Jess Morris:

I was frustrated. I had graduated from college not really feeling like I knew how to animate. I knew enough to get into a motion capture game studio as an intern, which turned into an animation position. But after a couple of years there, even though I was learning a lot, I didn't feel my skills were moving in the direction I wanted them to. I was constantly doing studies and animation tests on my own. I read every animation book I could get my hands on, but I still felt like something was missing. I didn't know if anything I was doing was right! None of my animation felt “alive,” and I couldn't figure out why. I felt like there were so many holes in my animation knowledge and I had no idea how to fill them.

Then one magical day at Comic-Con, someone told me to check out the Animation Mentor booth. I had to check out this online animation school for myself! So I marched right over to the booth. It only took a couple moments of talking to some of the staff and seeing the student reel to feel not only completely convinced, but extremely excited and inspired! Animation Mentor was exactly what I needed to fill in the gaps in my animation knowledge!  I knew this school could give me a thorough understanding of the craft and hopefully help me move forward toward my goal of becoming a better animator!

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Jess Morris:

I not only learned how to animate better, but how to think like an animator - how to be an observer of life and bring that into my work. I learned the importance of planning and how figuring certain things out before going onto the computer can save a lot of time and frustration in the long run. I learned to take criticism with a smile and to not be afraid to ask for help or an extra set of eyes to get a fresh perspective on my work. I also learned how to view animation and how to give constructive feedback. But most importantly, I learned that there are others like me out there... other animation geeks!

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Jess Morris:

Since it’s an online school, the experience is unique already. But how successful this online school is makes it truly unique. The love and passion that stems from the creators and staff of Animation Mentor flows through to all of the students in this rare and warm community. This is what makes it the exceptional experience. All I was hoping for from Animation Mentor was to learn how to animate better – which I got! But what I also got, and was never expecting, was to meet so many unique individuals that I can now call friends and coworkers. How cool is that!?

I also feel that the mentors make this program very special. All of the mentors who took the time to do video lectures, to share their knowledge and tips; it is truly priceless. And the mentors who actually teach the classes, guide us through the lectures, and share tips of their own are truly golden. Having professional animators help us understand what we were learning each week, teaching us how to use those skills in our own work and offering their personal critiques are what made my animation improve far beyond my expectations and hopes.

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Jess Morris:

The biggest challenge was TIME. I lost a lot of sleep during this program since I was working full-time while attending Animation Mentor, but I can't complain. All the hard work I put in helped me to get the most out of the program and got me to where I am today. There definitely were a ton of challenges in the program and with learning animation. But with the help of the mentors and fellow students I never felt discouraged. Their support was a huge factor in keeping me moving forward!

I am STILL challenged on a daily basis! That is just part of this art form (and art in general) - constantly challenging ourselves to make characters come to life in a more appealing way than our last attempt, and hopefully getting some "oooh's" and "ahhh's" from more people than just our mothers.

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Jess Morris:

While I was applying to studios, I participated in the online Mass Animation project Live Music and got two shots in the short! After that, I was very excited to get a job at Tippett Studio on Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore! After Tippett, I jumped over to ILM where I am currently working on Iron Man 2! Wow! I can't believe it!

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Jess Morris:

I am an animator. I get to work with an amazing team while bringing characters to life, I get to hang out with inspiring artists all day, I am constantly challenged (which means I am constantly learning), and I get to be part of the magic that goes into making these amazing films - that is what I enjoy most about my job!

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Jess Morris:

Mostly visual effects animation: Cats & Dogs: Revenge of Kitty Galore and Iron Man 2. Sequels seem to be my calling so far.

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Jess Morris:

EVERYTHING that I learned at Animation Mentor I use at my job! The most important things are the importance in planning and keeping things simple - K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid!) I am constantly reminding myself of these things!

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Jess Morris:

There is this one shot that I was given on Cats & Dogs that I will never forget. At first I was really excited about the challenge of such a complicated shot. I couldn't believe this shot was put in my hands! During the many days I spent on this shot, I faced several challenges and became very frustrated. I doubted myself as an animator and was waiting for the moment when everyone would find out that I was a fraud and that I couldn't animate! The time was coming closer to when I had to show my shot in dailies. When my shot was shown, I quickly looked down at my notepad because I couldn't bear looking at it – especially on a big screen in front of my peers and leads! I was waiting for the awkward silence, but instead everyone was complimenting me on my shot! It's moments like these that anyone can take pride in! It's moments like these that make all the hard work and long hours worth it!

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Jess Morris:

Mentorship is extremely important! Having a mentor is having guidance. It's having the guidance of someone trained in what you are learning. . It’s someone who can tell you what you are doing right and who can point out things to improve on. This is extremely important with anything in life, ESPECIALLY animation! I think everyone who aspires to become an animator should have at least one mentor. You don't have to have one, but it sure helps a whole lot and makes the journey a lot more enjoyable, smoother, and well, just better all around! It's nice to have someone to go to when you are stuck or just need a little spark of inspiration. That's another great thing about Animation Mentor – you get SIX mentors! Not to mention the campus mentors, peer buddies and fellow students! So much mentoring going on in this program!

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Jess Morris:

I learned so many amazing things from each of my mentors! But I think the most valuable thing that I received from my mentors during this program was their support and encouragement. Having these talented and successful animators telling me to stay focused and keep moving forward is just what I needed to hear to stay motivated during a time when I wasn't so sure I could do this. I am forever grateful to each of them.