AnimSchool graduation – AnimSchool Blog

Wondering what is it like to attend CTN? We’ve asked a few questions to some of our students and graduates that were there this year. This is what they’ve said.

AnimSchool Booth at CTN

1) Best bit about CTN 2014?

For me, the whole experience was awesome. Meeting fellow students from different classes, instructors, AnimSchool staff and networking with so many talented people from all over the world was something very inspiring. Also thanks to Disney Animator Tony Bonilla and DreamWorks Animator Ben Rush (who happened to be my instructor at that moment), we had amazing guided tours on those studios. (Martin Schusterman)

AnimSchoolers with Animators Tony Bonilla and Ryan Hobbiebrunken at Disney Studios

AnimSchool Students with Animator Ben Rush at DreamWorks Animation Studios

Being surrounded by all the industry and being able to chat or meet the most talented artists, that furthermore, inspire constantly. (Max Schneider)

Meeting so many artists that I’ve been following on social media for a long time. It was a realization that these guys were real people, not just fan pages. (Talin Tanielian)

Meeting AnimSchool instructors and friends in real life. General reviews can feel distant at times because everyone is behind a screen but talking to each other in real life is always a treat. (Obo Agboghidi)

AnimSchool Graduation at CTN

It was an awesome experience. I really liked that you can meet so many talented people and at the same tine you realize that all those people are just like anyone of us! (Carlos Rivas)

Meet a lot of great artists and share my work with them. (Paul Gagobel)

There were so many best bits it’s hard to answer this! But I think the most valuable part was meeting so many awesome people, networking, and just making some good friends (and finally meeting the awesome friends I’ve made at AnimSchool!). The atmosphere there was super friendly which is what really made the entire experience a lot of fun. (Jonah Sidhom)

All CTN was awesome, the workshops were great but what I liked the most was to see Danny Williams sculpting (ZBrush). In less than an hour real time he went from a caricature to a real model. And of course Animschool graduation! (Julia Marenco)

2) “Didn’t see that coming” moment?

Glen Keane with AnimSchool Graduate Carlos Rivas

How popular CTN is. Each year it seems to get bigger and bigger. (Obo Agboghidi)

Shaking hands with Glen Keane! (I won’t wash my hand ever again). (Carlos Rivas)

Everyone was so approachable and kind. As intimidating as it felt for me to meet so many incredible artists that have inspired me throughout the years, I had nothing to worry about because they were all so humble and they offered amazing advice. (Talin Tanielian)

The interview with Disney Infinity. And the good feedback on the reviews from both recruiters and artists. Also maybe when Peter de Seve signed me the book and told me to send him the 3D model I was doing of his character. (Paul Gagobel)

I was expecting less to be honest, but perhaps could be related to how crowded it can get. Because of that, I missed some talks (which I’ve had already paid), so I guess I’ve missed that “expected moment” 😛 (Max Schneider)

Eric Goldberg with AnimSchool Student Martin Schusterman

I didn’t expect to have such a blast when I met animation legend Eric Goldberg, sharing so much knowledge with a small group of people. So much fun and entertaining. Great inspiration. (Martin Schusterman)

I ran into Glen Keane in the hallway and got to meet him!! (Jonah Sidhom)

For me were the interviews with the Studios, I really “didn’t see that coming”. (Julia Marenco)

3) Lesson learnt for the future

Continuing perfecting my craft. The industry is looking for the best people around and we need to improve all the time to not be left behind, and of course keep applying for jobs no matter how many times I have been refused. Part of professionalism is to understand how the industry works. (Max Schneider)

BlueSky Animators Drew Winey and Graham Silva on “Animating the Villains of Rio 2”

Take chances, and always be kind. All of the artists and animators I met were kind and seemed like they were cool to work with. I’ve heard from many of the attendees that being easy to work with will help you get ahead in the industry, not just good artwork or animation skills. If you don’t have a good personality, you’re pretty much stuck. (Talin Tanielian)

Genndy Tartakovsky’s Master Class at CTN

The biggest thing I’ve learned was how many smaller studios and projects are going around. It’s easy to forget that animation is more than tentpole movies. The Dam Keeper, Song of the Sea and The Ottoman were really impressive projects being done outside of a major studio. (Obo Agboghidi)

The lines were really long for reel reviews, so next year I’ll get to them earlier so I can get more reviews in! (Jonah Sidhom)

Bring Personal Cards!! (Martin Schusterman)

All the time I’ve spent in CTN was about learning. Perhaps, I need to prepare better for studio interviews and portfolio reviews. It’s a big opportunity to meet with the studios so we must seize it. (Julia Marenco)

Spend more time reviewing my portfolio and talk more with the recruiters. (Paul Gagobel)

Need to take more personal cards!! Hahah! (Carlos Rivas)

4) Coming back next year?

Yes, I hope so! (Julia Marenco)

Of course! I met way too many wonderful people and made great friends and connections. It was a world where artists could talk, share ideas, express themselves, and have a blast! (Talin Tanielian)

If the economy is on my side, absolutely! But I will go way more prepared so the feedback I get there is more and more precise, until eventually my demoreel will open doors to me on the most talented studios. And once I got there, continue growing as an artist. (Max Schneider)

I haven’t decided yet between Siggraph and CTN but yes! I would love to attend CTN next year. (Paul Gagobel)

Absolutely! (Obo Agboghidi)

Yes, it’s my graduation so I will do everything I can to be there! (Martin Schusterman)

I’ll definitely try!! (Carlos Rivas)

Absolutely, wouldn’t miss it for anything! (Jonah Sidhom)

Thanks to all who have answered our questions!

Thanks to Max Schneider, Carlos Rivas and Martin Schusterman for the pictures.

AnimSchool is excited to share a clip from AnimSchool’s Fall/Winter 2013 graduation!

We were honored to have speakers Tony Bancroft (co-director of Mulan, Animator of Pumbaa, Kronk) and Tom Bancroft (Supervising Animator for Mulan’s Mushu, author.) The Bancroft brothers talked about their experiences as they entered the Animation Industry and the many “doorways” one must bravely walk through to be successful.