is Academy of Arts a good school to go to

[micster]

Originally Posted by Cowboy79 (member.php?u=225531)
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???

The Academy is not a school to quickly graduate from. A regular BA will take close to five years to complete instead of four or less. There is a 2 year Associates Degree program, but frankly I don't think that would be worth it. Probably the best thing the Academy could offer you in that short period of time is a few social connections which might help you find a job. The career services department seems to be very helpful and internships/jobs seem to be plentiful for Visual FX/Animation majors.

I don't think that simply taking a few classes here at the Academy will really improve your skills that much. Yes it is a pleasant environment. Yes it is very conducive to learning. Yes you have all the equipment and facilities you could want. But ultimately you have to really motivate yourself (and sometimes your teachers) to get anything out of your classes.

I wouldn't worry about the age thing so much though. There are plenty of older students that attend here and the average age is higher than that of a traditional University. I tried to get my older brother who is 37 to attend here too. I'm not too sure it would be worth it for you though to move all the way out here just to meet a couple people in the industry.

[Loke65]

Ok. Thanks for the reply. The reason why I was considering this university is because I've ready that major studios look for people that are good and that also have a degree. You wouldn't happen to know any other good schools which are focused on VFX (compositing, roto-ing, etc) where you might have the time and opportunity to make a demo reel while studying? It would be nice if the school is in a nice area too.. preferably on the west coast, but not a requirement...

[geo5sf]

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?

Short Answer : Yes... Catherine Tate teaches the Shake classes and she is a former ILM, Frametore..etc.. employee. They also have a Combbustion/Flame class and I believe Catherine Tate will teach a Fusion class next semester. If that's what you are interested in, and you want to get a BFA, I say go for it. Also, I know that sometime next year you could expect a Technical Director track at AAU. I've been told that a combinattion Compositing/TD track is a great way to go as well. One thing they stress is that you learn the concepts of compositing first, the software is secondary. You are training your eye.

If you already have a Bachelor's degree, I say definitely go for the MFA. The compositing classes are great and you learn alot if you apply yourself. The teachers all have great advice as far as job-hunting goes. I have a student in my Shake 2 class who got a job at MatteWorld and still works there doing compositing, she started off doing Roto there. She's been there for about 7 months now. So yea, the networking is great and the teadchers have lots of leads. This is all VFX of course, not sure about modeling or animation.

[Cowboy79]

micster: Probably the best thing the Academy could offer you in that short period of time is a few social connections which might help you find a job. The career services department seems to be very helpful and internships/jobs seem to be plentiful for Visual FX/Animation majors.

Ok, but i'm from Italy, the will not give me the visa to work there.
Thaking an AA there, it will give me the opportunity to have the OPT (optional practical training) for another year to try to find a job and i think it's more easy to find a job there than here.

if you want to see, this is my demoreel : demoreel_high (http://www.matteoghezzi.com/demoreel_high.mov)
or demoreel low (http://www.matteoghezzi.com/demoreel_low.mov)
so you can tell me what you think about it and if for you it's worth or not for me to take an AA.

bye:)

[micster]

Hey Matteo Ghezzi,
Your demo reel seemed very nice I know students who have gotten internships with much less. I have not gone through the AA program at my school so I recommend that you do more research. From what I do know about it, the school will want you to start with the easy classes. From what I saw on your demo reel you probably wouldn't learn anything new. The good news is that I think you could waive the intro classes and take more advanced courses for the same credits.

Because I've lived here my whole life I am not familiar with what it takes for foreign students to find work. From the students that I have talked to, it seemed they had a lot of difficulty just getting a regular job while here that wasn't working at the school. With that said, my roommate is from India and he just got an internship at Giant Killer Robots (http://www.giantkillerrobots.com/) so I guess it can be done.

-Mic

[SpiralFace]

I've had a handfull of non-american friends that have gotten jobs here in america through pretty much going through internships and then getting hired on after they finished school. Its seems to be important for you to have the equivialnt of some sort of BFA in order to get the jobs though (It has something with getting working VISA's for this country.) And it tends to be the larger companys that have the power to do this, so you might be limited in some ways, but by no means are you barred from getting any jobs, as it is entirely possible.

[Cowboy79]

I talked with an italian guy who just finished an AA in Visual Effect there at AAU.
He told me that i can change some "basic" classes with more advanced classes.
He had to do 17 classes, not 22, because here in italy the high school is 5 years and not 4 like there.So through a evaluation of an american company about his high school diploma, the AAU taken off 5 classes to him.
I have over the high school diploma, another degree ( 3 years) from a Visual effects school herein italy, so maybe they will take me off some classes more.
If it happens this, it will be not very very expensive, i hope......
also because i was thinking to make the first year online and the come there for the second year, for this i can ask the OPT , to try to find a job.

To have a visa to work in USA we must have a 4 year degree (BFA) or for every years of college that we don't have, we need to have 3 years of experience working in company, so if you don't have a 4 years degree you need to have 12 years of work experience!!!

[groovemcfly]

Anyone have experience in any of the online degree programs offered?

[micster]

Do undergrad students need to have good drawing skills in order to succeed in the BFA Animation & Visual Effects degree?

I am confused about some of the required courses for this degree.. Liberal Arts by Advisement (21 units).. does that mean I take those 7 classes first? Art Electives recommended for your major (12 units) what courses are these and do I get to pick them? Will I have to take basic classes like math, science etc?You don't have to be an expert draftsmen to do well, but you do have to be disciplined and highly motivated. You will have to take several drawing classes which if you feel you aren't very good can be very frustrating. Just stick with it and practice... you will improve. Even if your drawings still suck that's okay because as long as you do your homework and show up to class everyday you will pass. Heres a list of the drawing classes you will most likely take: Analysis of Form or Sketching for Communication, Figure Drawing 1, Figure Drawing 2, Heads and Hands, and Clothed Figure Drawing. I actually really enjoyed taking these classes.

Liberal Art by Advisement are the classes that your advisor feels will benefit you the most, but are not set in stone. You do not take them all at once, but through-out your career at the Academy. Your first year will be a little slow with mostly Liberal Arts and very few real "art" classes (probably one a semester). Art Electives are the fun classes that you always wanted to take. Because they are electives they don't have to be specific for you major and yes you get to pick them (for the most part). As long as you had the prerequisites you could take something like "Ecorche" instead of "3D Character Design and Setup". This really depends on what your emphasis is on. If your trying to become a character animator instead of a modeler the classes you have to take will be different and by reverse, your electives will be different. The most comprehensive list of classes is found in the school catalogue, contact the Academy and have them send you out one.

Yes you will have to take basic classes, but not to the same extent that you would at a UC or other 4 year University. Since the Academy is an acredited University, they have to by law make sure students complete core curriculum classes (math, science, hisory, english). They are very easy at the Academy, you only have to take one of each (no Calculus or Chemistry), and not worth paying $1,650 in my opinion.

-Mic

[groovemcfly]

So the first classes I would have to take would be Fundamentals of English, College Math, US History, and The Art of Science, Science of Art? How long would it take to complete these? Thanks

[jeandenis]

The Academy is not a school to quickly graduate from. A regular BA will take close to five years to complete instead of four or less.

Depends! If you are doing a normal Bachelor's just don't take 4 classes during your first 2 years. You can easily go with 5 clases, even towards the end of your program. If you take online classes you can even manage 6 classes (let's say one online class would be "sci-fi writing" or whatever, and one class is the portfolio class - both don't take up too much time).

I was able to finish in 3 1/2 years. Towards the end I had a lot to do, but it's not a nightmare. If you are motivated it's doable.

My 2 cents
Jean-Denis

[micster]

Full time enrollment is considered to be 12 units or 4 classes during the Fall and Spring semesters. As jeandenis pointed out, some students take more. It would be very doable to finish these classes in one semester. The advisors usually won't give you all these classes in one go (though you can take them whenever you want), so expect a year as an esstimate. Be aware that you don't "have" to take any specific classes first.

[akocan]

Hi to all.

I enrolled and will be beginning 2007 fall Master in 3d Character Animation @ Academy of Art.

Anyone else starting?

[Unled]

I just found out I got into the Pixar 1 class. I'm pretty excited about it!

[rblitz7]

I just found out I got into the Pixar 1 class. I'm pretty excited about it!
Thats great man! do you have any of your work online?

[Digiegg]

Nice~! My roommate just heard the news too that he got in Pixar 1 class.
Maybe you'll see him in class? His name is Joe Lee.
Guess I'll be seeing alot of you at the computer lab. =)
Zombie life style time!

[Unled]

Nice~! My roommate just heard the news too that he got in Pixar 1 class.
Maybe you'll see him in class? His name is Joe Lee.
Guess I'll be seeing alot of you at the computer lab. =)
Zombie life style time!

I may have him in my class, it's a 50/50 chance since there are two classes.
I actually don't like the labs, i have a much faster dual core with a nice wacom and widescreen monitor at my place that i prefer to work on.

I don't have my stuff posted yet, i need to work on my site. I may try and post something later.

[Zero_Cool]

I think someone better add in there - just because you attended AAC doesn't mean that you'll get a job at ILM, Pixar, Disney.

Exactly, what they don't tell you at these school's is: You've got to be good at this stuff! There's been too many people out there who go to these courses and there just not good at it.

Its the same with any job, you get Mickey Mouse's in every field of work.

[kraystone]

deleted msg

[krazyrokr]

from what ive seen come out of academy of arts, it looks like they have a superb animation program, but im not really sure about other areas as far as modeling or texuring or even their 2d program.

[darktding]

I just found out I got into the Pixar 1 class. I'm pretty excited about it!

congrats Derek, it must be exciting to get into those pixar classes.

[OpenUrEyes]

That's awesome! About 80% who gets into those Pixar classes always gets a job at Pixar or another major studio.

This school rocks!

[akocan]

hi there all. I just started AAU 3d Animation Grad program this semester.

It's going quite well for the only week we had yet. Is there anyone enrolled this semester too?

Also can I learn about these pixar classes? How do they work? I don't see it in the list of classes I'm supposed to take through the education.

Thanks in advance;
Aziz K.

[micster]

Hey Akocan,
I'm enrolled this semester too :), though it's my last semester :sad: The Pixar classes are upper division classes (senior classes) and the only way to get in is to submit your demo reel to your department head I believe. I would talk to your advisor because they will know exactly what you need to do. My roommate is also in the Grad program and one of his Instructors works at Pixar, their first day of class was actually held at Pixar! I asked him about it and he said it's not even one of the official "Pixar Animation" classes. So you might want to look into what other opportunities are available to grad students.

-Mic

[kraystone]

I'm currently enrolled in an illustration class, special topics: Visual Development. The instructor is also from Pixar and our 3rd class will consist of a studio tour. :D Not only that, he said that he'll be bringing in some guest speakers from various fields such as VFX and games as well. There is a few basic requirements for this class but I got in just by talking to the advisor (because I'd taken another illustration class: Adv.Perspective). However this is not an animation class but more of a conceptual art class to prepare illustrators to work on 3D projects.

I'm in this class because I wanna tour Pixar :P (ah nono, that is just part of the reason... I want to do some conceptual art for games).

[Sbowling]

I think someone better add in there - just because you attended AAC doesn't mean that you'll get a job at ILM, Pixar, Disney.

I'm sure there's platy of people who didn't go to any kind of 3d specific school and work at large studios like ILM and Pixar. I'm sure these people put a lot more interest into talent than what school you came from when it comes to hiring.

[Digiegg]

Try your best. Give it your all. Become one of the best.
If your skills are good enough, the Academy has connections to alot of the industry.
I gotta say, our school has alot of good connections.

[Lunatique]

I just started teaching at the AAU, and I've been quite impressed with the school's facilities and the level of work shown in their student galleries/displays. AAU's instructors (particularly the animation/game department) are typically industry veterans that's worked on high profile projects, which is something I can't say for some of the other schools in SF.

Unfortunately, my freelance work has gotten pretty crazy lately, so I'm going to have to stop teaching for now.

[Digiegg]

OMG... Robert. Haha... dude let's have lunch sometimes man.
I didn't know you taught at our school!

[geo5sf]

i want to work for ILM and i wanted to know if this would be the best way to go:airguitar :airguitar :airguitar


I came in wanting to work at ILM. After taking classes from many former ILM'ers, ILM is definitely not top of my list anymore, for many reasons. One reason is, once you get hired, you are stuck at the position for along time. For example, if you are into compositing and you get into ILM doing Roto, it will probably take you a long time to work your way to another position. It's better to get in with other experience under your belt.

But this school is filled with many former ILM employees... so if you are good enough and nice, I''m sure the faculty would do what they could to help you out...

[Lunatique]

OMG... Robert. Haha... dude let's have lunch sometimes man.
I didn't know you taught at our school!

I'd love to, but I had to stop teaching because my freelance work got too crazy. I'll probably be moving to L.A. soon too, so... Thanks for asking though!

I felt bad when I had to stop, because students have said "Please don't go, you're one of the best teachers I've ever had." *sniff* :sad:

[Michael5188]

This makes me think how many people I've ran into at school that I've discussed something with on CGTalk, but neither of us knew.

[akocan]

Hey there.

I didn't see anyone else having a blog showcasing their work at Academy of Art. So I've started a blog (http://animatr.blogspot.com). And I've also started a thread (http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=3895117#post3895117) so that "you" can also open up a blog and post it there.

you in?

[bgia06]

Hey guys,

This is my first post on cgtalk but I've been reading this thread for the past 5 days and have finally made it through all 103 pages.

To tell you a little about myself, I'll be 21 years old next month. I'm from Phoenix, AZ and attended University of Arizona for 2 years where my focus was drawing. This semester, I am going to a community college to get the rest of my liberal art classes out of the way before coming to AAU in the Spring semester to major in 3d modeling.

At U of A, the art classes I took were Drawing 101, Color & Design, 3d Design, Figure Drawing 1 & 2, Figure Sculpting, and Illustration Studio 1. Three of these classes transfered in as art electives (figure drawing 1, illustration studio, 3d design).

I know you guys have answered a lot of similar questions throughout the thread, but I'm looking for some advice on which classes I should take and which I should waive out of for my first semester.

Also since I have read the thread, I know all of the pros and cons of living in the dorms, but I think it would be good to live there for a semester so that I could meet new people. Obviously, I won't be able to live in the under 21 dorms. Any thoughts on which dorm I should try for?

I'll be in SF this wednesday through saturday to tour the school and register for classes.

Thanks for the help.

[Fenster]

What classes you take are really up to you - just check out all the interesting illustration classes they have available (I'm assuming you're an illustration major) they have experimental, character design, perspective, painting classes, and if you want to expand into computer illustration or animation, they have many classes for that too. Talk to your student advisor, they can help you plan which classes you need to take, but remember, if there's a class that you want to take, even if it's not on the class track for an illustration major, just take it. The best advice I got when starting there wass from my perspective teacher - "they're going to make you take only certain classes to complete your major, but the best students create their own major to learn what they want to learn" (paraphrased).

As for the dorms, the best by far for over 21 is the Jones street dorms - it's a simple apartment building with a great view, every apartment gets their own bathroom and kitchen. and it's about 6 blocks from the illustration building.

Good Luck!

[bgia06]

I'm actually gonna be majoring in 3d modeling but that advice still works. I'll check out the Jones street dorms when I come up there.

Thanks a lot.

[Quantium]

Yep, I'm living in Jones right now, and he's right. We have nothing but cool, easy going, artists here. We're almost like a big family now, we all know each other, and hang out all the time.

[bgia06]

What do you think my chances are of getting into the Jones dorm if I apply now?
Thanks again

[RED banana]

good luck boy!

[Quantium]

Well, I'm not sure since the semester is under way, but it never hurts to apply now, cause somebody might move out, so you never know.

[bgia06]

I heard that the neighborhood around the Jones dorm isnt the greatest.. what do you guys think of it?

[Quantium]

Well, the majority of dorms/apartments are all within about a 5 block radius of each other, so unless you get into that one graduate apartment building, or the other one, they're all pretty much in the same area. And don't listen to people, it's a nice area, we are high up on the hill, and there's no "shady" people around, unless you feel like going for a stroll at 4am, then you might run into 1 or 2, but other then that, it's nice.

[bgia06]

Well, I got back from SF a couple days ago. The city is beautiful. I got to go on a general tour, animation tour, and a housing tour. Everything looked pretty nice and the computer labs were pretty big. On the housing tour we got to check out the 620 Sutter dorm. It looked really nice, especially with a pool and gym downstairs. Any thoughts on this dorm? Thanks.

[Amarin]

My girlfriend and i are planning on going to this school in fall 07, moving from the panhandle of florida. I was curious if its possible to be in a dorm together. Im assuming no, but if not then we'll look for a studio. Also does anyone know how getting a car into california works? I know there are higher emmision standerds but i dont want to be without a car.

[Unled]

My girlfriend and i are planning on going to this school in fall 07, moving from the panhandle of florida. I was curious if its possible to be in a dorm together. Im assuming no, but if not then we'll look for a studio. Also does anyone know how getting a car into california works? I know there are higher emmision standerds but i dont want to be without a car.

I would really just avoid the dorms all together, they're way way way overpriced and not that great. The only benefit to dorms is meeting people, but you should be able to do that in your classes. If you have the option I'd look for a place on craigslist or somewhere else because you'll get way more for your money.

[Rumr]

Looking to start Jan 2007, Focussing on 3d modeling! Im doing all my paper work. Ill kit in this section to see If i can meey up with some new heads to rock it in SF.

[Runecaster]

Wow, I almost can't believe this thread is still alive.

I only just found out that Academy of Arts in SF offers a full Online Course schedule for a BFA. I believed this to be the answer to my prayers, as I live in North Carolina and cannot attend /anywhere/.

But they make you take English and History? How ridiculous. I wouldn't even want to waste my time at a community college on rubbish like this - I'm 33, a mom of three - and I'm really REALLY over those sorts of classes. and certainly not for $1600 a pop.

Does every single BFA program make you take classes that have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Art? I was so excited, and now I'm just downtrodden.

[kraystone]

If you take 2nd degree then you won't have to take any of those liberal arts classes ^^

[bb3d]

posted this on another thread but thought it might be of some help...

Debt.......ahhhh debt....it is there but it will only hang over my head untill I can pay it all off about 17 Gs left. I did just as you said Kumo, took most of my undergrad non-artistic classes at a community college (College of Marin) (and they actually had a few 3d classes by a great teacher)!!! This is what got me into 3d. Then I transferred as many units as I could to AAC in san francisco.

This is where it gets difficult, I really had to fight for them to accept as many credits as possible. They cap any student @ around 40 units which tends to be about a years worth of classes. THEY WANT YOU TO SPEND AS MUCH MONEY AS THEY CAN GET FROM YOU! The school is run like a business, I guess because that is what it is, a FOR PROFIT school!

Anyway I am now employed in south san fran making pennies, but getting expirience. Although not what I expected I am working in the ArchVis feild. Oh how I long for the days when I used to be able to spend 10 hours on a rasta golfers face for a game concept.

Hope this helps! And I am out to help with any questions you all have about the school!

[micster]

Runecaster,
If you want a *real* degree you have to take these classes at least somewhere. In order for the school to be allowed to grant BFA, AA, and MFA the must follow a strigent guidline set out by the Bureaue for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, in addition to being accredited by the ACICS and NASAD.

[OpenUrEyes]

Wow, I almost can't believe this thread is still alive.

I only just found out that Academy of Arts in SF offers a full Online Course schedule for a BFA. I believed this to be the answer to my prayers, as I live in North Carolina and cannot attend /anywhere/.

But they make you take English and History? How ridiculous. I wouldn't even want to waste my time at a community college on rubbish like this - I'm 33, a mom of three - and I'm really REALLY over those sorts of classes. and certainly not for $1600 a pop.

Does every single BFA program make you take classes that have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with Art? I was so excited, and now I'm just downtrodden.

Even in the field of your choice they make you take totally unrelated classes, which is the majority of classes you need to take. If you are lets say a vfx major, they make you take like 3 storyboarding classes and 2 classes on clothed figure drawing and heads and hands. They CAN be valuable but those worthless classes can take up about 30K

As for online classes, I havent heard a single success story as of yet (success meaning someone actually getting a job). I would wait abuot three years for that.

[-Vormav-]

If you are lets say a vfx major, they make you take like 3 storyboarding classes and 2 classes on clothed figure drawing and heads and hands. They CAN be valuable but those worthless classes can take up about 30K
You sure about that? I'm a vfx major myself, and the department directors are very adamant in keeping me out of those types of classes. As in, if I took another drawing class, I might get yelled at.

And not to take the point of defending AAU, but for those of you surprised to hear that you can't get a BFA without taking a few unrelated classes... try going to a real college. Almost every single college in this country does the same thing. I wouldn't be surpried if, in order for AAU to maintain what accreditation they do have, they're even required to do so.
My previous school didn't just require English. It also required public speaking, psychology, several courses in history, and a wonderful branch of required credits referred to as "humanities/social sciences," which included such invaluable classes as "sex and the 21st century," "fire, myth and mankind," and "dance in society." These requirements applied to everyone, from art majors to music majors to computer science majors. Everyone.
I hate to say it, but that is the level that most of the colleges in this country have fallen to. Get used to it. :shrug:

[Digiegg]

vfx shouldn't waste time on drawing and painting... it's worthless.
vormav, u've got a good director. at least they're not f'in u over =)

i'll keep it short for u rune.
don't take online classes for major courses. you'll waste your money.
you need the personal care, meeting with others face to face and getting critiqued, teachers/friends showing you how to do things infront of you while you watch, etc.
so many other reasons...

dont blow ur precious money on online classes if u're serious about this.
I'd rather go around and find free tutorials.
goodluck!

[leigh]

vfx shouldn't waste time on drawing and painting... it's worthless.

Wow, you're just so very wrong about that.

[darktding]

Please realize when you are in aau, it is a relashipship between YOU: the consumer and THEM: the merchant. Think of your classes as something that will aid YOU not them. VFX is tough and our school isnt so far on the right track to providing classes or teachers to help students.
Realize that companies look for technical students to work in vfx. By vfx I mean particles, scripting, shading, coding, etc, NOT compositing or matchmoving. You can take all the drawing classes and perspective classes at aau but if you cannot pull an fx shot on your own or learn to write mel scripts and think out of the box to problem solve then maybe vfx isnt your road.
People think learning art you need to learn to draw or paint, but in vfx I feel the art is in learning to code, problem solving and having an eye to observe fx.
Dont bother with online classes unless you need to take those mandatory classes like histroy and such. There is something great in sitting in the classes learning from school mates and talking and asking questions rather than typing them in an online forum...
Some new fx classes are the Realflow and the Renderman classes. I can vouch for the Renderman class and I got a lot from it. The realflow however I heard the teacher is GAWFUL, but if you want to spend some time learning it then its another class thats available.

[leigh]

Realize that companies look for technical students to work in vfx. By vfx I mean particles, scripting, shading, coding, etc, NOT compositing or matchmoving.

Your terminology is a little off. VFX means visual effects, and encompasses all the disciplines used in the process of creating CGI imagery, including matchmoving, roto, FX, modeling, shading, texture painting, lighting and compositing. Particles and such are FX work, and simply one aspect of the entire production pipeline.

[bb3d]

Originally Posted by Digiegg
vfx shouldn't waste time on drawing and painting... it's worthless.


I would also have to disagree with you so very much! The classes in analysis of form, figure drawing, and color design were some of the most benefitial to my overall education (although the most difficult for me personally), and the teachers are top knotch! Lee Ballard is an amazing instructor if anyone gets a chance to take a course with him. Also classes in more physical types of animation such as "experimental animation" with Misha Klein where anything goes from scratch on film to stop mo and hibred animation combigning green screen shoots with stop mo charachters was an amazing way to learn principles without having to deal with any technical difficulties (it was also a hell of alot of fun!).

[Digiegg]

Wow, you're just so very wrong about that.

oh? How does learning fine art help a VFX artist?
to pay $1600 per class and having them make you take 4 - 6 of them.
I mean... is that really fair for the vfx artist?
Clothed figure drawing, figure drawing, still life painting, heads and hands, analysis of form, etc.
How does it help with coding, particle fx, mo-cap, etc.
Not trying to be offensive but I don't see any good reasons behind it.

As a modeler? Yes you should definately learn them, but more sculpting rather.


bb3d... i really hope you're not a VFX major... cause that'd be just sad... so sad.

[leigh]

oh? How does learning fine art help a VFX artist?

Well, I am a VFX artist. I studied fine arts, which included painting and drawing, and it has helped me immensely over the years. You're more than welcome to do a search for my name on IMDB.com to see where my drawing and painting has helped me.

There is a lot more to VFX than particles and coding (refer to my previous post).

[Digiegg]

Okay. As for texturing, I thought that came w/ modeling.
Yes I totally agree for texturing, it helps alot to learn painting, drawing.

I guess I'm talking about Rotoscope, particles, coding, TD stuff.
Sorry about my mis understanding of the whole VFX genre.
Gosh it's bigger than I thought.

[bb3d]

VFX is an all encompassing term and no that wasnt my major...but if you dont know a thing about light and how it reacts to different surfaces (which they teach in analysis of form) how do you start a composite in which lighting is your main concern? Do you just guess how it should look? Also about color theory...you must know some basics to try and color grade a shot right? yea artistic skills have nothing to do with vfx (sarcasim)! I agree particles, coding and other TECHNICAL DIRECTING dosnt need much of the fundemental courses but hey why dont you go get a Computer Science degree ...I also find it hard to believe that if this is what you are striving for, to be a TD, then good luck, I dont know of many TD's that got there job strait away after school. Unless they had a computer science degree (or mad coding skillz) to back up there BFA.

[darktding]

I agree particles, coding and other TECHNICAL DIRECTING dosnt need much of the fundemental courses but hey why dont you go get a Computer Science degree ...I also find it hard to believe that if this is what you are striving for, to be a TD, then good luck, I dont know of many TD's that got there job strait away after school. Unless they had a computer science degree (or mad coding skillz) to back up there BFA.

I have to interject here, companies sure have the tendecy to hire a cs student to work on films, but its the students who work on projects at school and sharpen their eye as well as their technical understanding that really do the heavy lifting and finish the shots.
There is a disipline that comes with being an fx td that a cs school doesnt take into consideration. CS students might have awesome coding knowledge but an fx art student might have a good balance of both the software and coding. Its this balance that is essential to pull of an fx: for example: "I know what maya can do, do I need to write scripts? or can I pull it off soely with maya?"
You are also wrong to make an assumption that art students who take the fx route at our school never get jobs at say companies like Pixar, Ilm, bluesky, etc and yes I do know a bunch of students who are working in those companies from our school.

(Please note when I say fx I mean the shading/coding/scripting/particles area ONLY. )

[bb3d]

You are also wrong to make an assumption that art students who take the fx route at our school never get jobs at say companies like Pixar, Ilm, bluesky, etc

I dont think I said they cant get jobs I just usually doubt that these companies hire new graduates as TECHNICAL DIRECTORS. Maybe fx artists...but to be banking on somone with no real world expierience to direct big budget shots? Guess its just hard for me to believe, when there are so many talented TDs with many years experience. But what do I know, you all have much more expierience than I.

Also are you grouping TD and FX artists in the same category? If so than I retract my previous statement...my bad.

[leigh]

banking on somone with no real world expierience to direct big budget shots?

Hehe I think you have a somewhat incorrect understanding of what a TD is. A TD is a person who specialises in the technical aspects of lighting, character rigging, look dev, etc. It's got nothing to do with "directing shots" - that's the film directors job :)

And indeed there is such a thing as a junior TD.

[bb3d]

your absolutley right i did have a misunderstanding of what a TD actually is and does thanks for the polite correction:thumbsup:. I thought the TD was the one who directed(and overviews) the fx and technical artsists and made sure there was consistency between vfx shots. not the one who actually codes and runs simulations ect. thanks for the clearification! I always appreciate a kind correction rather than an arrogant one!

[leigh]

I thought the TD was the one who directed(and overviews) the fx and technical artsists and made sure there was consistency between vfx shots. not the one who actually codes and runs simulations ect.

The folks who oversee the process and ensure consistency are the leads, sequence leads and VFX supervisors. VFX productions, especially large scale ones, have quite large heirachies. TDs are found in numerous departments (like I mentioned before, in rigging, lighting, shading, look dev, FX, etc), handling technical tasks, and have their own heirachies, from junior TDs to senior TDs. I do think that technical director is a somewhat misleading term, since the term "director" is most commonly associated with a leader of some kind, whereas a TD isn't always in a leading position. I guess it's just another one of those odd things about this industry :)

[rblitz7]

Ok everyone, this kind of an important question...If it came down to AAU and SCAD for animation, where would you go? I mean the work out of the Pixar classes is amazing but correct me if im wrong, only 40 or so people out of 300 get into those classes. So how is AAU's animation program besides the pixar classes? and do you get only 1 chance per year to apply to the pixar classes?

[bb3d]

being a grad (and one that never had the chance to take a "pixar" class) i can only say aau prides itself in its "traditional" ways, being able to learn animation and how it began (where one has no limitation with any technology), and at the same time learn principles of animation was sure a benefit for me...but then again i dont think its the "pixar classes" that make an animator, its the timing!

Sure, those who get in have dope reels coming out, but i personally thing that they had quite of bit of skill coming in, otherwise i dont think they would be there.

[RenisanceX]

Ok everyone, this kind of an important question...If it came down to AAU and SCAD for animation, where would you go? I mean the work out of the Pixar classes is amazing but correct me if im wrong, only 40 or so people out of 300 get into those classes. So how is AAU's animation program besides the pixar classes? and do you get only 1 chance per year to apply to the pixar classes?


Hmm pixar classes are good but interesting thought .......More and more students at aau seem to be leaning towards doing some courses at animation mentor while attending

[CGIcon]

anyone who has some experience in the modeling dep. or went for their BFA in modeling recently here care to share their experiences or have any opinions/advice? how are their instructors these days?

[Digiegg]

anyone who has some experience in the modeling dep. or went for their BFA in modeling recently here care to share their experiences or have any opinions/advice? how are their instructors these days?

haha... im gonna keep my mouth =X
but there are few posts here that talked about it along w/ other threads.
ohhh the temptation... but I've learned to keep my mouth shut.

[Kumo]

I was wondering if this school is as good as I read in the first several pages of this thread (like 1-15 or so), which was in the year 2003. The reason I'm asking this is because schools change and sometimes really good teachers leave, etc. I've posted in this thread before, and I'm still interested in the modeling program they have. Now that I'm a senior in high school, I'm still not sure if I can attend because of the money issue.. I think if I'd be going into $120,000+ debt (living costs just killing me)..

So I'm asking if you guys could inform me about this school and if it's still as good as it sounded in the first couple pages. I know I should be going deep into this thread and start reading, but I simply don't really have to time to read 1500+ posts.. and if someone could sum up some of what people have said recently (probably around end of 2005 to present) about the AAC and the modeling program, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Michael5188]

You're going to get a whole lot of different views on the school. I'll tell you one thing though, I'm not doing modeling, but I have a friend who did and recently graduated, he's worked on Spiderman 3 and Happy Feet his first year out of school. He worked veyr hard and was very talented though. You need to put a lot of work into your major, don't expect the school to do it for you.


But again, I'm not majoring in modeling, so I don't know how that program is doing.

[WesVasher]

See post below.

[Kumo]

After long thought here is my updated plan to attend AAU and minmize the costs as much as possible:

Each unit at AAU costs $600 per unit (3 units per class, so basically $1800/class). The Bachelor of Animation & Visual Effects (BFA) Degree at AAU requires 132 units (44 classes), 45 of which are liberal arts courses. To save some money, I've thought about attending Portland Communit College ($67/credit, credits/class usually vary from 3-5, which adds up to $201-$335/class) another year to transfer the maximum amount of credits (36 credits in liberal arts courses) to AAU. So far, I have a total of 3 credits transferable credits to AAU. By the end of Spring 07, I plan on acquiring at least 9 more transferable credits which will bring me up to 12. After Spring term 07, I can spend 2 terms (minimum) or a full year to get 24 more transferable credits (should take only 2 terms). With 36 units (12 classes) done, I would only need 96 (32 classes). With 36 units, I basically have 1/4 of my year done at AAU, so I believe I can graduate in 3 years.

Here is where the question about AAU and it's terms. I read soemthing about semesters(2 terms a year) on their website, but I also read that it has Fall, Spring and Summer terms. In my community college, it has 4 terms (15 weeks a term) Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer in one year. Is AAU similar to this? Or does it only have 2 or 3 terms a year?

If AAU has only 2 terms a year, then that would mean 3 years and 1 term to graduate.
If AAU has 3 terms a year, 2 years and 2 terms to graduate.

The reason I would like to know this is because I'd like to know how fast I can get into the industry, and save money on living expenses (15k a year?)

If anyone could give me feedback whether or not this plan is good/works please comment about it. If you guys need additional information about this plan, feel free to ask. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
Kumo

[WesVasher]

Kumo, you can take as many classes as you want. Your advisor can help you decide how many classes are appropriate since each class has a different work-load.

There is a Fall and Spring semester which are 15 weeks long and meet once per week. There is also a half-length Summer semester that has class twice a week. There's also an inter-session term which has class everyday for around 15 school days. This is usually only used for a handful of liberal arts classes and you should only take one class during this short term.

The Academy generally wants you to take four classes but I have known people to take as many as eight and I have personally taken up to six without issue.

But be warned, this is an art school and some of the classes are extremely involved and can take a lot of time so try not to take too many classes. Your work could possibly suffer.

[micster]

$67 per unit still sounds kinda pricey for a Community College... good idea still, that's what I did. But when I was at Community College in 2002 it was $11 per unit and now in California the average is around $20 per unit for Community College.

[Digiegg]

are you looking for a job or a degree?
What's your focus? Job or a degree?

[maunilpatel]

Are there any students who are studing in the visual effects program?
If yes, can they please share their experience? How is their program? teachers? Facilites?(are softwares up to date?), student works? etc..
Thank You

[zasid]

Hi,

What are the employement rated at AAU MFA programmes how many student get hired .I

need to know many percent out of 1 batch get hired right after studies what companies

generally come too AAU for recuiting .

Do they hire international students too like from Asia INDIA Pakistan if they are good

enough .Looking forward to you response guys this post is getting really informative .

Cheers!!

Zohaib

[Digiegg]

Hi,

What are the employement rated at AAU MFA programmes how many student get hired .I

need to know many percent out of 1 batch get hired right after studies what companies

generally come too AAU for recuiting .

Do they hire international students too like from Asia INDIA Pakistan if they are good

enough .Looking forward to you response guys this post is getting really informative .

Cheers!!

Zohaib

Okay... this was said so many times I'm sick of it.
MFA or BFA, no one gets hired if they're not up to industry standards.
you put 8 solid hours of modeling/animating/vfx whatever it is you do a day. Mon - Sat. for about 3-4 years, you might be good enough to get a job.

PLEASE, don't expect to work for companies just because you come to the school...
AAU has the network (pretty damn good network) in helping you find a job. BUT you'll never get one if you're skills are up to par. Competition is pretty damn bad up in the comp labs.

As for companies recruiting from the school, it happens during Springshow. From what I hear, not all of the companies AAU's website listed come(I may be wrong). But I do hear that winners of the Springshow do get job offers. But then... it's not easy to win the Springshow =P

If you're a American citizen, you have a better chance of getting a job than the ones without citizenship from the US. If you're beyond super exellent at what you do, companies are willing to give you citizenships (Very rare).

Basically... if your skills are up to par or exceeds the par, you'll have a great chance to score a job. This is America, it's all about Skillzz.



And yes, I agree that the Fine Art and the Foundation departments are solid.

[Michael5188]

Okay... this was said so many times I'm sick of it.
MFA or BFA, no one gets hired if they're not up to industry standards.
you put 8 solid hours of modeling/animating/vfx whatever it is you do a day. Mon - Sat. for about 3-4 years, you might be good enough to get a job.

PLEASE, don't expect to work for companies just because you come to the school...
AAU has the network (pretty damn good network) in helping you find a job. BUT you'll never get one if you're skills are up to par. Competition is pretty damn bad up in the comp labs.

As for companies recruiting from the school, it happens during Springshow. From what I hear, not all of the companies AAU's website listed come(I may be wrong). But I do hear that winners of the Springshow do get job offers. But then... it's not easy to win the Springshow =P

If you're a American citizen, you have a better chance of getting a job than the ones without citizenship from the US. If you're beyond super exellent at what you do, companies are willing to give you citizenships (Very rare).

Basically... if your skills are up to par or exceeds the par, you'll have a great chance to score a job. This is America, it's all about Skillzz.



And yes, I agree that the Fine Art and the Foundation departments are solid.


Well said, now let's put that subject to rest.

[WesVasher]

Well said Digiegg. Agree on all those points. In the end it all comes down to how much passion you have for the work.

[Digiegg]

when do we start class? Any of you know? haha.. I have no idea...
I'm taking Zbrush w/ Mr. Tareq. Maybe i'll catch some of u in class.

[WesVasher]

Spring '07 class starts this coming Monday the 29th. I'd be interested in what the ZBrush class is like.

[bgia13]

Class starts the 29th. I just got in a couple days ago and I'll be starting my first semester here at AAU as a 3D Modeling student. I moved in yesterday into the Commodore which are the new dorms here that were just purchased by the school. Rooms are very clean and everyone seems really nice so far.

I'm gonna be taking 4 classes this semester.. Analysis of Form, Figure Drawing, Figure Modeling, and Intro to Comp. Graphics for Animation. I checked out Ratemyprofessors.com to get a sense of what my teachers were gonna be like and the two that were on there got pretty good reviews (Cynthia Hailes for Figure Modeling and George Pafnutieff for Intro to Comp. Graphics).

I have Choong Youb Lee for both Analysis of Form and Figure Drawing, but there are no reviews on Ratemyprofessors.com for him. Has anyone taken a class with him or heard about him before? Hopefully he'll be good since I have him for 2 classes.

Thanks,
bgia

[pentexplorer]

pardon me for bringing back the other AAU thread on http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=4156529#post4156529
(http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?p=4156529#post4156529)
any idea whats the fees like for an international student for the Animation n VFX degree program? I couldnt find any link on their website for the school fees..perhaps i didn't look properly

[WesVasher]

Currently all students, whether or not they are U.S. Citizens, pay the same tuition. This was not always the case.

http://www.academyart.edu/admissions/tuition_rates.html

[StefanStavrev]

I will go to Art Academy October this year.

Hope to be fun and rewarding.

[ap3pilot]

Hello from down under
I'm a 3D modeler in Australia, I havent attended the AAC but I already have an associate degree in 3d graphics and animation, plus I have worked on 2 feature films.

What are my chances of getting into Pixar with what I have? or is it recomended to attend the AAC or any other college in SF?

Cheers for any advise

[WesVasher]

Hello from down under
I'm a 3D modeler in Australia, I havent attended the AAC but I already have an associate degree in 3d graphics and animation, plus I have worked on 2 feature films.

What are my chances of getting into Pixar with what I have? or is it recomended to attend the AAC or any other college in SF?

Cheers for any advise

Gofigure, I think PIXAR hires on quality of demo reel. If you post your demo reel I'm sure there are people on this forum that could probably give you a good idea of your chances. Or just send your demo reel off to PIXAR and get your answer straight from them.

What job would you be applying for? 3D Modeler?

[ap3pilot]

WesVasher, goog to meet you and yes I will be applying for pixar as 3d modler, as modeling is my strongest skill only.

My showreel is avaialbe to view in my Portfolio here but I beleive it's more convenient to send it to pixar on DVD?

Thanks for your advise and help my friend

[Ajax02008]

hello every one!! well let congratulate CG for such a crazy as well as informative forum i have been to other forums like awnforum with my question and the ppl hardly care to answer it and even if they do its usually v.slow and rude! well let me introduce my self.......

i am ryan frm INDIA doing my Bachelors in computer science and engineering( b.tech cse) well i hvae a burning desire for 3D animation and especially visual effects since am a v.big movie buff with a collection of over 600 hollywood films :d :d . well my question is .......

1) I wud like to do my masters in 3D animation and visual effects and , i recently mailed AAU requesting a catalouge ( i guesss it was 5 days back) and they sent me a catalouge and their prospectus through a courier few hours back all the way to india .

well my problem is i still cant understand hw much is their tution fee!! i only thing i understood was they charge $650 per unit . can any one tell me what wud be the grand or the final total for doing a MFA in 3danimation and vFX frm AAU?? guys,since i dont understand the american education system plz make it simpler !


2) since i come frm a middle class family, i can just afford to take a loan of rs 20 lakhs for the whole course which is i guess around $45,000 USD!! ( including other charges and living expenses) so my question is 45k enough to complete the MFA programe frm AAU??? if not can any one make a guess what the final total would reach like ???

3) can any one list out gud animation schools in US,UK ,CAN or elsewhere that are afforadble
( under $45000 for the whole course).

4) i recently came across Vancouver film school (www.vfs.com (http://www.vfs.com)) they offer 3d animation and vfx course whose duration is 1 yr and they charge $50000 Canadian dollars which is roughly equal to $ 40000 USD and the best part is they even have an office here in india and when i contacted them they said they offer a DIPLOMA not a masters degree! which is better ? diploma or a masters??? or it just depends on hw creative u are! i am creative enough and i have done my initial courses in flash maya and adobe ,it just that there are not enough resources here in india! since i come from a technical field aspiring to pursue a career in animation ppl here think am sick to move frm technical field to a non technical field i mean to say arts! nevertheless guys plz help me out!!

[SpiralFace]

1) In the american college education system, All classes are broken up into accredited "units." You will need a certain amount of units to graduate from the school with a desired degree. Its not just about getting to the most advanced classes, but getting a well rounded education. So in a broad sence, your degree is broken up into different sections (Foundation classes, Major Classes, and Liberal Arts / general Ed classes.) Each of these requireing a certain amount of college Units depeding on the state laws of acreddidation.

In State run American schools, individual classes are given an ammount of units you can earn by taking that class, based on the subject matterial and the time you must invest in the class on a weekly basis. For the most part, Physical education classes, or other "lax" classes can only earn you 1 college unit for taking them, 2 for other simple classes that have a bit of technical skill involved like automotive classes or classes one usualy associates with "Trade school" education. 3 units is for standard College level Classes, and 4 Units are usualy offered as optional accellerated corses. Each unit is roughly equivilant to one hour of lecture + one hour of lab for each unit the class is.

Once you have fufilled the credit requirements of all of your degree's subsections, you earn your degree.

At the Academy, this is streamlined by them standardizing the classes to all be 3 units (I've never seen any other class be anything but 3 units.) But the Unit thing is still present as it is the standard that all Californian Accredited Colleges fall under. So I can see how it can be confusing for those not familiar with the American education system.

2) 45k seems about right for a masters at the school as you only have a 2-3 year program instead of the undergrad's 4-5 year program. Just don't forget about living expenses and the lot, as that will drive this value up much higher then 45k.

3.) A masters is pretty much UNIVERSALY better then a simple diploma. A Diploma just shows that you have completed a corse of training. A Masters is a state accredited degree where you are recognized by the state and any school you might want to take a doctorate at.

[Ajax02008]

thankssssssss a lot slayer! actually my field of intrest is Visual effects since i cant really draw well i cant go for a masters in 3D animation! does visual effects degree cost more than the 3d animation ?? and hw is the future for Visual effects artist? am a v.big movie buff..well my dream is to work in hollywood!:d are they any gud Vfx schools in and out of US?? and hw much does it cost approx??

[Kumo]

Here is a link to the degree credits needed for certain degrees.
http://www.academyart.edu/animation-school/outline.html

Seeing that a Master of Animation & Visual Effects (MFA) Degree is 72 credits x $650, adds up to $46,800. Although, keep in mind that tuition costs rise every year, and the living costs will be around the same as tuition... maybe more...

Here is a link of an idea for living costs:
http://apps.collegeboard.com/search/CollegeDetail.jsp?collegeId=3214&profileId=2

[rexeren]

i'm thinking of getting a degree in AAU but for the BFA degree which is 3-4 yrs seems abit too long for me... but i'm kinda interested in the AA (The Associates of Arts) Degree thing.

Does anyone have any idea on what is it about or is there a big difference between the AA and the BFA degree?

[micster]

i'm thinking of getting a degree in AAU but for the BFA degree which is 3-4 yrs seems abit too long for me... but i'm kinda interested in the AA (The Associates of Arts) Degree thing.

Does anyone have any idea on what is it about or is there a big difference between the AA and the BFA degree?There is a HUGE difference in my opinion. An Associates of Arts (AA) degree is kinda like a fake degree and a Bachelors is the real deal. Okay not really. An AA can be achieved at any Community College or Vocational school and are almost always 2 year programs. Obviously they are cheaper too and for those reasons they carry less prestige. I really doubt that an AA degree will help you land a job or that you will learn very much. To get an AA you still have to take many liberal arts like English and History. The exact curriculum is different for every school, but the Academy is no exception. I wouldn't see any point in going to a private art school for just a 2 year program.

[elfenomeno]

hello i need some advice for my cg career,i have decided to take 3 years art trainning in http://www.academyofrealistart.com of toronto before going on vfs.
what do you think about this programm.

[maunilpatel]

I didn't wanted to open new thread since this one is here for a while and will be view by mroe users.. So..
can anyone tell me how much are the apartments around the AAU?
Campus housing looks pretty darn expensive..
And also how long is one semester at AAU? 5? 6 months? less?
Thank You..

[GeloShot]

I didn't wanted to open new thread since this one is here for a while and will be view by mroe users.. So..
can anyone tell me how much are the apartments around the AAU?
Campus housing looks pretty darn expensive..
And also how long is one semester at AAU? 5? 6 months? less?
Thank You..I would like to know too.

[faridz7]

I would like to know too.

you know..you guys could email them AAU people and would probably get an instant reply, like in less than 24 hours. Or order their brochure and all that

[evakristjans]

I didn't wanted to open new thread since this one is here for a while and will be view by mroe users.. So..
can anyone tell me how much are the apartments around the AAU?
Campus housing looks pretty darn expensive..
And also how long is one semester at AAU? 5? 6 months? less?
Thank You..

I've been in e-mail contact with the International Admissions advisor there and she has answered all the questions I have thrown at her except the ones considering housing that is not on the school's campus. They don't seem to have any solutions for people who have partners and/or family :/ I myself have a boyfriend who would move with me when I'd start school. But otherwise the staff is really helpful and they are real quick to answer e-mails :)

The only thing I'd need to know about apartments is what areas are safe and which ones are not. My mother used to live in San Francisco when she was younger and lived in a somewhat dodgy neighbourhood so considering the stories I've heard I'd really like to know :P

According to what I have read, a semester at AAU is 3 months (september-december / january-may), but I could be wrong.


edit: btw, I'm seeing a lot of posts from people saying that one can save a lot of money by taking classes at a community college and then transfer the units to AAU. How would this work for international prospective students? Would I have to take online classes from a US college or could I take them almost anywhere and try to transfer the units? Which is more safe? (that is, which option would make AAU have to accept the units?) :)

[cg219]

Question, not sure if this was answered or not as I havent read the whole thread but I went to a Open House that AAU had in NY last year and they said that they dont give gen ed classes such as science and math and what not. DIdnt occur to me then but I was wondering how could they offer a degree without offering these classes? Arent these mandatory in the US College System??

[maunilpatel]

Question, not sure if this was answered or not as I havent read the whole thread but I went to a Open House that AAU had in NY last year and they said that they dont give gen ed classes such as science and math and what not. DIdnt occur to me then but I was wondering how could they offer a degree without offering these classes? Arent these mandatory in the US College System??

They do offer general ed classes or liberal arts classes.
You have to have 45 credits of Liberal arts classes to graduate.
You can transfer upto 36 of those credits from other college.. No more than that.

[cg219]

Ah ok thanks for clearing that up. So that guy pretty much lied to me lol

[WesVasher]

Question, not sure if this was answered or not as I havent read the whole thread but I went to a Open House that AAU had in NY last year and they said that they dont give gen ed classes such as science and math and what not. DIdnt occur to me then but I was wondering how could they offer a degree without offering these classes? Arent these mandatory in the US College System??

The liberal arts classes aren't required to take the major classes, however if you want the liberal arts degree, the BFA, then you have to have a certain number of credits in LA classes. You can register at AAU and take whatever classes you want anytime, granted you have taken the prerequisites, for example, if you want to take Advanced Modeling you might have to take an intro to modeling or something like that first.

I have known several people that'll take the occasional class there who are already working and aren't working on a degree.

[Amarin]

Hi, my girl and i are going to be moving from florida for the spring semester. I need to know how high the need is for a car at this school. We will be living off campus, hopefully near the school. But i essentially dont have a car right now and will not be getting help for insurance so i need to know the need for self transportation. Any help is appreciated. I have 4000 lying in wait to purchase a car if nessacary but would feel better spending it on a kit and programs.

[WesVasher]

There's public transportation all over the bay area that'll get you to school, though it's getting more expensive all the time. If you live in SF then you can use MUNI which is the most cost effective. Otherwise you have to use an over the bridge bus or BART train.

[mummey]

Hi, my girl and i are going to be moving from florida for the spring semester. I need to know how high the need is for a car at this school. We will be living off campus, hopefully near the school. But i essentially dont have a car right now and will not be getting help for insurance so i need to know the need for self transportation. Any help is appreciated. I have 4000 lying in wait to purchase a car if nessacary but would feel better spending it on a kit and programs.

San Fran is VERY public transit friendly compared to other cities.

[jbo]

Hi, my girl and i are going to be moving from florida for the spring semester. I need to know how high the need is for a car at this school. We will be living off campus, hopefully near the school. But i essentially dont have a car right now and will not be getting help for insurance so i need to know the need for self transportation. Any help is appreciated. I have 4000 lying in wait to purchase a car if nessacary but would feel better spending it on a kit and programs.

SF is one of the least car friendly places in the world. You don't need a car here. You don't want a car here. It's a pain to drive, and there's nowhere to park. Plan on adding quite a bit to your rent if you need a place with a parking spot, and you'd probably need to park in a garage when you come to school which isn't cheap. The city is pretty small so it's really very easy to walk and take public transportation. Other than NY, SF is probably the best non-car city in the US.

[Amarin]

Thank you all, thats put me at ease a little bit. Where we live theres no public transit and you would be screwed without a car. About how much money do the trains and busses cost? Ive never used the systems. I did just buy my tickets to go out on the 6th-9th to check out the school. So ive basically got 2 days to look around. Any advice on what to check out? At scad there was a set tour system, is it the same there, like a school moderated tour. Thanks again i really appreciate the help, im sure ill be freaking out soon as my time gets nearer.

[micster]

The school gives tours all the time, you can also call them and I'm sure they would line one up for you.

The public buses and street rails (MUNI) cost $1.50 and you get a transfer that's good for a couple of hours. BART can cost $1.40-$10 depending on where you are coming from and where you want to go. Then there are the Trolly's that only go up a few streets and cost $5.00! every time you ride.

For your short visit of a couple of days you wont have to really worry about it, just stay somewhere downtown or within walking distance of 79 New Montgomery.

Once you move here, try and see if you can't just rely on the school busses. This is very easy if you live anywhere near any of the dormotories/apts. If you move further out like Sunset or Richmond areas you will need to take Public buses.

If you end up needing to rely on public transportation everyday, then get a "FastPass". A FastPass is valid for a month and lets you ride Bart,Busses, Street Cars, Trollies... just about everything for the low low price of $45.00. You can buy a FastPass at just about any Walgreens in the City.

For me, I just ended up walking everywhere which works out okay as long as you live close to one of the dorms (unless you have the misfortune of having class across town from where you live). I eventually bought a bicycle which got me to class 10x's faster. The downside of having a bicycle is that theft is rampant and you have to be really smart about locking it up. I locked my bike up everywhere I went and I still had two tires, a break cable, and my flashing reflector stolen at different times.

[Amarin]

I really appreciate all of the information. Do you guys have any advice on apartments? Im looking for a studio for me, my girl, and a cat. Im hopeing to check out a few apartments while im there so we just dont move out there blindly.

[gnarlycranium]

Okay, so, um..... *deep breath*

I'm moving into an apartment in North Beach, next weekend.

Depending on my financial aid, I'll maybe possibly hopefully sorta be attending AAU this fall.

Holy cow, I am scared to DEATH. :scream:

[JDex]

Okay, so, um..... *deep breath*

I'm moving into an apartment in North Beach, next weekend.

Depending on my financial aid, I'll maybe possibly hopefully sorta be attending AAU this fall.

Holy cow, I am scared to DEATH. :scream:

Awesome. Don't fear the future, it's gonna happen whether you fear it or not.

[maunilpatel]

are dorms cheaper than apartments in SanFrancisco?

[micster]

Okay, a few pages back in this thread I talk all about my experience with school housing and apartments so you might want to go back and read that too.

The dorms can be a little bit more expensive and a lot less space then an apartment/studio. The good thing is you are surronded by other students who are all mostly new like you and the R.A.'s (Resident Assistants) are always planning activities for your dorm to do (they are required to do at least 4 a month). In addition, nearly all dorms have shuttle service (school bus) to take you to your classes. I stayed in the school apartments (1080 Bush) for 21 or older students for my first 2 years. No pets allowed in school dorms/apartments.

For a studio in the area near school (Nob Hill) you are going to pay at least $800 and this most likely will not include a laundry. If there are washer and dryer in your building they will most likely be coin operated. Otherwise you have to lug your dirty clothes to a local laundry-mat. A studio for $800-$1000 will be quite small. It will be do able for you and a girlfriend, but add the cat into the mix and you might start to go crazy. A nice place will probably be closer to $1200 a month for eaither a 1 bedroom or a nice studio.

Or you could get roommates in a nicer/bigger place. I have 3 other roommates (all Academy Students), we each have our own room, plus a kitchen, living room, back patio, washer/dryer, 2 full baths (Did I mention in the dorms you get 1 bathroom for 3-6 people?), and all for $600 a month in Nob Hill.

So my advice is expect to pay around $1200 for you, your girlfriend, and a cat. The areas you want to look into in my personal preference order are: Nob Hill, North Beach, then maybe something like Richmond/outter-Richmond, and sunset... though the last two are too far in my opinion.

[maunilpatel]

Okay, a few pages back in this thread I talk all about my experience with school housing and apartments so you might want to go back and read that too.

The dorms can be a little bit more expensive and a lot less space then an apartment/studio. The good thing is you are surronded by other students who are all mostly new like you and the R.A.'s (Resident Assistants) are always planning activities for your dorm to do (they are required to do at least 4 a month). In addition, nearly all dorms have shuttle service (school bus) to take you to your classes. I stayed in the school apartments (1080 Bush) for 21 or older students for my first 2 years. No pets allowed in school dorms/apartments.

For a studio in the area near school (Nob Hill) you are going to pay at least $800 and this most likely will not include a laundry. If there are washer and dryer in your building they will most likely be coin operated. Otherwise you have to lug your dirty clothes to a local laundry-mat. A studio for $800-$1000 will be quite small. It will be do able for you and a girlfriend, but add the cat into the mix and you might start to go crazy. A nice place will probably be closer to $1200 a month for eaither a 1 bedroom or a nice studio.

Or you could get roommates in a nicer/bigger place. I have 3 other roommates (all Academy Students), we each have our own room, plus a kitchen, living room, back patio, washer/dryer, 2 full baths (Did I mention in the dorms you get 1 bathroom for 3-6 people?), and all for $600 a month in Nob Hill.

So my advice is expect to pay around $1200 for you, your girlfriend, and a cat. The areas you want to look into in my personal preference order are: Nob Hill, North Beach, then maybe something like Richmond/outter-Richmond, and sunset... though the last two are too far in my opinion.

Thanks for reply..
I talked to one of the lady from AAU staff and she said, we are usually going to be 4 people in room in shared dormitories..
Canyou clarify, how big are the rooms? I mean can you fit two bunk beds and four computers, small refrigerator and microwave and still have space to walk?

[Amarin]

Thanks alot again, price range was what i was expecting. Ill check out those areas

[jbo]

are dorms cheaper than apartments in SanFrancisco?

HA!

they're more than twice as much as market value. I read an article in the paper a few years ago that said that they were 3 times market value.

[maunilpatel]

HA!

they're more than twice as much as market value. I read an article in the paper a few years ago that said that they were 3 times market value.

Well Yeah!! I also read that article.. When you compare to apartments, which are usually 800 dollars and up.. for studio.. Dorms are considerably cheaper when you compare to that eventhough you are going to get less space and not your own bathroom.. it's pretty acceptable considering San Francisco.

[artwork2009]

--..............

[Godpart2]

I'm planning to apply to AAU for MFA in Visual Effects. I'm currently working as a lighting artist in india and would like to improve on my skills. I would like to focus on programming,scripts, shaders , sort of more technical aspects. Would any of the current students recommend AAU for the same?

thanks.

[geo5sf]

I'm an MFA student, who has decided to focus on being a TD, but was also trained in compositing. Unfortunately, the school does not offer many options for programming.
They have a decent Intro class for Renderman, but its hard to advance from there... Perhaps you could find a tutor for your directed studies, after your first year. They could also hire new faculty.

[SpiralFace]

I'm an MFA student, who has decided to focus on being a TD, but was also trained in compositing. Unfortunately, the school does not offer many options for programming.
They have a decent Intro class for Renderman, but its hard to advance from there... Perhaps you could find a tutor for your directed studies, after your first year. They could also hire new faculty.

For those students that are currently at the school and wish for certain classes to be opened up, remember that the directors are your friends.

When I was getting to my tail end at the AAU, there was no renderman class, and I remember that it was a student potition that got the class started.

If enough students want to take a class in something, then the school is more then happy to ramp up for those classes. Or at the very least, start a "Special topic" class. Remember this is how the school moves forward, and how both the Renderman, and the Z-brush classes got started before they became a standard in the list of classes.

So if ANY students are ever not satisfied with the lack of certain classes, form up a group, talk to Chris Armstrong, and get a potition going to get the classes on the books.

[Grejotte]

Hey for those in quebec, I'v been studying at Cégep du Vieux Montréal. Usually cegeps are understimated for these kinds of things, but i'v done 3 years of 2D animation plus 2 years of 3D, and it really is worth it. It's a lot less expensive than private schools and the results we had are really really nice for a cegep. We did during 1 year long, a little short of about 45 seconds, and they are all really nice.

[NiVaG]

I'm leaning towards the academy of art right now is because I took part in their summer art experience and I loved it. the problem is, I want to go for their modeling BFA, and the classes that I didn’t like at the summer art experience were 3d modeling and video gaming(basically another 3d modeling class), because I didn’t feel like I learned anything. I know the summer art experience is probably nothing like going for real and it depends on the teacher but it just scared me a little. Also I haven’t heard anything about how good they are at modeling, I’ve only heard about their animation. I was wondering if anyone here has gone through the modeling BFA that can give me some info on it and how they liked it?


People are saying that it’s a good idea to get liberal arts credits out of the way before you apply. Would an AA most likely cover that?

[stranger1975]

I'm leaning towards the academy of art right now is because I took part in their summer art experience and I loved it. the problem is, I want to go for their modeling BFA, and the classes that I didn’t like at the summer art experience were 3d modeling and video gaming(basically another 3d modeling class), because I didn’t feel like I learned anything. I know the summer art experience is probably nothing like going for real and it depends on the teacher but it just scared me a little. Also I haven’t heard anything about how good they are at modeling, I’ve only heard about their animation. I was wondering if anyone here has gone through the modeling BFA that can give me some info on it and how they liked it?


People are saying that it’s a good idea to get liberal arts credits out of the way before you apply. Would an AA most likely cover that?

Hello NIVaG,



I am going for my Masters in modeling but what I have seen of the undergrad work it is very good. Actually my roommate is an undergrad and he says he is learning a lot from what he is doing. I have never done the art experience so I don’t know how the classes are set up. I would guess that it would only be a broad overview of the software. What I do know is along with classes they have what are called workshops where they focus a little more on certain topics and in the library you can chk out a bunch of tutorial dvd to further study. In my opinion no matter what school you go to you are going to need to do some extra work on your own to get really good. The academy is the only school that I have seen that gives you access to materials for further learning on your own for free.

[mjca]

I didn't know you could check out dvds from the library. That's great!

[viciousdjoker]

Well, i am going to the thing on march 8th.

I have a list of questions:

Does anyone know if they tradition animation along with 3d animation?

Ill repost if i enroll.

[viciousdjoker]

I enrolled in. I will be attending either summer (if i get the grant) or fall. I hope to see you there. Oh, and does anyone know if i should bring a laptop? Any advice before i go?

[Michael5188]

They do tradition, even expirimental. Do you need a laptop? Depends, is it your only computer or do you have a desktop? You won't be using a laptop to take notes in class if that's what you're wondering.

[viciousdjoker]

I do have a desktop. But i dont feel like packing it and bringing it all the way to san francisco with me. Oh, and what about parties or any fun activities to do there? Because, i didnt really dig there "gaming room" when i own a ps3. They own a old xbox, ps2 and n64. *yawns* boring..

[micster]

I couldn't live without my Desktop... but I also didn't have a laptop. A computer in my opinion is essential (I'm a Visual FX/ Animation graduate). For me the idea of a laptop is more appealing in a city like San Francisco where there is a lot of wireless hotspots, besides everybody else has one and I kinda feel left out. Be very aware that San Francisco is a pretty BIG city and theft of computer laptops is pretty high (even on campus/dorms).

For fun the city has a little bit of everything, so you're probably covered. There's clubs and restraunts and parks and museums and shopping and... well lots of stuff. I was kinda shy moving here so I didn't venture too far from the dorms, but don't worry the Academy has got you covered there too because they organize "field trips" to places like Berkley, ice-skating, go-cart racing, paintball, snowboarding, and the local movies. Most everything cost money though and everything is relatively more expensive here too. I found that my first semester I did all the activities organized by my dorm and some of the big ones from the Academy, but after that it was more about hanging out with some close classmates and doing homework... I should have spent more time on homework :(

[viciousdjoker]

Ah, ok. Yeah, if i brought my alienware laptop, and it got stolen by a room mate or someone on campus does the campus have a way of getting it back or do i loose 5k? :| and it sounds like fun. Plus since ive never been to san francisco except this one time to check out this school. Ill probly explore alot more, like alchatraz and stuff.

[micster]

Just be aware of your surrondings and don't leave your stuff laying around. I doubt your laptop would get stolen out of your dorm room, but I know several have disapeared in the Library. I'm pretty sure you would be out the 5k if anything happened. I'd still reccommend bringing a computer that you can get school work done on. Oh, and Alcatraz cost $25 to visit.

[viciousdjoker]

Yeah, thats the only place i would have it is in my dorm. Unless i was going to go to a lan party, or something like that..

[fattyLees]

I do have a desktop. But i dont feel like packing it and bringing it all the way to san francisco with me. Oh, and what about parties or any fun activities to do there? Because, i didnt really dig there "gaming room" when i own a ps3. They own a old xbox, ps2 and n64. *yawns* boring..

I graduated from the Academy back in 2003 with a MFA in Computer animation.
Lap tops are great to have, but you don't need one. If you're a computer arts major, bring your desk top. I guarantee your ass is gonna be sitting in front of that computer for 3-4 years, 8-12 hours a day, so you might as well make it comfortable:)

my 2 cents.

[SheepFactory]

Yea I agree with Eric. Also laptops get stolen (happened to 5 people I know while at academy) and more often than not you will be animating at the lab anyway.

[viciousdjoker]

Ok, yeah the desktop is a good idea. But what about internet lines and stuff? They say they offer wifi do they also offer the phone cords, because when i went into the room i didnt see no phone cords / dsl boxes. For the dorms, since im under 21 they say if your out of state you have to stay in there dorms until your 21 :| otherwise id just rent a studio and get a dsl box.. and bring my desktop. Also the rooms that i saw could only have 1 desktop in there. because there so small thats why im wondering about the laptop vs desktop.

[Alizée-]

I'm enrolled for the Fall semester and I'm from out of state so I'll have to be in the dorms for the first semester I'm there, but I'll be turning 21 midway through, anyhow on to my question. Since that's my case would bringing both my laptop and desktop be a bad idea? I plan on switching to an oncampus apartment afterwards and possibly offcampus for the spring semester.

[ArticSpider]

I'm enrolled for the Fall semester and I'm from out of state so I'll have to be in the dorms for the first semester I'm there, but I'll be turning 21 midway through, anyhow on to my question. Since that's my case would bringing both my laptop and desktop be a bad idea? I plan on switching to an oncampus apartment afterwards and possibly offcampus for the spring semester.

they have computer labs you can go to even if you live off campus

[ArticSpider]

I currently attend the Academy and think it's Ok so far. How has the animation and visual effects programs improved over the years? I have spoken and heard of all sorts of stories....bad and good professors....students was succeeded and didn't....but has AAU helped in anyway in training and networking?

Does it have career fairs or meet and greets with companies. What professors there NOW have worked in well known companies? Does anyone know?

I have also just recently been accepted to the University of Southern California's Animation program. Alumnis have been telling me about how it's a difficult school to get into and the highest ranking film school in the country. But I don't heard much from it's animation students, so it got me wondering.

Can someone help me decide which school is better? I feel so lost. I know it's really up to how passionate the school is but every student needs help, and which is the better advantage? Which would look better to employers on a resume, saying I graduated from USC or AAU especially if my demo is good, not excellent, but alright....

[micster]

I graduated in 2007, The career center was quite lacking in my opinion. They are friendly and all, but they didn't do much to help me. I don't think they ever had a career fair... wait I take that back, they had one every year around this time of year (summer/spring show) I just never knew about it or heard about it or was invited until I graduated.

I can't really speak about the teachers that might be there now, but it seemed like some of their experience was getting kinda old and dated. My texture and lighting teacher worked on the original "Road Rash" which was done with sprites and not polygons. Still a good teacher though.

I think you might find more opportunities for networking in a techno-centric city like San Francisco that is condensed together, than you might find in the sprawl of Southern California. I got my first job through a friend from school and not because of the school, sending out resumes, or the career services department. In fact, my art lead and my art director both told me that a degree wasn't even neccessary. They would hire anyone that had the right portfolio over wether they went to a specific school.

I think in the end, the name of the school matters less than you might think. I would take other factors such as cost, school facilities, and location into consideration more.

[andgarber]

I graduated in May and i thought it was a pretty good school. I did have a handful of bad teachers but for the most part the teachers were great. The worst thing about the school would probably be the students that just dont seem to care, it sucked to have to sit through their critique when you knew they wouldnt improve and the teacher could have spent more time helping the people that are serious about the class.

I majored in animation and was lucky enough to get into 2 of the Pixar classes, these are classes taught by Pixar animators and require a pretty good demo reel to get in, there are 3 levels and each class has about 12 people. These were the best classes ive ever had and i learned an insane amount of information from the teachers and the students.

They had a career day type thing for people graduating, you had to submit a 10 second reel to be able to go and if they liked it you would get invited. It was pretty cool to talk to people from all the different studios and get feedback on your reel from them.

Overall i think if you are willing to work hard it is a great school, if you are an animator at the school then your number one priority should be getting into the Pixar classes.




(http://andrewsanimation.com)

[nitrocom]

Hey guys,

I know, it will probably be a classical question but i'm not sure about applying for Academy...

I was very sticky about SF and Academy but then what i read here and rumors just keeping me out this school...

One of the rumors and like andgarber says, student doesnt care what they do or will do... One of the teachers in VFX course, Richard Taylor, had left the school because of this reason, they told me...

Some say they are out of date and some say they are great but i cant find a good solution on how they are and is that really worth to go Academy and pay nearly 20k yearly ???

Is there any active forum member who is attending on courses (Animation or VFX (Especially VFX)) in Academy, would they say anything real to clean this frasturating stuffs on my mind???

I talked so many times with admin on Academy and of course they are saying that they are one of the best schools in US but is it ? There are lots of schools to go but i cant decide what to do?

BTW, i saw Scad is looking very good but im not sure... On the other hand, I'm studying Architecture and working as a 3d artist in a top rank design studio in Turkey, so i'm not sure about going for undergrad which means another 4 years to me, may be you guys can say something about this issue...

I'm looking forward for some replies...

[ArticSpider]

I'm studying Architecture and working as a 3d artist in a top rank design studio in Turkey, so i'm not sure about going for undergrad which means another 4 years to me, may be you guys can say something about this issue...

I'm looking forward for some replies...

If you are working in the top rank design studio in Turkey, why go to school? School is for people who may want to advance their skills for a number of reasons, or in my case can't find a job any other way. If I could drop out and do my dream job instead, believe me I would.

[nitrocom]

well, reason behind going school is improving the skills that i have...

Working in a design studio doesn't mean I have a great chance to work in US especially in a top rank VFX studio...

Going school in US probably give me that chance (at least better chance instead of here), that's why i wanna study again in US...

Do u guys have any advices ?

[SpiralFace]

In your case, if you have the skills to get a job, then school isn't nessesary, since you have the basic foundation for those skills already in play. (Which is really what I got out of art school anyways.) And for you, its more about branching out your connections and bringing your skills up to a level that high end VFX houses will be interested in you.

Going to school at a good school in america (or anywhere for that matter) doesn't automatically give you access to the top industry professionals, exept for things like carrer days for Recent graduates, and along the way you might have a teacher that worked at ILM or Pixar.

But in all honesty, if you already have the basic foundations in skills already set in, then I think it would be more worth your time and money to continuously invest in trips to the big Industry events like Sigraph and GDC to go directly to the people that you want to be hired from, and get feed back DIRECTLY from them about where you need to push your potfolio to catch their eye. You can then use the money you would save on tuition to get advanced training DVD's or books that Beginners would probably not be able to follow along, and just improve your skills from there.

From my experiance with the academy, the best thing I got out of the school was the foundation of knoledge to go out and find out the more advanced things on my own. So if you already have that foundation of knowledge, then I don't think it would be worth your while to go back, pay a lot of money on tuition, just to go through classes that are meant to really give people the skills that you might already have.

Classes and workshops at Sigraph, GDC, and training DVD's I think would be the better alternatives for people that are working in the industry that want to bring their skills up to the next level should go. If anything because you can be serious with yourself and know exactly where to start. School is really for people that are just figuring out how this industry really works, and giving them a guiding light to get those skills. If you already have that, then a good amount of the things that the school will teach will seem just redundant to you.

[jtp]

Im thinking about attending CAL-Arts for my MASTERS what does everyone think of CAL ARTS:applause:good BAD:twisted:

[skabear]

Hi

I'm starting at AAU this fall in Animation and Visual Effects. Currently I live in Norway and I'm planning the trip to San Francisco on the 20th of August, semester starts September 4th. Anyone else here starting their education this fall? Or does anyone have some tips regarding living in San Francisco?

[ArticSpider]

Hi

Or does anyone have some tips regarding living in San Francisco?

Bring a jacket.

[ArticSpider]

Im thinking about attending CAL-Arts for my MASTERS what does everyone think of CAL ARTS:applause:good BAD:twisted:

School quality academics is all in a matter of opinion, purpose, and how you make use of the school to adhere to your abilities. I learned by asking the same questions in this thread and many other threads that ask how good a school is, that it's really what you take from the education not how good the school's reputation is .

[SpiralFace]

Bring a jacket.

And then put it away till December. Norther California's "Indian Summer" means that while everyone else in the northern hemisphere deals with Fall, SF will pretty much keep its summer weather. (Unless you live in the Sunset where all the fog gets traped.) Although yeah, if your comming over durring the summer, then you better bring a jacket, and always remember what Mark Twain said.

[tleisher]

I have been thinking about going to this school for a while now...

But I have a question,

I want to be a visual effects/shading/surface artist... Should I attend AAU for Visual Effects and Animation or should I go to a 4 year school and get a degree in computer science?

Or should I just teach myself visual effects/shading/surfacing and not be in debt til Im 50?

[nitrocom]

Hey Skabear,

Just tell us your experiences about SF after u arrive... I heard living in SF costs a lot! And u guys I'm wondering all of u who are studying in Academy, are studying with loans and scholarships, cause I think it makes a lot for 1 year living in SF...

Anyway just anyone can say what about living and expenses... Or little part time works, Loans and Scholarships will cover my expenses ?

[ArticSpider]

Anyway just anyone can say what about living and expenses... Or little part time works, Loans and Scholarships will cover my expenses ?

Living in SF is very expensive. Just google "most expensive cities to live in". Having said that going to any school, doesn't have to be AAU, with job, loans, scholarships is always helpful unless you are a billionaire. Rising costs of tuition for any school not just AAU is always on the uprise. This is a very expensive school + dorm costs.

[Lexalotacus]

Do they offer a master's degree?

[ArticSpider]

Do they offer a master's degree?

*******Yes

[AlucarddraculA999]

I applied a couple of months ago for the animation and visual effects undergraduate program....and i got accepted :D w00t, and i just wanted to know, how are the dorms, and how are the people there, students and teachers.

[jtp]

WHAT WAS the acceptance into the school like was it difficult for you like what did they want was it troubling to get excepted?

As for the Dorms look at the early part of this blog but their location is superb if you ask me.

[AlucarddraculA999]

Well acceptance wasn't hard i think its just based on space, the only thing required is a high school diploma (i got the IB diploma), toefl scores (no minimum required) and some other legal forms saying you can pay basically.

[jtp]

Well I hope to be there FALL09 working on my MFA I just Need to Get things finished up here but please keep me posted on your experience...Good luck!:buttrock:

[AlucarddraculA999]

np, ill try my best to remember seeing as its like 4 months from now, but hope fully , we both wont be disappointed :D

[alexvorn2]

This is great that you want to go to learn the art. Good luck!

[jtp]

Aight! Don't let me down with the wonderful ability of the Internet, networking is the best thing about art. I just might go visit their open house in OCT. laterz man thanks for the reply! :bounce:

[ArticSpider]

why did you choose AAU to go to over any other possibilities?

[AlucarddraculA999]

Well i basically did a google search for top animation schools, filtered it down by accreditation, this (AAU) was one of the best because firstly it does not require a portfolio to be submitted, secondly because its in San Francisco where all the big animation companies are and thirdly because unlike some schools where they teach you animation and give you a certificate, the courses at AAU result in an actual Diploma.

[jpiette]

There aren't many AA people at Dreamworks. Along the lines of what Jeremy Birn said, a lot of professionals come from the larger schools such as Texas A&M, Ohio State, Purdue University, USC, UCLA, NYU, MIT, Savannah College of Art and Design, etc. The way the industry is today, you need to have a strong technical background if you want to do something besides concept art. Having coding experience is a HUGE plus; C++, Python, and PERL are the big three to know along with how to tinker in Linux.

Also keep in mind that next to nobody goes straight into the big studios right out of school. Most people take very indirect routes. When looking into a school, try to have an idea of what you want to do within the CG pipeline. Again, anything higher than visual development (concept art) will require some technical as well as artistic knowledge.

That's not to hate on AA though, I hear the campus you're referring to is quite good. They definitely vary from location-to-location. Always be sure to do your research before choosing a school.

[sebbonaparte]

There aren't many AA people at Dreamworks. Along the lines of what Jeremy Birn said, a lot of professionals come from the larger schools such as Texas A&M, Ohio State, Purdue University, USC, UCLA, NYU, MIT, Savannah College of Art and Design, etc. The way the industry is today, you need to have a strong technical background if you want to do something besides concept art. Having coding experience is a HUGE plus; C++, Python, and PERL are the big three to know along with how to tinker in Linux.

Also keep in mind that next to nobody goes straight into the big studios right out of school. Most people take very indirect routes. When looking into a school, try to have an idea of what you want to do within the CG pipeline. Again, anything higher than visual development (concept art) will require some technical as well as artistic knowledge.

That's not to hate on AA though, I hear the campus you're referring to is quite good. They definitely vary from location-to-location. Always be sure to do your research before choosing a school.
Say that I want to be an animator. Would I still need technical skills in programming and Linux (I already have some self-taught skill) to become an animator, or could I get by without having formal training? I am really considering AAU, but UC Berkeley is big on my mind as well. I really only want to do 3d animation, although the other parts of CG interest me, I feel that I would prefer animation.

[RockinAkin]

That's not to hate on AA though, I hear the campus you're referring to is quite good. They definitely vary from location-to-location. Always be sure to do your research before choosing a school.
Dont confuse AAU (Academy of Art University) with AI (Art Institues).

Theres only one AAU, and it's a very good school for Animation & VFX.
Many of the key instructors at AAU work at places like ILM, Pixar, and Dreamworks.

Jeremy is one of em. :)

[akocan]

Hey there.

Since it wasn't mentioned in the latest posts, i wanted to mention it. Unfortunately, Pixar classes for animation students have been canceled as of now. This semester, they only have Pixar 2 (they used to have P1,2,3) and they won't be having them anymore. This is the current situation, though, things might still change. Either some sort of an understanding between Pixar and AAU might happen or other studios might be teaching in the future.

AAU is a good school overall, at least that's my opinion from what I've been seeing the last 2 years but, for animators, Pixar classes were the real deal. Without them, it's quite pointless to actually come and study "animation" here because there's nothing extra that you'll be getting here from any other animation school.

Hope this situation changes and the Pixar classes go on somehow because they are gold!

[Digiegg]

NEWS FLASH~ Pixar classes are ending.

[sebbonaparte]

NEWS FLASH~ Pixar classes are ending.

Uhhh, shit.

Why? The guys over at Spline Doctors haven't said anything, and they teach a lot of the classes.
This is what I was worried about, I didn't think these classes would last long enough for me to become old enough to take them, but I didn't think that that they would go so soon.

Is the AAU still worth going to if one wants to become a 3d animator?

[njanim8tor]

OK, I'm confused. I'm an online MFA student focusing on Games and this is the first time I have ever heard of Pixar classes. Am I missing something? Who are these classes offered to?

[jeremybirn]

Say that I want to be an animator. Would I still need technical skills in programming and Linux (I already have some self-taught skill) to become an animator, or could I get by without having formal training? I am really considering AAU, but UC Berkeley is big on my mind as well. I really only want to do 3d animation, although the other parts of CG interest me, I feel that I would prefer animation.

When you say you "feel" you'd be a good animator, ask yourself first if you've always been someone who draws really well, impressing people with how well you draw and capture what you see, and are especially good at pictures of people and animals in motion? An animator doesn't need many technical skills, certainly not at big studios. But there are lots and lots of people looking for work as an animator, and only the best artists actually get the good jobs.

If you have what it takes to get into UC Berkeley and could do a CS degree with a focus on graphics, that'd probably take your career further. I know people who went to UC Berkeley and work at studios like Pixar, mostly doing other things like lighting, not character animation, but UC Berkeley is a very different type of place, it's not as much of a trade school focused on job-specific training in how to run program x or program y, and it has an art department but no developed charcter animation program I'm aware of.

-jeremy

[jeremybirn]

Theres only one AAU, and it's a very good school for Animation & VFX.
Many of the key instructors at AAU work at places like ILM, Pixar, and Dreamworks.

Jeremy is one of em. :)

I don't think anyone should enroll in a school hoping that a particular part-time instructor or group of instructors will still be teaching there in future years. As you've noticed, a lot of people are moving away from AAU as a teaching venue into other things. I think many people enjoy teaching, but in the long term feel more of a sense of obligation and loyalty towards the students they are working with than to any specific company that provides the space and facilities.

-jeremy

[lindstr0m]

Hmmm i been thinking of going to AAU for the past 2 years and wanna apply now but now I am quite unsure... if I wanna do modelling/vfx/lighting in the future and not much of animation, where should I go instead? aau's like the only sch that doesnt need a portfolio.

[sfox8]

Yeah, I've been thinking a lot about AAU over the past couple years too but I don't want to limit myself too much. I want to do animation/vfx and lighting. It seems like a good program but I kinda wish they would let you know what percentage of the portfolio grant you're eligible for before you enroll.

[hampsty]

Sadly, I have to say Pixar class was actually one of the main reason why I chose to study at AAU. :( I hesitated the other schools, but I chose AAU since I thought of getting closer to the industry people who are in the area after all. I just so happen to reach the stage where I can apply for the class, then having it canceled out of sudden did came like a slap in the face. So Jeremy is right about choosing a school based on part time instructors, don't count on it that much.

I can see that how the animation classes in AAU are actually formed and build up by the Pixar guys, providing the ready rigs and all where most of the other animation classes followed the suite as well. So I am still thankful for the Pixar guys although I didnt' have the chance to get into their class.. :)

Still, for those who are wondering about enrolling into the University, I can't say for sure how the future will be like for the school, I did heard that there are a lot of great instructors leaving the school, I'm not sure of the details however, so if any other current students could clarify this that would be great!

However, the Directors for the Animation Department are REALLY great and fun people, they are very helpful and honestly some of the best people I ever came across with. The directors teaches some class as well and I highly recommend them. If anything that makes the school's program still great it's the directors.

[SpiralFace]

the thing about instructors from the industry is that many of them know that in order to stay relivent, they need to learn the new tools and everything.

This is just a reality of the industry. When I left the school, many of the instructors left with me. But then again, when I left, I probably knew more about Normal Mapping then any of the teachers did because they where full time teachers that had been teaching since before the days when Z-brush was actually relivent to the industry (Which is NOT that long.)

So on the side of many of the teachers, its tough on them because they have to stay relivent to what else is going on out there. But I know now since working in the industry, that when you have a family, and a job that demands long hours, educating yourself on new things is difficult, and I know at the VERY least one or two teachers who left the school because they felt like they had to "catch up" to the technology to stay relivent as an artist. And I can say from experiance, that there is no better teacher then "on the job training" in the actual industry.

So I wouldn't worry too much about teachers leaving. It sucks that the Academy doesn't do a better job of giving teachers incentives to stay abord, but on the flip side, it opens up the oppertunity for many teachers to come abord with a fresh skill set that is more relivent to what many might be now looking for in the industry.

[pentexplorer]

I been hearing a lot about the animation major but how are the other majors compared to animation? Theres Modelling,Games,VFX and Layout Compositing.

[ryanmckenzie]

Mind if I but-in and ask a couple of questions?
Does the AAU still offer a "Pixar class"? And do employees from the studio still teach there?
And how does the school compare with Calarts?

[Michael5188]

Mind if I but-in and ask a couple of questions?
Does the AAU still offer a "Pixar class"? And do employees from the studio still teach there?
And how does the school compare with Calarts?

The Pixar class was actually called off this semester, its future at the academy is uncertain. This is what I hear from people going there at least, there might be some update I don't know about.

[ryanmckenzie]

Thanks for the info :)

[BRostad]

I'm going to AAU Fall '09. It will be a big change in life for me to move to America, but I'm looking forward to it of course. I'm currently looking for a studio apartment, but I'll probably just get a bed in of the dorms.

I'm very interested in 3D. And because I'm going to live there for atleast 4 years, it would be nice to know how it is to live there. I have some questions (might be weird, sorry) regarding the social part of being a student in SF... Would be nice if someone could help me.

How's the party-life? Are there any dedicated night clubs for students? Are there any AAU-parties? If you get a boyfriend/girlfriend, I suppose you need to find a hotel to make love since it would be 'illegal' and not very smart to do it together with the 2-4 persons you share your room with at the dorms.

Really sorry for those questions, but I couldn't find any information on it and I don't know what is normal for a student in US of A. =)

[nitrocom]

It's weird,

I mean, not your questions... It's very good for someone who passed the financial problems behind... I wish I could have a chance to leave financial problems behind. At least, paying the school tuition.

After that, I won't have any problems with girls :)

Take care in SF ! Good Luck...

[micster]

How's the party-life?
While I was a student I didn't really party. There are a couple of parties during the year put on by the Academy, most notably is the "Boat Party" where they have live music and alcohol I believe. I haven't really heard of any student specific clubs/parties, the Academy does not have fraternities or Sororities and should not be considered a "party" school. San Francisco on the other hand, is a Party City though. The night life is quite happening for those who are over 21. If your younger you might have a harder time getting into clubs.

I haven't heard of anybody having to find a hotel to be intimate with their boyfriend/girlfriend. I guess that might be a little more common in the underage dorms than the 21+ Apartments, but I know plenty of people that were "getting it on" while their roommates were out of the room. There were plenty of times when people would have co-ed pajama parties and wouldn't really get in any trouble.

If your coming to the Academy of Art University, I should think that these social agendas should be low on your priorities. One regret I have is not spending more time on my studies while I was a student. I encourage all student to get involved with the clubs and take advantage of the Academy sponsored events, you do need to balance your social life.

[BRostad]

Thanks for sharing your experience with me. Really.

Now I just need to get a health insurance before I can apply for the dorms., and then I'm ready to go. Did you live at one of the dorms? If so, wich one?

[ArticSpider]

How's the party-life? Are there any dedicated night clubs for students? Are there any AAU-parties? If you get a boyfriend/girlfriend, I suppose you need to find a hotel to make love since it would be 'illegal' and not very smart to do it together with the 2-4 persons you share your room with at the dorms.


You looking to get laid or to learn? Awful costly either way.

[micster]

I lived in the 1080 Bush Apartments for 2 years. Lot's of fun. Met lots of friends (2 girlfriends too!) and some that I'm still in contact with after having graduated.

I think you can get health insurance from the school if you need it. I can't remember how much it cost though.

[BRostad]

Whoa, thanks for telling me all this. I would love to live together with Americans (think it would benefit my English aswell).

Do you know anything about the Bluxome Apartments (they're quite new)?

[CGIcon]

From reading this thread, the dorms seem like a bad choice. Anyone know an estimated cost for rooms for rent near to aau or transportation to aau? I wonder, is it cheaper/better then the dorms? Because I hear you cant have parties or alcohol in the dorms.

[BRostad]

Yeah, I heard the same, but dorms is nice to get friends.

[akocan]

in case you were wondering:

http://splinedoctors.com/2008/12/academy-of-art-and-the-pixar-classes/

[BRostad]

Thanks akocan

[SpiralFace]

I've got some problems with the rational behind the reasoning that the students aren't driven to make their own films. And the comment that they where not knowing enough of the basics.

Personally, after going through the program at the academy, I was not bothered in the slightest by the former, and although I agree a bit on the latter, I believe that it goes hand in hand with three things, the Teachers, the class layout, and the students themselves. And should not just simply be laid on the shoulders of the teachers themselves.

First thing, I would clarify is that through the masters program, they do in fact HIGHLY encourage those going through the program to begin work on their own personal creative film. But the undergraduate department is unashamably all about one singular thing. And that is getting a job as quickly as possible out of school. And in the end, the long and short of it is that the industry only hires the "creative" film makers if their films are actually creative and good to begin with. And even with high profile schools focusing on the "student film" thing, the reality of it is that only a handfull of student films really rise to the top to stand out from others. So while it might seem glamerous that a few people might be able to stand high and proud off of a great acheivement that they have done, what about all the other students?

The reality that I've seen is that if your going to be getting a physical job in the industry, then shot animations are going to pretty much be the bread and butter of what you will need to do on the job. And since it a highly competitive industry, I really see no problem in focusing on shot animations to get a wide range and styles of animation in a consistant reel to not only make the animators seem more versitile, but also get more hands on training and refinement in their animation work without worrying about the other maticulous things that go hand in hand with making your own short film such as everything from modeling, to rendering.

Focusing on the basics and specializing is a good frame of mind for those that do indeed want to work in the industry, and while its true that CCA and other Art schools do have fantastic shorts come out of their schools, I personally think that highlighting the few people that are able to pull off those shorts doesn't do credit to thouse that might have been able to tap into more of their potential given the oppertunity to refine on a singuler skill, and not focus on the trials of an entirely self contained project.

[suitepeas]

I went to the Academy. I agree with others who feel that you get out of it what you put in. I learned the basics and made contacts and that helped me get into the industry. However, I learned practically everything else once I got my first gig on a commercial. I do work for Ilm now but it took me 4 years to get here. People are different. Many artists do not go to college and are tenfold in their skills than I am. If you want a life experience, college is good, if you just want to cut straight to the job you are better off seeking mentors, workshops, independent courses, or other means of getting your portfolio ready. Good luck to all of you.

[skabear]

Hi everyone! I know allot of people out there is wondering what school to apply too and thought I would share my early experiences with Academy of Art with you. I have been a student at the academy since august 08. Not allot of time, but enough too get a solid first impression I think.

I'm originally from Oslo, Norway and wanted too study animation, vfx or something else creative abroad and away from Scandinavia. I got accepted at AAU (along with everyone else who applied) and is now on my second semester as a animation and vfx student.

These are the classes I had/should have had first semester:

Introduction to computer graphics - Wave this class if you can. I did. It super basic photoshop and maya knowledge and you will save money and time by playing with a 30 day trial of PS and the learning edition of maya and skipping this class.

Computer Animation Production - Teaches you the basics of Maya (again) and we designed, pitched a story, modeled and animated a character. The final product was a 10 second animation showcasing you character in the story environment.

Analysis of Form - Introduction to charcoal drawing. From cubes and spheres to drapery to human portrait. I learned so much in this class, but I wasn't even close to knowing how to draw when I started.

Photo Storyboarding / Super 8 - Also a fun class that teaches you the basics of composition, movie making and how a camera works. Everything is done with manual cameras.

This semester I have the following classes:

Figure Modeling - This class is just great. At least I think so. We model whole figures in class in clay and get homeworks like modeling a foot, a ear or an eye.

Figure Drawing - Drawing people is hard! REALLY hard. Allot of fun in this class and I have one of the best teachers I have ever had. You will learn allot about the human body and how to capture it on paper.

Maya 1 Animation and Modeling - In this class we are doing the exact same as I did in Computer Animation Production. Teaching you the basics... AGAIN. Ill come back to this later.

History of Animation - Well. The title says it all. All we do is watch cartoons all day long and discuss them and the creators. Teaching you.. ye, you guessed it. The history of animation.


Now that you know about my school life you probably want to hear about my personal life as well? No? alright. Back on topic then. Ill start by saying this, the foundation art classes at AAU are rock solid. At least for a person like me, that started out like a complete pencil tard. I have learned so much from this classes and I'm having so much fun. Another class thats been a really cool experience is the Stop Motion class in the first semester. It teaches you the basics of animation principles which you have to apply to clay, paper, puppet, chalk and found objects animations. You will quickly find out that stop motion is a really time consuming task and require allot of patience and focus. But the reward is awesome!

3D Department

When it comes to the 3d/computer classes, I have a hard time enjoying myself to be honest. Its so slow. First of all you have three classes over three semesters that starts out by teaching you the BASICS and then you end up doing the exact same thing in two of the classes for the rest of the semester. This is weird. If you can, try to wave yourself all the way to the third class (skipping the first two), you wont miss a thing. Its almost like they don't have enough to teach you over the four years it takes to get the bachelor degree. If you know what I mean. I think having a program like animation mentor, would be a much better way of doing it for animation students, but then you wont get the modeling and rigging experience.

This way is a great way for students that don't really know what they want to do in a studio, they get to experience it all and maybe they find out that they enjoy rigging more than animating or visa versa. Or a student that want to go into independent film making right after school. Ok, so it has its pros and cons, but for me its been frustrating. I learn allot more by being put into "impossible" projects than doing something "easy". Even if the first mentioned project comes out like crap, it probably gave me more experience.

Workshops

AAU has allot of free workshops you can go to and get help with your projects. Houdini, ZBrush, Maya, AE etc. But they are most likely colliding with your classes. lol, at least thats been my bad luck so far. But the workshops I have been to is just great. Its an excellent way to get good grades on your homework with the teachers from other classes being there to help you.

Dorms

The dorms are great for one thing and one thing only. Getting friends. Its truly a great way to meet people and make friends from all departments. But this is the only great thing about it. Everything else is.. ungreat? Crap? ye whatever you get the point. But every experience is a good experience right? Now check with others that live in the dorms before you take a decision, some people like it, some people don't. I now live in an apartment near the golden gate park and its been awesome do far.

Instructors

I don't know if Ive just been really lucky with my instructors but they have mostly been great so far. Except for one the first semester that I really didn't get along with. They are always willing to help and appear very passionate about what they are doing. Sometimes you feel the pain of an instructor when he/she have to follow the syllabus, but they try keep you exited about the projects and explains things until you understand. BUT if you don't care, they don't care. You have to be willing to learn and maybe change your ways of doing something if you want to get the most out of it.

Holy sh*t I just pasted all of this into Pages and its almost two pages! Sorry about that. Anyways. I don't regret going starting at AAU at all, but sometimes I think I could actually learn more about the animation bit by doing my own research. I'm not sure if I'm going to complete all my study years here. Maybe, maybe not. It doesn't help that the next animation class I'm gonna take in third semester is called INTRODUCTION to animation. :P

Alright people, here you have my first impressions and experiences regarding AAU. Hope its informative and understandable. That would be funny eh, writing a two page post and everyone is like "what the hell is this dude trying to tell us"... Take care!

[BRostad]

Thanks! Awesome! Very informative.

I'm landing in SF august 21, and this just made me less confident in choosing Animation/VFX. Also thinking about CA/NM.

What happened when you waived a class? Did you get to choose another class? What are you going to do if you're not going to finish at AAU? Don't you think it will be harder/better the second year?

Anyway, hope to see more posts like this. Thanks again skabear! :)

[skabear]

If you waive a class you go to the next step, or if its no next step you get to choose a different class from the upcoming semester.

Hopefully it will be harder next year, but I'm not sure what that will be. Maybe 20 seconds of animation instead of 10. We are already supposed to do stories, model a character, rigging it and then animating it. So my guess is that we are just going to do this over and over and a little more advanced every time. But I'm not sure whats gonna happen here over the next couple of years.

Now I must mention that there is differences in the class class sqedule for students going for character animation and students going for modeling the upcoming years. Degree breakdowns can be found HERE (http://www.academyart.edu/animation-school/outline.html)

If there is anyone out there thats taken their whole bachelor at AAU please feel free to tell us about the next years.

:)

[SpiralFace]

A few things people should know about waiving a class.

The big one is that just because you waive a class, it does NOT mean that you get the credit for that class. It simply means you can skip the pre-requisit to go to the next level up instead.

You still are going to need to take the same amount of classes if you intend to get the degree.

Its not all that bad though since it never hurts to get into the more advanced classes sooner. The quicker you can get a more critical eye on your work the better you can start working at getting your stuff up to snuff.

Just remember that no matter what class your in, you get out of it what you put into it. No matter what level you are at.

[sk8pozer]

Hey guys, I'm from Honolulu, HI, and I was deeply thinking about attending AAU. Recently I just attended the campus tour, and the campus was really amazing. Anyway when I was talking to one of the counselor she given me a document of the cost of the tuition, housing, school material, etc. well here is the copy for fall 2009


FALL 2009 SEMESTER

Fall 2009 classes start September 3



Tuition and Fees

Tuition: ($2220 per class x 4 classes) $8,880.00

Registration/Student Activity fee $45.00

Course Fees * $400.00

Materials & Supplies * $600.00

Total $9,925.00



Living Expenses

Campus Housing** $4,520.00

Campus Meal Option $1,800.00

Total $6,320.00



Grand Total $16,245.00

from looking at this I thought that the price isnt that bad, although when I looked at collegeboard.com they show me different statistic

cost of fall sememster 2009


tuition cost $22,490
material $1,566
roomboard $13,400
Both statisics shows big differnce, and I dont know which one is tellin me the truth. Can anyone help me clear this up for me.

[BRostad]

The mail you got from Academy of Art is correct. That's the price for one semester (fall or spring).

I think the other one you got somewhere else is for Fall + Spring and maybe summer.

Anyway if you find an apartment by your own you should be able to save a couple of thousand $. Campus housing (with meal plan) is a rip-off compared to craigslist.org.

[sk8pozer]

Thanks Broastad for your answer, Im really apperciated
I have another question, well, I really want to get into is Rigging, and I was wondering if AAU is a good school to become a professional Rigger. Im debating if I should go to SF art institute or AAU. which school is better of learn rigging, AAU or AI?

[sk8pozer]

Thanks Broastad for your answer, Im really apperciated
I have another question, well, I really want to get into is Rigging, and I was wondering if AAU is a good school to become a professional Rigger. Im debating if I should go to SF art institute or AAU. which school is better of learn rigging, AAU or AI?

[Torr]

I currently go to the academy and I am not in rigging, but there were some impressive rigs in the Spring Show. I'd say it's as good as any place for rigging, but you might want to do some more research. I have also walked by the SF art institute and it appears very small, I only saw one building. I don't know if it has the connections or the teachers that AAU has. It would be important for you to do research into it.

[narenn]

I'm really looking to attend AAU in the Fall 2010 year. I'm really interested in majoring in Digital Compositing. I have a campus tour planned tomorrow actually. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

EDIT: I loved it. I'm signing up now :buttrock:

[infeenit]

http://www.yelp.com/biz/academy-of-art-university-san-francisco-2

[SpiralFace]

http://www.yelp.com/biz/academy-of-art-university-san-francisco-2

To me this seems a bit disingenuous as many of the people who have written the negative reviews seem to either not know what they are talking about or seem just bitter that just because graduating from the school didn't mean they instantly got a job. I'm sorry, but not attending the school at all or attending the school for a single year or a semester doesn't make you the best judge of the effectiveness of their curriculum.

Sure its expensive, but look at any other private college institution and its pretty much the same. Sure its not going to instantly get you a job. The school isn't there to hold your hand throughout your career.

Ultimately you get out of it what you put into it. And what many people on that sight don't seem to get is that this is pretty much what you get at ANY college you attend. Not just the Academy. What the Academy offers that only few other schools do is instant access to people and contacts that have both worked in the industry, as well as helping their students get access to industry events that a state run college would not have offered.

I can say this because I graduated the school coming from absolutely no art background what so ever. So I went from someone with no experience to comfortably working in the industry. Sure the school left me in debt, but at least I have a career now that I can service that debt and have enough money on the side to live a comfortable life.

Is everyone that is going to go to the school going to get that? No. Truth of the matter is I worked my butt off at that school to get to where I am now. But all I can say is that as long as you have the drive and determination to do the work, the Academy is a great school to put your self in an environment with like minded people to help push you into your career. But if your not willing to put that effort or want something a little more low key or not so high pressure, then sure, the Academy might not be a good fit for you. But if that's the case, then I'm not sure what college out side the community or self taught road would appeal to you.

[Digiegg]

There's a REASON why 80% of the students don't get jobs in the industry.
There's a REASON why Pixar classes aren't there anymore.
There's a REASON why you only see 4-5 great portfolios coming out of it instead of seeing 50-80 out of all the students that go to that school.

[mecos]

I'm really looking to attend AAU in the Fall 2010 year. I'm really interested in majoring in Digital Compositing. I have a campus tour planned tomorrow actually. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

EDIT: I loved it. I'm signing up now :buttrock:


that sounds like a very specific major. what does it entail?

i have/had reservations about that school; not sure anymore because several things have changed there recently. one thing i'm certain about is that a high acceptance rate school is not something i'd want to pay for. i hear the "you gotta put a lot of effort in" and "you get what you put in" argument a lot but that goes for any shitty or great school.

teachers are good/bad in all schools and curriculums can be almost identical. but i find that the big difference makers are the students. i learned mostly from other students and i'm not just talking technical skill (that you can learn from any book, dvd and practice) but conceptual, creative and critical thinking. constant dialogue and exchange of ideas between students is very important and for my money i'd want those students to be the cream of the crop and a high acceptance rate seems like it would water down the talent.

i have several talented friends from AAU, but i've never met any talented friends of theirs from that school. which is odd for such a large school in such a small area like san francisco.

[dren]

Bear with me on this one....

Ever since the small age of 5, I have always wanted to be an animator. As I grew up, I always found an interest in animating. Whether it be taking a big green Hulk doll and making him move like a human or just making a flip book of a ball rolling across the ground, I did it. High school was the worst years of my life — I wanted to animate! I didn’t want to learn about how John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln (for the millionth time, mind you) I wanted to go breathe life into a character. It was my hobby to go see every animation film and watch every animated cartoon/tv show as possible! Finally, graduation day came.

I was accepted into the Academy of Art University where I would study 3D Animation & Visual Effects where my main focus would be 3D Character Animation. Two years into the program and I felt like I had gone no where. Sure, I learned a lot of great information, but I wasn’t getting taught fast enough. The Academy is a great school, but also very expensive. Due to the high costs and slow teaching style, I started my search for a new school. I found one, but I'd rather not state what school because I don't want this thread to become a School A vs. School B.

This is just my personal view.

[narenn]

that sounds like a very specific major. what does it entail?

i have/had reservations about that school; not sure anymore because several things have changed there recently. one thing i'm certain about is that a high acceptance rate school is not something i'd want to pay for. i hear the "you gotta put a lot of effort in" and "you get what you put in" argument a lot but that goes for any shitty or great school.

teachers are good/bad in all schools and curriculums can be almost identical. but i find that the big difference makers are the students. i learned mostly from other students and i'm not just talking technical skill (that you can learn from any book, dvd and practice) but conceptual, creative and critical thinking. constant dialogue and exchange of ideas between students is very important and for my money i'd want those students to be the cream of the crop and a high acceptance rate seems like it would water down the talent.

i have several talented friends from AAU, but i've never met any talented friends of theirs from that school. which is odd for such a large school in such a small area like san francisco.

This is the degree breakdown for what I'm signing up for:
http://www.academyart.edu/animation-school/outline.html?AP=BFA-ANM&ASP=BFA-ANMVFX

After talking with a rep, he said if I create a portfolio and demonstrate enough skill, most of those basic classes will be bumped up to a more advanced level.

My video media teacher in my high school took several online classes from AAU. She said I would have no problem passing them. Some she found pointless (like basic animation, because she already has an udnerstanding of it), others she found extremely helpful. Though it's expensive, she signed up for a sculpture class because she had learned so much.

Over this past summer, I met several professional artists through various friends who gave me a lot of tips on the industry and colleges. Some recommended AAU. They said I would learn tons.

Bear with me on this one....

Ever since the small age of 5, I have always wanted to be an animator. As I grew up, I always found an interest in animating. Whether it be taking a big green Hulk doll and making him move like a human or just making a flip book of a ball rolling across the ground, I did it. High school was the worst years of my life — I wanted to animate! I didn’t want to learn about how John Wilkes Booth assassinated President Lincoln (for the millionth time, mind you) I wanted to go breathe life into a character. It was my hobby to go see every animation film and watch every animated cartoon/tv show as possible! Finally, graduation day came.

I was accepted into the Academy of Art University where I would study 3D Animation & Visual Effects where my main focus would be 3D Character Animation. Two years into the program and I felt like I had gone no where. Sure, I learned a lot of great information, but I wasn’t getting taught fast enough. The Academy is a great school, but also very expensive. Due to the high costs and slow teaching style, I started my search for a new school. I found one, but I'd rather not state what school because I don't want this thread to become a School A vs. School B.

This is just my personal view.

You say you have gone no where in 2 years of AAU? Were you self-taught before entering AAU? If you felt you knew enough, did you not try to bump up to more advanced levels? I'm only asking because you are the first person I have heard from who claim they did not learn much with so much time spent there.

[primal101]

I went to AAU for 4 semester, I was trying to improve my character animation skills and get an MFA in 3d animation at the same time. the semesters that I was there I learn a lot but just not character animation related. I took some drawing classes, which was pretty cool.. It improve my drawing and observation skills.

My only complain is that I just want to learn animation and nothing else but I had to go through the degree breakdown and take class a in order to go to class b and after class b then I can take class c for animation.. I saw I took like 3 or 4 classes that I didn't want to take it but I had to in order to take more advance courses and be able to work on my thesis. One of the major drawing point for me to go to AAU was the pixar classes but when I got there the those classes were cancel and they never mentioned that to me during the tour. The tour lady even made a big hoopla about the pixar classes too but those classes aren't available.. so maybe there's like a miscommunication between the animation department and the school PR department.

Now that I got accepted to AM, I stop going to AAU. I just want to learn and improve my character animation skills. I don't really want to learn about modelling, rigging, texture, etc. for me is like a waste of time.

Just my two cent and viewpoint..

[narenn]

I went to AAU for 4 semester, I was trying to improve my character animation skills and get an MFA in 3d animation at the same time. the semesters that I was there I learn a lot but just not character animation related. I took some drawing classes, which was pretty cool.. It improve my drawing and observation skills.

My only complain is that I just want to learn animation and nothing else but I had to go through the degree breakdown and take class a in order to go to class b and after class b then I can take class c for animation.. I saw I took like 3 or 4 classes that I didn't want to take it but I had to in order to take more advance courses and be able to work on my thesis. One of the major drawing point for me to go to AAU was the pixar classes but when I got there the those classes were cancel and they never mentioned that to me during the tour. The tour lady even made a big hoopla about the pixar classes too but those classes aren't available.. so maybe there's like a miscommunication between the animation department and the school PR department.

Now that I got accepted to AM, I stop going to AAU. I just want to learn and improve my character animation skills. I don't really want to learn about modelling, rigging, texture, etc. for me is like a waste of time.

Just my two cent and viewpoint..

Thanks for your input. I want to focus on compositing, but I'm really looking toward being a generalist as well. It's a shame about those Pixar classes. Would have been awesome to take.

I'm only attending next year Fall, but I did get the catalog for this year. The class A >class B>class C system really seems geared toward complete newbies. According to the catalog, most of the classes I want to take wouldn't even start until my 2nd year unless I made a portfolio. Regardless, I'm still looking forward to AAU and devoting all my time towards VFX and 3d work. Studying John Adams in government class just isn't appealing anymore.

[sfox8]

I am currently attending AAU, though I just started this fall so it's a bit hard to judge the whole system based on only a semester on campus. I can say with confidence so far though, that in order to take advantage of all the information AAU can give you, it's necessary for YOU to take the initiative to go out and do some self-teaching and LOTS of self-improvement. You're not going to improve simply by doing the homework and classwork assignments you are given. AAU gives its students SPECIFIC workshops (such as stop motion animation workshops, maya animation workshops, character animation workshops, etc) where the student is allowed to go and work on these things and there are teachers that are there -specifically- to help you and give you critiques and assist you one on one with your work. These workshops are actually very helpful, but it seems a lot of new students just brush them off as nothing. They're there for a reason.

As for the class structure, it seems as though the class A > class B > class C structure is there to make sure students have gone through everything they need to know before taking class B or C. There's always the portfolio that could allow you to advance out of certain classes, and the advisors tend to be pretty helpful as well. I'm sure if you were to explain and outline your goals and problems to your advisor they would definitely do all they can to help you get the classes you feel you need to take. But honestly, I would rather go through classes A, B, then C rather than go straight to C and sit there lost, not knowing what the teacher is talking about.

Personally, I find that the teachers actually go very fast (which becomes a bit overwhelming at times), rather than extremely slow and it's up to the student to ask questions and make sure they get the necessary help and information from the teacher that they need. I'm not exactly sure what classes you were taking, dren, but the ones I have been taking are actually going quite fast and a lot of information is being shoved into each class. But again, there are workshops that are there to help you improve one on one.

Again, I just started on-campus this fall (took summer semester online), so my word may not be worth much versus a 2 year/3 year veteran but these are the things I'm noticing at this point and I'm really loving the school very much. Like with any resource, it's what YOU make of it yourself. The school is not going to get you the job, the school is not going to do the work for you, the school is not going to make you better. They'll feed you the information and give you exercises for how to improve but if you don't go out of your way to improve, you won't reap all the benefits.

[pouyaz123]

i went through the first few pages and i felt obligated to post something here too.

i went to Academy of art . graduated 3 years ago. found job right after my graduation and its been good so sar. basically im an academy success story. but i need to address few things here


-AAU nor any art school has nothing to do with the success of its students, its the students themselves. some are absolutely talentless or lazy and they end up with crappy portfolios and some work really hard and end up with great portfolios.schools have nothing to do with it.

-AAU has the biggest 3d department btw all the universities, so it makes sense if it also has the high ratio of successful students compare to other schools

-many of the instructors don't deserve to be instructors, they could be students themselves. some of them actually teach cause they can't find jobs. there are also some good instructors there too. ask senior students first before taking any class. they can help you better than advisers.

-AAU has too much focus on artistic aspect of 3d , while artistic jobs(modeling/animation) have highest unemployment rate and lowest wages in vfx world. for example they force you to take more that 10 drawing classes but MEL scripting is optional!

-if you decide to go to AAU , remember never listen too advisers, they don't know shit, always take classes that you think will help you. they force you to take bullshit classes. you can talk to your department head and get his signature and then you can replace classes.

-take as much classes as you can at community college first. general education. you don't want to pay 2000$ for art history or writing class.

-dorms are a rip off . find a roommate or rent something yourself, it will be cheaper than dorm either way.

-there are a lot of dumb students there who just go to art school because they hate math and biology and a lot of rich foreign students who are just paying school to stay and get a useless degree in US. don't compare your work to majority of the students.if you are not one of the top 5 students in the class, you probably going to have a hard time finding job in future.

- use the computer lab as much as you can even if you have computer at home. there are alot of hard working students hanging out at lab. it gives you motivation. and if you have a question there is always somebody that can assist you.


-ILM and PIXAR are not the only companies in there world. those big companies actully have employed a small fraction of the CG force. so dont have your focus only on what they like or dislike. or only focus on what softwares they use. you are more likely not to work at those big companies right after school so be realistic. do your research on mid and small size companies too. for example at academy nobody wants to learn 3Ds MAX. its actually becoming a popular software for movies. but students don't want to learn it because for example ILM and PIXAR dont use it.

-you hear a lot that you need to have your focus only on one area such as modeling or rigging or .... that's true but most students focus too much on one area and they ignore learning other areas. as a 3d artist you must have a basic knowledge of all aspects of CG. many small/mid size companies do appreciate that.

[narenn]

i went through the first few pages and i felt obligated to post something here too.

i went to Academy of art . graduated 3 years ago. found job right after my graduation and its been good so sar. basically im an academy success story. but i need to address few things here


-AAU nor any art school has nothing to do with the success of its students, its the students themselves. some are absolutely talentless or lazy and they end up with crappy portfolios and some work really hard and end up with great portfolios.schools have nothing to do with it.

-AAU has the biggest 3d department btw all the universities, so it makes sense if it also has the high ratio of successful students compare to other schools

-many of the instructors don't deserve to be instructors, they could be students themselves. some of them actually teach cause they can't find jobs. there are also some good instructors there too. ask senior students first before taking any class. they can help you better than advisers.

-AAU has too much focus on artistic aspect of 3d , while artistic jobs(modeling/animation) have highest unemployment rate and lowest wages in vfx world. for example they force you to take more that 10 drawing classes but MEL scripting is optional!

-if you decide to go to AAU , remember never listen too advisers, they don't know shit, always take classes that you think will help you. they force you to take bullshit classes. you can talk to your department head and get his signature and then you can replace classes.

-take as much classes as you can at community college first. general education. you don't want to pay 2000$ for art history or writing class.

-dorms are a rip off . find a roommate or rent something yourself, it will be cheaper than dorm either way.

-there are a lot of dumb students there who just go to art school because they hate math and biology and a lot of rich foreign students who are just paying school to stay and get a useless degree in US. don't compare your work to majority of the students.if you are not one of the top 5 students in the class, you probably going to have a hard time finding job in future.

- use the computer lab as much as you can even if you have computer at home. there are alot of hard working students hanging out at lab. it gives you motivation. and if you have a question there is always somebody that can assist you.


-ILM and PIXAR are not the only companies in there world. those big companies actully have employed a small fraction of the CG force. so dont have your focus only on what they like or dislike. or only focus on what softwares they use. you are more likely not to work at those big companies right after school so be realistic. do your research on mid and small size companies too. for example at academy nobody wants to learn 3Ds MAX. its actually becoming a popular software for movies. but students don't want to learn it because for example ILM and PIXAR dont use it.

-you hear a lot that you need to have your focus only on one area such as modeling or rigging or .... that's true but most students focus too much on one area and they ignore learning other areas. as a 3d artist you must have a basic knowledge of all aspects of CG. many small/mid size companies do appreciate that.

This is very helpful. Thanks for sharing.

btw: I'm starting there in 2 weeks. Wish me luck.

[tinytimw52]

in order to tell if a school is good or not, all you have to do is look at their advertising market. If their good, they don't need to advertise. This school advertises like they are so desperate for students. I gave them my house address, and they never stop sending me stuff, and when i called them up to talk to them, they never answer.

[Aeroflux]

I just got off the phone with a representative for the academy of arts. It was very much like talking to a car salesman. I was constantly reminded of online classes, even as I voiced my dislike for those methods. Every point of concern I brought up was met with a well constructed line of response. At one moment I could clearly hear the pause of a person reading from a computer screen. All it means to me is there is a business side to the school.

I was also told that a teacher from Pixar is contracted for the next semester. The contract is per semester, so a great influence could be only temporary in the curriculum. I like Pixar but it won't affect my decision. The rotating door on teachers is a bit disconcerting though. I still want to take a tour of the campus and talk to the head of the animation department before I make up my mind.

[mecos]

in order to tell if a school is good or not, all you have to do is look at their advertising market. If their good, they don't need to advertise. This school advertises like they are so desperate for students. I gave them my house address, and they never stop sending me stuff, and when i called them up to talk to them, they never answer.


not to mention advertise at the superbowl - where is the tuition money going towards.

while i made some pretty bad comments about AAC before i have to retract a few. their accreditation has changed recently and i guess they are more legit now, i don't know the details - to me it's still a front for a real estate scam.

[Lyr]

In my mind NCAA div2 accreditation hurts an an art school more than it helps. Seriously what does an art school need a football team for?

[avatar299]

maybe we like to play sports. God forbid

[hikarubr]

It's funny how the AAU is damned if it does, damned if it doesn't.

Some people here used to complain about AAU lack of regional accreditation, lack of a "real university experience" (big campus, strong sport program, etc...), lack of strong liberal arts classes (implying the school was just a trade school, not a real college/university).

Now that AAU has regional accreditation, more liberal art classes (for regional accreditation purposes), more campus activities, stronger sports program and all the other points of a "real university" some people are complaining that a Art School shouldn't have this things in the first place anyway.

[tinytimw52]

I just got off the phone with a representative for the academy of arts. It was very much like talking to a car salesman. I was constantly reminded of online classes, even as I voiced my dislike for those methods. Every point of concern I brought up was met with a well constructed line of response. At one moment I could clearly hear the pause of a person reading from a computer screen. All it means to me is there is a business side to the school.

I was also told that a teacher from Pixar is contracted for the next semester. The contract is per semester, so a great influence could be only temporary in the curriculum. I like Pixar but it won't affect my decision. The rotating door on teachers is a bit disconcerting though. I still want to take a tour of the campus and talk to the head of the animation department before I make up my mind.


You are 100% spot on!

[tinytimw52]

i don't know the details - to me it's still a front for a real estate scam.[/QUOTE]


Agreed!!

[leif3d]

This thread has gotten pretty intense huh?
It's obvious to me that the school can't be a scam, because many successful professionals have come out of this school. I'm starting my second MFA year and I love it so far. I've learned an incredible amount of things directly applicable to my job in the industry, which have definitely made me better at what I do.

Sure, the students vary from horribly indisciplined to brilliant and a couple of teachers are not A+ (most are great though), but remember, disparity also exists in a work environment.

I've been working in computer graphics for over 7 years now and I can honestly say that what this school has to offer has been a very positive experience for me. I know that statement will vary in opinion and many people are put off by situations they don't like in a for-profit educational institution, but if you focus on giving it your best and taking advantage of the great things the school has to offer, you should have great results improving your craftsmanship.

...at least that has been my experience and the experience of people I know who are giving it their best, which yes, like all good things in life, happen to be the minority.

[SubDProxy]

I am in my third semester here at AAU and I really enjoy it. They are not going to just hand everything to you on a silver platter. Remember the people you are talking to about information are going to try and sell you something. Like all colleges or universities, it is a business. To the teachers it is their profession and it was they enjoy doing. Go to an open house, talk to an instructor and see for yourself. Or listen to all the other students that have been there or are going through their. Either I am lucky or just happen to be in the right place at the right time, but being in San Francisco I have had more opportunities to do freelance jobs than my buddy at SCAD in Savannah, GA. Complaining about it won't get you any closer to your objective. You get out of it what you put into it.

[jesse92]

So i been ready this thread from the 2007's replys, and well, it says, around 2008 that the pixar animation classes are done... so not its about to be 2011, so i was wondering, are the PIXAR classes back... will be back?

[leif3d]

I haven't heard anything about the Pixar classes, but my focus is not character animation, so I'm not very informed when it comes to that.

[narenn]

The Pixar classes have started up again. Students are currently taking it now. It's really hard to get in to, but I heard they're a blast.

[jesse92]

woowwww amazingg.. !! im so gonna get in thereee

[SubDProxy]

I am still upset as well with the rotating teachers. This semester it seems I am having the same instruction as last semester. I have two semesters now of beginning Maya and After Effects. Hmmm, not good. :sad: For animation schools, it is good. You get what you put into it.

This is why I look for freelance work and signed up for Escape Studios at the same time.

Good luck.

[narenn]

I am still upset as well with the rotating teachers. This semester it seems I am having the same instruction as last semester. I have two semesters now of beginning Maya and After Effects. Hmmm, not good. :sad: For animation schools, it is good. You get what you put into it.

This is why I look for freelance work and signed up for Escape Studios at the same time.

Good luck.

Intro to CG and C.A.P.S are buildup from photoshop and After Effects to Intro to Maya. If you know these programs and a little Maya, then waive out of those classes into a more advanced Maya class. I was placed into ANM 499 Maya Particles and Dynamics and I'm having a blast! ANM 202 Maya Modeling and Animation is the equivalent to this. And just about every instructor here is still working at ILM, Pixar, etc... so they have to cycle out. Take advantage of whomever you can, because no other school offers you this opportunity.

BTW, the reason why they throw you into photoshop and after effects is because some students have never heard of Maya. If you know it, then waive out.

[mrd33ds]

I am currently doing the whole admissions thing to go there next year. Hopefully all works out well.

Edit: Btw, Im looking for a studio around the school around $1500 price range. Anyone have any suggestions of whats best? :)

[juxtaminute]

I can't really goto San Francisco right now but I'm really interested in taking character animation at AAU. I see that you can take classes online. Has anyone tried them? Is this a good online school?

[narenn]

I can't really goto San Francisco right now but I'm really interested in taking character animation at AAU. I see that you can take classes online. Has anyone tried them? Is this a good online school?

The online program is pretty good. About half of the animation department is online (over 3,600 students in the entire department).

[FaizalSheriff]

Hi

I am applying for 3D Character Animation and VFX in AAU for this year Fall. I am ready to give my best and put extra effort to best utilize the university and get placed in high end studios. I almost applied after being impressed by the feed backs found in the internet, but then applying to AAU was to put to an temporary holdw as I was disturbed by few of the posts in few discussion forums. I would like to summarize those negative comments and my inference to the comments as follows



It is said reportedly that AAU is expensive - Am curious to know how expensive it is... Can any one give me an approximate expense in number for a year

It is said reportedly that Drop Out Rate is high - Am curious to know, what could be the reason?

No proper staff/faculty as they will always be busy - Am curious to know how far are they busy




I would like to hear from some body who is a student of AAU at present

Naren Naidoo request to share your email id / mobile no. I would like to ask more specific queries in detail

Also, Since I have to support my tuition fees on my own, I would like to know, how easy to seek financial aid like stipend to get in this university

please reply as soon as possible. All your opinions will help me in making my decision

Thanks a lot in Advance

[leif3d]

-Yep, it's expensive ($2500 a class)
-I'm not sure about the drop out rate, but they seem to admit almost anyone, so it's no surprise people are dropping out after seeing how much work needs to be done.
-Many of the teachers work in the industry, so they are pretty busy. Other times they are just busy from being a teacher. This is pretty normal in any good school...people are busy...
I'm not sure if you're asking about something else.
-I didn't have any problems getting loans.
-Overall I really like the school, teachers are knowledgeable and experienced and a lot of the students are very talented, so it's cool to feed off each other. There are exceptions to both statements, but that's life.

[FaizalSheriff]

Hi Thanks for the information.

I am @ 25 years seeking BFA as my second degree with a Bachelors In Computer Science but due to the deep passion towards animation, am taking a huge step out of a well secured straight forward simple life of a software engineer with a salary of 60k dollars to a student in Animation Industry which is filled with job insecurity.... but......I like doing animation, so am gonna take this risk for sure.....

Since, I already have a bachelors in computer science, AAU agreed to waive of the first two years like, I may have to take some 67 units. I need to know how much it is going to cost me for two years in SFO along with the living cost.....

Assuming that, I gonna put everything that the university demands, what could be my initial salary...

Life is once and am gonna take a big risk.....but that is what I want.....animation.....hollywood....is deep in my veins...


I am just trying to calculate the risk from you guys and mitigate it

[JTSS]

Hi
I'm new here and saw the thread about the AAU.. so I decided to register.
well...I'm from a foreign country, so...I'm pretty confused about the AAU....
its kind of a newbie questions.... but hope you could help me.
First... How long the animation and visual effects course takes? 3 years? 4?
And it's focused in 3d animation only? I want to apply but I prefer the classical/2d animation.
Besides... I don't have any knowledge in animation field... but I do have some experience in drawing, can I advance some classes with this?

[jesse92]

Hi
I'm new here and saw the thread about the AAU.. so I decided to register.
well...I'm from a foreign country, so...I'm pretty confused about the AAU....
its kind of a newbie questions.... but hope you could help me.
First... How long the animation and visual effects course takes? 3 years? 4?
And it's focused in 3d animation only? I want to apply but I prefer the classical/2d animation.
Besides... I don't have any knowledge in animation field... but I do have some experience in drawing, can I advance some classes with this?

Im a Animation student at AAU, and its usually 5 years, but you can make it 4 with some extra work, in the animation n vissual effects program, you can choose something to specialize on, you get to choose from 3d animation, 2d animation, 3d modeling, or VFX.
I am not sure, but if your portfolio is good enough you might be able to waive some of the foundation courses

[JTSS]

Im a Animation student at AAU, and its usually 5 years, but you can make it 4 with some extra work, in the animation n vissual effects program, you can choose something to specialize on, you get to choose from 3d animation, 2d animation, 3d modeling, or VFX.
I am not sure, but if your portfolio is good enough you might be able to waive some of the foundation courses

Thank you so much for the information, jesse92

Btw, I have another question. I saw the online aplication and I have some options in the "area of specific interest". I can't find any classical or 2D animation option in there.
The only thing I saw was the Visual Development...but I'm not sure what Visual Development means, and wich professional areas we could reach after finishing this specific course. Could you help me?
(Sorry I'm totally new in this animation world.)

[jesse92]

Thank you so much for the information, jesse92

Btw, I have another question. I saw the online aplication and I have some options in the "area of specific interest". I can't find any classical or 2D animation option in there.
The only thing I saw was the Visual Development...but I'm not sure what Visual Development means, and wich professional areas we could reach after finishing this specific course. Could you help me?
(Sorry I'm totally new in this animation world.)

Well, i dont think that actually really matters at all, just apply to the major you want, and when you start classes you will get the basic stuff everyone gets in their first semester, and by the second semester if you know what path you want to take for example 2d animation, your advisor will then focus your schedule in 2d classes instead of 3d.

[jtudigital]

Hey guys, I have a quick question about the Pixar courses that are apparently being offered at AAU again.

I'm considering starting the MFA Animation program for the next spring semester, and while I'm not basing my choice solely on these classes, I'm wondering if you can still take the classes as a graduate. I know that I don't have all the facts about them, but from what I've pieced together from the random forums I've scoured in search of info, I've gathered that they are listed as undergraduate. I've looked through the course catalog and have found what I'm about 80% sure are the Pixar classes (they aren't actually called "Pixar class" in the catalog) and they are indeed undergraduate, technically. As a graduate, can I still attempt to enter these classes and can they count as acceptable electives?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Like I said, I'm not trying to build my education around these classes, but I want to have all the info I can possibly have about the subject just because... who wouldn't?

[hikarubr]

Hey guys, I have a quick question about the Pixar courses that are apparently being offered at AAU again.

I I've looked through the course catalog and have found what I'm about 80% sure are the Pixar classes (they aren't actually called "Pixar class" in the catalog) and they are indeed undergraduate, technically. As a graduate, can I still attempt to enter these classes and can they count as acceptable electives?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Like I said, I'm not trying to build my education around these classes, but I want to have all the info I can possibly have about the subject just because... who wouldn't?

At the Academy of Art any graduate student can take any undergraduate class after their midpoint review, as part of the mandatory 18 credits in Directed Studies. So I can assure you that, even if those classes are only offered as undergrad classes, you can still take them as part of your MFA.

[jtudigital]

Okay thanks, I wasn't sure how the school managed having the undergrad and grad classes completely separate. When I was doing my undergrad, there were only maybe 5 or 6 grad students in our department, and they were usually mixed into classes with undergrads, doing their own projects or something.