Animation Mentor
I could have also called this post "Broken Record," because for a lot of you I'm sure that's what it starts to sound like when I start talking about The Ment. That being said, I got an email today from someone who saw my videos on YouTube, asking if I thought AM was worth it or not. I've posted my reply below, though slightly edited, because I think there are many people out there wondering the same thing.
The choice really has to be yours. Everyone's experience is different at AM, but if you put in the time, it will pay off for you. Before I went to AM, I was an SDET (Software Development Engineer), which means I did a lot of coding and testing. I did not do ANY animation. Upon graduating, I landed a job as an Animator with Microsoft Game Studios, and I'm currently working on a bunch of different things for them.
AM is an amazing school, but if you aren't sure if Animation is what you want to do in the world of 3D, or if don't have the time to commit to it, I would probably say don't spend the money. AM doesn't teach you how to use Maya, though they do offer tutors (at an extra cost) that can. They also don't teach modeling, rigging, or anything else. It's all about animation there, and with good reason. That being said, they have a great group of students who can help you if you want to learn more about modeling and the like. As I said, I didn't know Maya before I started, and I did fine without the tutors.
Before AM, I had taken classes in Max, but had forgotten 90% of what I learned. So what you see on YouTube from me, and on my site is what I've done since starting AM. That being said, I also sunk around 2-6 hours into the assignments EVERY week night, and around 16-20 hours on weekends. That goes back to my original point that if you don't know if this is right for you, buy some books first, or hit up digitaltutors.com and get some of their DVDs. I knew that I wanted to animate, and didn't care as much about the model or rigging side of things. If you aren't sure, dabble in everything first and then pick what you really enjoy!
As far as pay goes, it's like anything else. It depends on the market, your experience, and where you get a job. I happen to make (at least what I think) is a great living, doing what I love. I can pay the bills, and provide a roof for my wife and kid. That's good enough for me. Most people probably won't become crazy rich, but you can make a good living as an Animator.
While my response was tailored to the person's questions, the bottom line is the same: AM will give you the foundation to become an amazing Animator, but it's up to you as to what you do with that foundation. I've still got a lot to learn, but I'm taking what I got from The Ment and applying it each and every day, and I'm loving every minute of it. Animation Mentor is by no means a silver bullet that will make you an amazing animator overnight, but it didn't get it's reputation so quickly by accident either.
Hope this helps some of you, and best of luck with what ever you decide!
The choice really has to be yours. Everyone's experience is different at AM, but if you put in the time, it will pay off for you. Before I went to AM, I was an SDET (Software Development Engineer), which means I did a lot of coding and testing. I did not do ANY animation. Upon graduating, I landed a job as an Animator with Microsoft Game Studios, and I'm currently working on a bunch of different things for them.
AM is an amazing school, but if you aren't sure if Animation is what you want to do in the world of 3D, or if don't have the time to commit to it, I would probably say don't spend the money. AM doesn't teach you how to use Maya, though they do offer tutors (at an extra cost) that can. They also don't teach modeling, rigging, or anything else. It's all about animation there, and with good reason. That being said, they have a great group of students who can help you if you want to learn more about modeling and the like. As I said, I didn't know Maya before I started, and I did fine without the tutors.
Before AM, I had taken classes in Max, but had forgotten 90% of what I learned. So what you see on YouTube from me, and on my site is what I've done since starting AM. That being said, I also sunk around 2-6 hours into the assignments EVERY week night, and around 16-20 hours on weekends. That goes back to my original point that if you don't know if this is right for you, buy some books first, or hit up digitaltutors.com and get some of their DVDs. I knew that I wanted to animate, and didn't care as much about the model or rigging side of things. If you aren't sure, dabble in everything first and then pick what you really enjoy!
As far as pay goes, it's like anything else. It depends on the market, your experience, and where you get a job. I happen to make (at least what I think) is a great living, doing what I love. I can pay the bills, and provide a roof for my wife and kid. That's good enough for me. Most people probably won't become crazy rich, but you can make a good living as an Animator.
While my response was tailored to the person's questions, the bottom line is the same: AM will give you the foundation to become an amazing Animator, but it's up to you as to what you do with that foundation. I've still got a lot to learn, but I'm taking what I got from The Ment and applying it each and every day, and I'm loving every minute of it. Animation Mentor is by no means a silver bullet that will make you an amazing animator overnight, but it didn't get it's reputation so quickly by accident either.
Hope this helps some of you, and best of luck with what ever you decide!
Labels: Animation Mentor
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posted by Dave Johnson at
6:10 PM
1 Comments:
I just found this site, and I have to thank you for being honest in your response to that query.
My experience at the DAVE School mirrored yours. Though I did very well, it was less because of any raw talent and more because of the hours I poured into every project. Believe me, I laughed when I read how much time you poured into each project. It sounded very, very familiar.
In my case I'm currently learning Maya via Gnomon Online. After I feel comfortable enough, I'm seriously considering AM. Your post only confirms that the experience you'll get is directly proportional to what you'll be willing to invest.
Thanks again.
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