This summer was amazing. I attended this 2 week intensive workshop taught by Michal Makarewicz of Pixar. He opened up his own school called The Animation Collaborative. If anyone's interested in having anything to do with any part of the pipeline in animation, I'd highly encourage you to attend any of the workshops they offer at the AnimC. I attended the 2-week intensive demo and lecture on 3D animation. It was such an amazing experience, and I got to meet so many people, from all sorts of backgrounds and ages, who are incredibly passionate about learning and chasing their dreams. My teacher Mike was the most enthusiastic and encouraging teacher I have ever met in my life. His dedication and motivation just radiates off of him and inspires you. It was impossible feeling intimidated while I was there, I could only feel inspired by the people that surrounded me.
This was a cafe we'd hang out at after our evening class.
It's about a two-block walk from the school.
They have the best pancakes in the world.
It was also 2 blocks away from our hotel, Extended Stay.
We'd draw each other a lot (or mostly James would).
The lobby of the school is open for pretty much anything.
A few improv sessions would happen before class.
Pizza during the class break.
Couches in the lobby.
We'd hang out on our laptops and animate things.
In the 'classroom'.
It was set up like a room in animation dailies.
We'd get to ask questions and add comments at any time during
the lectures or demos. It's such an open environment for learning.
The comfy couches we got to sit on (and sometimes fall asleep on).
Out by the kitchen was this huge map.
Students from all over the world!
Art up on the walls all over the school.
There were three classrooms with alternating teachers
depending on the day of the week.
Oh, and the AnimC is RIGHT across the road from Pixar!
So many starstruck moments would happen when I saw some
of my biggest idols driving out of the gates.
Such a mindblowing experience.
-Deena
