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Animation Mentor

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Animation Mentor

Hey guys, sorry for not being around much this week. I seem to have become addicted to a game I bought on Monday, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Anyway, I came online to check how things were and I found a very pleasant surprise...

I've been accepted into the fall session of Animation Mentor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

I've never looked forward to September's arrival this much in my life! AM and SCAD? I can't wait! :D

MightyMew1's picture
"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

AM is good stuff, although you must have some deep pockets to do SCAD and AM at the same time. ;-) I got to meet a lot of the AM guys last week, you should have a lot of fun with that. http://www.mattornstein.com/siggraph2005.html

www.MattOrnstein.com
Character Animator - Lucas Arts

Yeah last year, like Matt, I got to chat it up with Carlos, Bobby, and Shawn. Just amazing guys you will have an absolute blast!

What are you taking in the fall at SCAD? That is going to be one hectic schedule!

Anyways keep animating and best of luck to you! It is a great program. Let us know who your mentor is when you find out.

-Rob

Thanks Matt and Rob! It looks like you both had a lot of fun at SIGGRAPH. Matt, those free Maya classes must have been awsome!

You both are lucky guys to have rubbed elbows with the masters from PIXAR and WETA! Maybe they'll remember your names when you apply for a job...:D

My schedule for the fall quarter at SCAD is motion studies, speech and public speaking, and 3d design(-_-). I know it'll be a lot of work, but hey, thats what I'm there for. I'll let you guys know who my mentor is as soon as I find out!:D

As far as money is concerned, I was surprised to find out that I'd be able to participate in AM. My family is helping me pay for SCAD and AM together.

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

Jeeez, your only taking Motion studies? Your going to be SOOOOOO far ahead in animation I. You're going to school them hard core with AM under your belt. And speech and 3d design are nothing classes, your gonna have lots of time for AM, lucky you.

www.MattOrnstein.com
Character Animator - Lucas Arts

A few of my friends are mentors there, and from what I've seen the program is unbelievable.

Just watch the quality of your animation sky-rocket, because that what seems to be happening for a lot of the students.

Good luck!
K

I just did a few 2D Pascal-style things in Flash today. I used to have to think and think, and even without planning (which I'd never do without unless doodling)...I was -pumping- it out. Based on the work that's inside, and comparing to what comes out of most schools, the focus on the principles is making a huge difference.

Congratulations MightyMew1. Take it from me, you will learn a ton from AM. In my oppinion, it is one of, if not the best animation school out there. Milk it for all it's worth! See you around the 'campus.'

Aloha,
the Ape

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

Thanks guys! You all are making me even more excited about the up coming fall quarter! :D

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

Am? Siggraph?

Hello.

Oh well, I did get am email from a former student who, on the side, instructs for AM.

To be honest, I would do school or do AM but not both at the same time. It's nice that you (meaning your parents) have the loot to take on both financial responsibilities.

But if you do them both you will be cutting corners on one or the other or both.

Take a term off if need be do it right.

When I teach, I don't want someone to tell me they have other classwork - let alone doing an outside course.

Professionally and personally, you have to keep them separate.

As for SIGGRAPH- what's all the fuss about a lame techo geek fest?

I was at Annecy- a real animation festival- it was about the artform, the animation, the stories, characters and animators- set in the French Alps- my idea of heaven.

Siggraph is the Walmart of animation.

Thanks.

Even the "title card" animations at Annecy blow the doors off my noggin. I'd love to watch that kind of quality get animated. What a learning experience!

I agree with the cutting of corners only because it inevitably happens, and indeed from the inside it takes a toll on whatever it is people have outside AM be it a regular job or their families. But that aside, if you happen to have the ability to do it all, it is in essence overloading credits. You've never really demonstrated yourself to be the sort of student who flings excuses, "Sorry I didn't finish my assemblage...you know...mentor assignments and all!" and anything you do in one will benefit the efficiency with which you learn the other.

I'm sure the big appeal wasn't the "geek fest" itself so much as that's where those individuals and the group they belong to were gathered.

I'm amazed at the experiences you've had, Larry. I'd count my blessings if I had the opportunity to get to Annecy, especially since I can't even get to the expositions you think are half-assed! Hell, I'd count my blessings to be able to visit France. Or any festival for that matter! Hopefully I don't run out of time...

You have a good point Larry. I was concerned about finding the time to do both. Although I would never not do work for one class because I had an assignment to do for another. I had originally planned to do AM after I finished at SCAD. I guess I got too carried away. I just hate the idea of people improving faster than I am, perhaps I am too ambitious...

Anyway, my father believes that I can do both since I only have three classes at SCAD. As a result I got excited and agreed with him. I figured I'd have time for both if I stopped browsing awn, deviantart, cgtalk, the 10secondclub and doing self assigned projects. I talked to Scattered and he reminded me that later down the line AM will have 22 hours of instruction time per week, plus the fact that my SCAD classes will be more intense by then.

I have decided to talk to my father and go with my original plan. I just hope AM will still be as good as it is now three years from now. To everyone else here who's in AM, I wish you all the best of luck and I hope to see you in the industry sometime soon. :o

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

"But if you do them both you will be cutting corners on one or the other or both.
Take a term off if need be do it right."

Damn, Larry beat me to it. I was thinking the same thing, and I'd have to agree with Larry. Working a 40 hour a week job and doing AM was a bit hard, and school usually takes more time than a full time job. I've actually taken a couple months off of work so I could focus more on my AM classes for the second and the first half of the third semesters.

Learning takes time, so do your self a favor and give your self that time.

Aloha,
the Ape

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

Thanks for your concern Animated Ape. I agree with you as well. I just hate to have to choose between SCAD and AM. I look forward to learning from my would be mentor just as much as I look forward to learning from Larry. It's unacceptable for me to quit or take a break from SCAD, so I have to let AM go for now.

I would like to thank Larry again for snapping me back into reality. At first I thought his words were harsh, but he simply stated the facts without any sugar coating. I hope he does the same when it's time to critique my projects.:)

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

Thanks MM

Hello.

Thanks for the kind words MM...

I am buried up to my elbows with a project that I have to get done before I go to Lacoste (in two weeks).

I am not harsh - just try to be completely honest. A lot of folks are not use to honesty- I try to be as gentle as possible without losing the point of the conversation.

I have been around the industry long enough- 30 years next month...to know straight away what's needed to work...and I am honest about that- folks may not want to hear it. Be patient, you have skills and you can't rush your artistic, animation maturation process. You will be there soon enough.

As for others- please refrain from using the term "animations" around here -except when referring to web animations- so then, real animators will think your real....just a helpful hint.

Remember- people are 72.8% water- think about it....

If I had to choose, I'd rather they knew I had a grasp of the English language.

Even the "title card" animations at Annecy blow the doors off my noggin.

versus

Even the "title card" animation at Annecy blow the doors off my noggin.

?

Subject and verb won't agree. So then it becomes

Even the "title card" animation at Annecy blows the doors off my noggin.

It changes the meaning of the sentence. There wasn't a single animation. There was a series of beautiful works. It should be restructured to "The animation of the title cards," if anything, for incontrovertible clarity.

I'm the only one who used the word in this thread so the 'call to arms' to 'others' comes across as pretentious. It's not like you're without the work to back it up, but nobody mistakes genuine full character animation for the quality of cheap Flash cut-outs so it's silly to build labels to create a distinction that's already there.

Siggraph just isn't about animation, its about all the aspects of the computer art. Nor does it claim to be an animation festival. Annency and Siggraph are two completely things. Most of the students I know (myself includded) who went for one or more of these reasons:

1) Find and apply to jobs, and make studio contacts
2) Take Master Classes presented by siggraph and the various software developers so we can learn how to use our $2,000 pencils known as a computer and make better animation
3) Learn about the new tools, technology, and trends that will be coming out soon, in order to better prepare for it.
4) See some of the animation that happens to be there.

Also siggraph is a lot more financially accessable then Annecny in France. I'd love to go to Annency and I plan to one day.

Also mighty mew, as a SCAD student that is has taken the classes you are about to this fall, I am confident you can handle that load for that quarter (so long as you are someone who stays on top of work everyday). However the following quarters time will continue to to be larger issue, and I certainly wouldn't recomend taking AM into your mid-junior and senior year. But if I knew then what I know now (and AM was available) I would put a break on SCAD, and do AM then come back. You'll be SO far ahead with all that structured animating time under your belt. And AM teaches you the same exact animtion fundamentals, they use the same exact books.

www.MattOrnstein.com
Character Animator - Lucas Arts

[QUOTE=ScatteredLogical]...but nobody mistakes genuine full character animation for the quality of cheap Flash cut-outs...QUOTE]

Well I'm a bit offended by that :P

Honesty is awesome Larry, and it's not offen you run across it in art school. Most of the teachers I've had don't want to bruise our fragile egos so they say things like ... this looks very nice, but it might want to try this... If somethings wrong, tell me it's wrong. I'm at school to learn. I'd much rather hear the brutal honest truth and grow from that, then to have everything sugar coated and go through life beliving I have a great portfolio and it's really aweful. The teachers I've learned the most from are the ones that have told me "don't do that. Thats wrong... do this." Now I'm not saying I'm a great animator, but I'd be even worse if I never had those teachers.

Oh, and to put it back on track, knock their socks off at SCAD Mew! :D

Aloha,
the Ape

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

...but nobody mistakes genuine full character animation for the quality of cheap Flash cut-outs...

Well I'm a bit offended by that :P

If you ever created any, then maybe you would have a reason to be, but you haven't. Your work isn't cheap, and as far as you've told us goes beyond cutouts by distorting and redrawing and mixing in traditional work. I'm speaking worst-case anyhow, though, and on the Web specifically since that's where his comment was directed. If you have one of the best shows on television under your belt I don't think you've got anything to worry about.

Compared to everything...DSB

Hello.

Good use of context, DSB, brilliant!

If you have ever been to a real animation festival or film festival you would know what I mean.

And...it doesn't have anything to do with 3D animation- so there is no bias on my part- It has to do with the blaring, flashing, volumes of sight and sound on the exibition floor and the cold, stark places where they are held. I find it downright offensive...to the senses.

I have been to five- count 'em five Siggraph Conventions 3 in L.A. , one in Orlando, one in New Orleans

I wish they were more user friendly....opps - a computer tern.

Compared them to Annecy, Ottawa, the film festival here in Savannah- BIG difference- HUGE! All three of these are big festivals and yet...so civilized.

I just like civilized...

And yes, I was being gentle- compared to what I could say...

Thanks

Siggraph is a big honking loud mess. But it's not really a festival. It's a trade show/conference. Not really an excuse, more of an explanation. It just happens to have screenings, too. Annecy, Ottawa, etc. are festivals that occasionally have trade shows.

Only since Pixar's "Toy Story" has Siggraph found any real appeal with people who couldn't tell you the mathematical formulas involved in computing non-uniform B-splines. It's still a geek fest that artists happen to go to, too.

It's kind of like the difference between hanging out in Las Vegas or a table at an outside cafe in France. Some would find one loud and obnoxious, others would find the latter tame and boring. Some might like both for the variety.

Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com

Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight

Siggraph is not a mess... its a trade show/computer art conference. So yea, it's going to be a lot more technical then other events, because it covers ALL aspects of computer art. It just happens to have animation there as well. It can't be a "not real" animation festival because it never was to begin with. It's set up just like any other trade show is, be it medical, industrial, or artistic. Also I guarantee I couldn't of learned the things I NEEDED to learn at Annecy or a different animation festival. Each one is unique and serves its own function within the animation community. Say nice things about the uber geeks, if it wasn't for them, none of us would be able to create great 3d animation.
Hug a geek today won't you?
And if Siggraph doesn't appeal to you then don't go, I don't understand why it needs to be knocked. :)

I also would like to point out that Siggraph does have some incredible animation events, like the CGchar one kyle mentioned. Check it out:
http://cgchar.toonstruck.com/forum/index.php?topic=4514.0

Also kididdy you would get a lot of technically minded animators angry for discounting as them artists. Siggraph was responsible for energizing the pioneers of the 3d animation community with Tron, which was HUGE at Siggraph the year before it came out. Most of those guys were classically trained and eventually developed the tools to make cg animation friendlier, and went on to start the big animation houses.

I think there is room for both the Cafe in France and the LasVegas events.
:D

My apologies mew.... we have kidnapped your thread, and taken out of international boundaries.... if you want it back you'll have to pay a hefty ransom.

www.MattOrnstein.com
Character Animator - Lucas Arts

Larry,

Didn't make it to Siggie this year, but I'm definitely going to Comic Con next year. Saw some images of graphic novels done by Pixar story guys - wowza.

Kevin
www.unlikelyink.com
kevin@unlikelyink.com

If you have ever been to a real animation festival or film festival you would know what I mean

....

Compared them to Annecy, Ottawa, the film festival here in Savannah- BIG difference- HUGE! All three of these are big festivals and yet...so civilized.

Making some big assumptions there, aren't ya? I guess because I attend SIGGRAPH that means by default that I've never been to an animation or film festival, eh? Guess again, chief.

Comparing SIGGRAPH to Annecy, Ottowa, or any other festival is comparing apples and oranges. They serve different purposes, so comparing them side-by-side only serves to highlight your lack of understanding. It's like insulting a car because it isn't a tree.

You'd think that if you've attended five of them you'd have figured it out by now.

Be careful mentioning ComiCon, Kevin. It's not an animation festival, and it's held at the cold, stark San Diego Convention Center, so I'm sure Larry doesn't have many nice things to say about it. Sheesh...

Matt2001, you're taking what I said a bit out of context. Siggraph was and is primarily for the technicians that develop the tools that are being used by artists. Many technicians cross this border and happen to be both. Some don't (although it could be argued that they are certainly artists in their own fields).

It's funny how nostalgia can play tricks on you. Tron was created primarily by and for computer geeks (I say this as a bit of a geek myself, not as an insult, but as my impression of it). Why do you think it did so well at Siggraph? It was filled with in jokes that only really make sense to the general population 20 years later as the lingo has become mainstreamed. It did pretty poorly in the theaters as a result.

Sure most of the people who worked on it went on to pioneer the tools and techniques now available for free in programs like Blender and not so free like Maya, but it was only after each of their companies fell apart (and those that didn't no longer do 3d work) because they didn't really know how to make a movie (and Disney didn't really touch 3d stuff for years after that). The video game and attractions at Disney World actually did much better (it was the only way Disney could really count the poject as being anything of a success).

"The Works" had a similar reaction. The guys programming the tools were geniuses, but they realised they didn't know the first thing about making movies, so a bunch of them went out west and teamed up with Lucas to develop the computer tools at ILM that later branched off to form Pixar.

That's not to say that it wasn't impressive what they accomplished or that it's an important part of animation history. And there were certainly artists involved with it. But it took a quite a while for when just artists and not artists with computer programming backgrounds would be able to use the tools.

And aren't hard core animators just geeks of a different kind, often preferring the image to the code? What was my point? Not sure.

Siggraph isn't a festival so there isn't much point in it isn't pointing at it and say, "It sucks as a festival." Larry, perhaps one of the main reasons so many of your students go head over heals for it is that it's one of the biggest (if not THE biggest) job fairs for animation in the world. Quite a few get their start out of school after interviewing at Siggraph. Plus, anyone born in the '70s on is almost inexplicably drawn towards blinking lights (we're like moths).

Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com

Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight

Hey kDiddy, didn't mean to take it out of context. Yea Tron was terrible and did badly in the theatres, but all I was trying to say was that it was responsible for energizing an entire generation in the field, and that Siggraph had a lot to do with it. Also I wasn't born in the 70s, so it's not so much nostalgia as just animation history for me. I think both our points are that we are all just geeks... and we should love each other and hug a tree, (err, maybe skip the tree part). Anyway I think we have ground this into the dirt. I'm done :D

www.MattOrnstein.com
Character Animator - Lucas Arts

Just one more thing on Tron (sorry, but it's Saturday, I'm at work and want to do something besides work), it almost killed the industry (at least from the producers perspective). It may have energized the tech community to work harder at it, but it really gave the people with the money cold feet and could be credited with holding back the industry. It would be years before cg would play anything but a gimicky effect on film.

But yeah, we're all geeks in our own sense. Some just love the pencil and paper, or their lumps of clay instead of the computer. And there's nothing wrong with hugging a tree. :)

Oh, yeah. Back on topic, I'd recommend going someplace to school, if only for the parties :D Do the online focused Masters/certificate thing after you've done some growing up and gotten some experience, you'll most likely get more out of it (I speak from experience, not that I think you're necessarily immature, I know I was when I left high school, though).

Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com

Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight

Oh, yeah. Back on topic, I'd recommend going someplace to school, if only for the parties :D Do the online focused Masters/certificate thing after you've done some growing up and gotten some experience, you'll most likely get more out of it (I speak from experience, not that I think you're necessarily immature, I know I was when I left high school, though).

You have a good point kdiddy. I don't know how much I would be getting out of Animation Mentor if I hadn't gone to art school for four years prior. I learned a lot at AAC, don't use all of it, lord know's I haven't used guache since I finished school, but all that knowledge IS stored away someplace. But she has chosen to go to SCAD. So that's good.

Aloha,
the Ape

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

Wow, this thread has gotten off topic, lol.

Kdiddy, I already go to school. I'll be a sophmore at SCAD in a few weeks. I was just trying to find a way to enhance my education even more. As far as the parties go, I'm afriad I can't relate. I have never been to a real party in my life. The only one's I've been to are family member's birthday get-togethers. I think I'm too quiet/shy for parties. I'd end up sitting off to the side playing my DS, thinking about how much work I could have been doing had I stayed home. :o I'm afraid I'm a bit of a work-aholic(sp?). When I'm at SCAD the only time I'm not working is during meals(although I discuss aspects of my work with my roommate), during CAS meetings(once a week), and obviously when I'm asleep. Other than that, it's work, work, and yes, more work! During our vacation times I'm still working, with the exception of the days my friends want to hang out. In fact, it'll be back to work when I finish typing this.:p

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

Networking is an important skill, too.

Whew. You're post on working so much made me tired. Working hard is good, but don't forget to go out and see the world, too. Otherwise, without any "world" experience, you'll only be working from a purely technical perspective. You run the risk of not getting that sense of life in your work that only comes from observing the world.

That and learning how to "party" is a good thing. I'm not talking about crazy drunk, I don't know what I did last night, party. But socializing and be able to carry on a conversation with another person about something besides your work. Of all the people I've recommended for jobs (or gotten jobs from myself) it was because they had good people skills in addition to being talented artists. Working in the animation industry isn't just about knowing how to draw.

Not to mention, when you're at the festival showing off your masterpiece, knowing how to work a party will get you some invaluable contacts. And those kids that are out partying at your school are likely to end up getting work, too, and they'll be good contacts for either your first job or continued employment.

In any event, I'm looking forward to seeing your masterpieces. I have a feeling you're going to be a brilliant animator if you're putting this kind of effort into it.

Good luck!

Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com

Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight

Thanks for te compliment kdiddy! I agree with you, I do need to learn how to get out and talk to people. I plan on working on that this year since I'll be spending more time in the animation building at school. Might as well get to know my peers...even if they are juniors and seniors, lol. Sadly, my fellow sophmores(at least the ones I know) are content to sit back and wait for the teacher to teach them stuff, instead of trying to learn on their own. That kind of attitude really bothers me, so I need to hang out with the motivated upperclassmen. Last night, I was given a glimpse of how much fun they have goofing off at Monty. I'll be able to have fun and learn new stuff. :D

I also take speech this quarter, so that should help me come out of my shell.

"Animation isn't about how well you draw, but how much to believe." -Glen Keane

Getting to know the upper classmen are some of the best people to get to know. Technicaly they will be getting hired before you, but you never know ;) If they know you and know your skills, they can put in a good word for you if you apply at a studio where they are working. Or they can give you a heads up on job openings if they're studio has any. I wasn't the social butterfly at school either, but I did get to know a bunch of my classmates, and in turn they've helped me get my foot in the door at some places. But your talent is what'll get you the jobs.

The best advice I can give is to do your assignments, and do the best you can at them. Experiment with different takes on an assignment. Don't just go with the first idea that pops into your head. Try that idea. Then try the opposite. Often the first idea isn't the best one, it's usually the easiest.

Aloha,
the Ape

And hey, what's wrong with "crazy drunk?" :D

...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."

Sounds like you have your head screwed on straight. Every job (except my current one) I got from friends. My theory is that who you know will often get you the interview, but what you know will get you the job. That's kind of over simplifying but there really is an element of who you know in all of this.

And I can totaly relate. My school was filled with people complaining that the teacher wasn't challenging them enough, but in reality the best teacher will only take you so far, you have to do the rest. But it sounds like you've already realized that.

I'm sure you'll be working next to one of us before we know it! Until then, enjoy school!.

Kdiddy

Ps. I'm a big fan of (or was) of crazy drunk. Don't have as much of a chance now. I had a teacher that would complain that most the grad animation students were too reserved and didn't know how to party (him and I got along very well :) ) Cutting loose can really clean the cobwebs out.

Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com

Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight

Sorry DSB

Sorry DSB,

Wasn't trying to be too hard on you...

Folks go bonkers over Siggraph and I just don't understand it.

This is my 30th year in animation - and a festival is where I would much rather be than that other conference thing you mentioned.

I don't need to go to Siggraph to meet animators- I meet animators at the festivals...like I said much more civilized.

As for Mighty Mew - you have the right idea - go for it- don't wait for it to come to you. Too many students wait for it...they are still waiting...

Thanks,

You'd have to try a lot harder before you were "hard" on me, pal.

It's fine that you don't get it, and that you'd prefer to be at a festival. No one's denying you that right. But there's a difference between not getting it and deriding the event and those who attend it. Lots of people do get it, including every major animation studio out there.

All I'm suggesting is that you show a little respect for those that don't share your point of view.

As for others- please refrain from using the term "animations" around here -except when referring to web animations- so then, real animators will think your real....just a helpful hint.

How about "cartoons"?

I don't think there's much need to be too pretentious about what your artwork is called, as long as people are watching it and enjoying it. We get to draw (or push pixels) for a living for heaven's sake. It seems the joke's on the rest of the world, and we could all afford to be pretty easy going about it. Words only carry the power they're given to them. If you start separating different styles of animation into slight nuances of the language then you run the risk of insulting those who are busting their humps for that type of animation.

I've seen some beautiful, well crafted web animations, many from our fellow AWN Forum members. To relegate them to what you seem to consider an insult, is, well... insulting. I've seen plenty of animated pieces on film and video that were pure garbage. Should they be called animations, too?

Why bother separating the art form other than describing the media type? It seems detrimental to the art as a whole to prescribe to such a schism, especially one using such a generic, generally accepted term as "animations".

Now if it were something as insulting as "caca poopyhead pictures" then I might think twice. But animations?

Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com

Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight

As for SIGGRAPH- what's all the fuss about a lame techo geek fest?

Siggraph is the Walmart of animation.

.....

I try to be as gentle as possible without losing the point of the conversation.

Really?

It's a shame someone who professes to be "about" animation can't give up his biases long enough to appreciate the artistry present in much of the 3D work being done today. If all you see at SIGGRAPH is a "techno geek fest", then you're not looking in the right places. Or that's all you want to find.

Yeah, Ape, the worst thing is when you get someone who doesn't tell you anything during a crit, or doesn't say exactly what's on their mind. I don't think anyone should be complete jerks about crits, but too many times I've gotten something to the effect of "No, it looks good", or "keep workin"... And the "..." keeps going ... and going... That's just frustrating, cause it gives no guidance. That happened so many times during class. Especially to the people who really need it! I'm sorry, but if someone looks like they could really use a crit, why does everyone else just sit on their hands and not say anything? If they haven't gotten the basic concepts of animation, and no one helps them out, then no one should complain about the quality of work that comes out of the school.

About SIGGRAPH, I guess the CG CHAR event hasn't been brought up on this forum yet. Animators from Pixar, Disney, Dreamworks, each breaking down shots and giving tips, for 4 hours---I couldn't ask for a better event than that!

The thing about SIGGRAPH is that it's the best place to go and make connections with people in the industry, and although there are thousands of others applying for jobs there, you can drop off tons of reels and not have to pay postage ;) Plus, if someone wants you for an interview, you're right there in LA.