two years before transferring? btw great job answering all these questions. Yes I did spend two years as a "Full-Time" student (4 classes each semester for 4 semesters) plus one or two nite classes here and there. During that time I spent some of my time just taking "enrichment classes" that I didn't expect to transfer. Some of those classes still transffered in as "Art Electives".

In general Fine Art classes are harder to get credit for than Liberal Art. I took a little of both because Fine Art classes are a lot more fun to take (some of those transferred as Art Electives).

[arip96]

Yess, so I got here early for my summer classes...class doesn't start for another week! I figured that it would be good to know the surrounding area before everything starts. I don't know anyone here, and it sucks. Is there anyway to meet students? My roommates aren't coming for a long time.

[micster]

When living in the dorms there is usually a communal area (game room, T.V. room, computer room) where students will hang. I lived in the 1080 Bush St. dorm and at almost any time you could find someone downstairs watching t.v. or playing table tennis... of course summer is a little more lonely :(

There are also the Resident Assistants, R.A.'s for short, who as part of their job have to plan at least 4 activities each month for all the dorm residents. Be sure to know who your R.A.'s are they are very helpful your first semester. Also be sure to check the "Activities Board" in your dorm building. In Summer and Fall most students are new and don't know anybody... so don't feel like you're alone. The hardest part is usually just introducing yourself to the other students. I found once I did that, they would just open up and start chatting away.

Knowing the City is'nt as important as you might think. I've lived here 3 years now and theres still stuff I haven't seen and places I have'nt been to. The school is open this week, so you might want to head downtown and just check it out. Feel free to Instant Message me if you want to talk some more (my info is in my profile).

-mic

[lacunalacuna]

Hi,

What about foreign student population? I'm from Asia and I'm planning to study there, in the U.S.

Do they offer non-undergraduate/graduate, like a CG/Animation only course? I took a quick glance of the site and I didn't quite read one.

THanks

[usernamelolorz]

Hi! :)


I'm totally new to 3D, but I'm really, really excited about all the wonderful things that can be expressed through the medium - I want to study and practice and experiment all the time! But I want to have the "insurance policy" of progress that comes with enrolling at a university - not to mention I want to get the hell out of my folk's house and into a fun city. :P So I'd like to enroll at AAU too! I took a tour of SCAD, and they were friendly and all, but I've heard so many discouraging things about them that I just can't see myself going there.

But here's what complicates things - I'm already going to take 3d animation at AnimationMentor.com. So, what I really want my focus to be, in a university setting, is modelling, texturing, particles, rigging, creating environments for the characters to act out their scenes in, 3d-animation camera-work, etc...basically, everything that goes into the visual production EXCEPT animation, cuz AnimationMentor has me covered there. Will AAU allow me that kind of focus?, or will I have to go through a jack-of-all-trades education? I'm kind of concerned about the quality of their 3d graphics, too, because I looked at their website, at their videos and demonstrations, and it all seemed really plain. Like the only organic modelling/texturing was of some basketball player, the rest was all a lot of cars and buildings... I want to be able to make all the lovely bits-and-pieces of nature, you know?, trees and leaves, water, the stars, hair and fur and feathers and grass, wind and snow, teeth and tongues and uvulas!, snot and spit and junk, rainbows and scaly-skin, pimples and porcupine quills!, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc. Etc.

So could anyone familiar with AAU respond to both of my aforementioned concerns? :) Thanks!!!

[geo5sf]

It looks like you are taking on quite a bit there... I would start by focusing on one or two things, and mastering them.. like perhaps being a TD. looks like you are going to spread yourself too thin. If you go to a school like AAU you will find modelers, or riggers , animators as you will naturally start networking with a semester or two there. There's people that only go for modeling, and there are people who focus on rigging. Im sure after your first year in the BFA program you will find out what you want to "focus" on, because you will be covering all the bases. You are trying to focus on everything the school 3d department offers.

[micster]

Hi,

What about foreign student population? I'm from Asia and I'm planning to study there, in the U.S.

Do they offer non-undergraduate/graduate, like a CG/Animation only course? I took a quick glance of the site and I didn't quite read one.

THanksThere are tons of foreign students here at the Academy. There are clubs for just about every ethnicity too. The biggest concern I've heard from foreign students is not having enough money because they can't get a job due to their "foreign" status. The Academy does offer Associate Degrees which is a step up from a certificate and about half of a Bachellors, but it still has a rigid structure with what classes you have to take. You could take any class you wanted if it was for "Enrichment", but that wouldn't really help you as much as you think. You would probably be better off going to one of those training schools like "Gnomon (http://www.gnomon3d.com/title.html)".
Will AAU allow me that kind of focus?, or will I have to go through a jack-of-all-trades education? Yes you can take classes on everything you mentioned and avoid all Animation classes. The Animation classes are kinda grouped together as part of their own "Track".

[magellan94]

Hi CCDrkNrgy,

I was also planning to enroll as a 2nd BFA until a graduate advisor suggested I apply for the MFA program. Would you mind sharing the portfolio you used for your application? I'm a bit apprehensive about submitting a portfolio. My first degree is a BS in Computer Science, and I don't feel my art skills are at the level of a BFA grad in art. I'm curious to see what a successful MFA portfolio for AAU looks like.

Thanks,
Dave

[kyred]

hey all! glad i found this thread here.

i'm an incoming aau student for the summer 06 term majoring in animation. i live in the bay area, but am taking online classes since i have a full time job (i'm pursuing my 2nd bachelor's). i plan to find some evening classes for the spring 07 semester though. i definitely MUST go on-campus soon, since i feel its a waste to be living so close and not taking advantage of the school and the connections to be made there.

having said that, any suggestions for one such as myself on connecting with other students? i'm just an hour away from the city and am there about 1-2x a week. aside from clubs and such, what other activities usually are there?

[micster]

There are school sponsored events each month. Most are little "socials" where there is free food/drinks. You can check the C.A.S.E. calendar for when the next upcoming events are http://www.academyart.edu/case/events.asp

The school also does things like "Bowling Night", "Ski-Trip", and a "Boat Party" which seem to be pretty fun. It's important to actually visit the main campus because that's where they post most of the fliers for what's going on, especially the lobby of 180 New Montgomery.

[kyred]

sounds awesome! yeah I plan on visiting the campus pretty often, so I'll be checking you on-campus people out frequently. And I'll definitely be dropping by for those events.

on a different topic, when are workshops usually held? are there some that are held on weekends or weekday nights for those who have jobs during the day? I've heard these can be immensely helpful, so I plan on taking advantage of them.

[micster]

It really depends on what workshop your looking for. The more popular the workshop is, the more varied the times it will be offered. The foundation classes tend to be the most popular with classes like "figure drawing" being offered on multiple days and nights. They usually run about 3 hours, but be sure to get there early because they get rather crowded. They change the workshops every semester depending on student attendance and response. Workshops run for most of the semester, starting about the 2nd week of school and ending a week before finals.

-Mic

[ThomasGarbarini]

Hey can somebody tell me quickly what scholarships they offer 1st-year undergrads? Their website was pretty confusing on the matter. Thanks.

[Cowboy79]

Hi guys..
I need help about what to do ......
I studied 3 years in a CG school here in Italy and i was deciding to go to study another 1 or 2 years in USA or Canada in an uni like AAU or at VFS also because i don't find work here in Italy. I have seen that at AAU there are some very good programs like the BFA Animation - 3d modeling, but i'm already 27 and i don't want spend other 4 years to take a degree.
Do you know if there is some cool course/program there at AAU that i can do in 1 or 2 years???

[Loke65]

Hi. Is the Academy of Art University a good school to study visual effects if you want to focus your studies on Compositing instead of 3d modeling and animation?