2011: What a Ride!

From Germany to Paris, New York to Vancouver, San Francisco to Burbank — and countless places in between — 2011 was quite a ride.

For 2011, we had one simple New Year's resolution:
Hit the road and meet as many members of the Animation Mentor community as possible. Two continents, four countries and over 30,000 miles later (48,000 kilometers) — we've come full circle. Follow us as we recap one amazing year!

FMX 2011
Stuttgart, Germany
Guten tag!
At Animation Mentor, when we put our minds to do something — we do it up big. Take our first international show, for example. We not only hit the road ... we boarded a transatlantic flight to FMX 2011 in Stuttgart, Germany!

Judging by the number of students who visited our booth on day one — our arrival was highly anticipated. As our CEO and cofounder Bobby Beck said in May, "Learning about our international community has been a major positive in such a great way! I wish you could all be here!" It was truly a special moment — to reflect on a school and global community that brought us all together, forever bonded by a love of animation.

"[It was] the most wonderful experience ever. The people and culture are amazing," said Cheryl Hoke, Director of Student Enrollment for Animation Mentor. "Our international students brought me to tears with their warmth and joy for us being here at the conference. [It was] a trip of a lifetime."

And just think, this was only our first trip of the year.

Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Annecy, France
Bonjour!
The 51st annual festival paid tribute to the United States with a spotlight on independent animation, along with the 100 best Warner Bros. films. Add the chance to meet more of our European students and we had to be there!

"The festival aligns perfectly with Animation Mentor's goals and it really pulls in the student experience," said Suzanne Francois, Student Care Manager for Animation Mentor. "The students reinforced my belief that we're doing the right thing, that we are a respected industry leader and that we have to keep doing the good stuff."

For Francois, Annecy was a moving experience in every way imaginable. "The community piece is so critical, but it happens on its own — and that's always been the case." But what she saw in France was awe inspiring. "I remember we were in this beautiful park and all the Animation Mentor students gathered around in a circle like a picnic, with their baguettes and cheese. They shared stories, shared experiences and were giving tips to one another. It was a complete circle — literally and figuratively — everyone associated with Animation Mentor pulled together at that moment. If you ever wondered what it's like to be an Animation Mentor student — you saw it right then and there in that circle."

It is our mission to provide the most personal and fulfilling learning experience on the planet ... and we think we're on the right track. "The energy and passion that the students have for animation is overwhelming ... and it's that knowing look in their eyes that tells you that this is the place for them."

Need we say more?

Animation Block Party 2011
Brooklyn, New York
There was a lot to love!
The Animation Mentor crew and a few of our friends made the cross-country journey to the Animation Block Party in New York. We got together with local mentors, enjoyed the New York summer and chilled with the Animation Mentor community. "It was so much fun to talk to current students and feed off their excitement," said Hoke.

"It was also fun to see the huge crowds of prospective students. We were all there, answering their questions about our Character Animation Program and Animals & Creatures: Master Class. We all love animation and that's what brought us here — but when you feel that energy, it’s really powerful."

SIGGRAPH 2011
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada, eh?
Animation Mentor graduates, mentors and instructors were credited in many of the films, shorts and clips featured at SIGGRAPH. So what better place for the crew, mentors, alumni and friends to kick it?!? In fact, Animation Mentor cofounder Carlos Baena made the trip north of the border to conduct a workshop and share the latest school news.

According to Molly Wolfsehr, Animation Mentor's Marketing Manager, "People who are thinking of applying to our school often wonder about the career possibilities in animation ... A visit to SIGGRAPH and our booth really helped answer their questions. They see the work of people just like themselves and they become inspired and motivated. Our community is truly worldwide and it is mind-boggling to see their work across the board!"

Speaking to prospective students, Hoke added, "The key thing to remember is that you're not alone. So when we come to a show like SIGGRAPH, with our mentors conducting workshops, our cofounder conducting a workshop and our students and alumni answering questions and helping each other — you realize that when you enroll at Animation Mentor, you really are part of our community. And [you also realize] that Animation Mentor will nurture you and support you every step of the way!"

We even banded together with our friends at Reel FX to throw one memorable party in what was a memorable visit to SIGGRAPH.

San Francisco International Animation Festival
San Francisco, California
Opening Night gala
There's something special about Opening Night. The mood is festive and optimistic — so we felt right at home as the Animation Mentor crew brought our passion for animation to the San Francisco International Animation Festival. Our admissions advisors were there to answer questions about our programs and how we can work together to help current and prospective students pursue their animation dreams.

"Animation is alive and well, and you really see it at festivals like these," said Hoke. "We're always floored that — no matter where we go — we always run into an Animation Mentor alum!"

CTN animation eXpo 2011 (CTN-X)
Burbank, California
We brought the fight!
This visit started weeks before with our successful webinar — Anatomy of a Fight — with Dr. Stuart Sumida. As you may recall, Dr. Sumida broke down the finer details necessary to animate realistic character and creature fight sequences. He then continued his butt kicking by bringing the fight to CTN-X. There, Dr. Sumida, Sensei Bill Ryusaki and friends performed a live martial arts demonstration. Dr. Sumida was also on hand to talk to current and prospective students about the webinar and their demo reels, and to answer questions about anatomy and fight choreography in animation.

"Believe me, we're not your typical online school — there's a lot of collaboration between students and mentors," said Cathleen Hylton, Animation Mentor's Mentor Supervisor. "It was great watching everyone meeting face to face at CTN-X."

Wow, what an action-packed time. In addition to Dr. Sumida's demonstration, admissions advisors conducted personal consultations, mentors stood by to geek out about all things animation, we hosted a demo reel workshop and we joined the CTN-X crew to host one incredible party. A big thanks to staff, students, alumni, mentors, instructors and industry professionals who made our booth the place to be at CTN-X.

Now that's what we call bringing the fight and kicking butt!

We Stayed Close to Home and Had Fun, Too!
We hosted several events throughout 2011 that were close to home. For starters, how about the exciting launch of our new advanced program, Animals & Creatures: Master Class? Don't forget the walk down the red carpet for Showcase 2011: Back to Basics. Many of our students also made the walk on stage at graduation. All those and a get-together at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, an open house, BBQ and one butt-kicking webinar too!

See You Next Year!
"What we loved best about 2011 was that we offered a little something for everyone," says Beck. "We got to meet so many of our students and alumni. And we got to meet so many new aspiring animators interested in applying to Animation Mentor. It's amazingly rewarding to see new students enter our programs and quickly become part of the Animation Mentor experience!"

So with fond memories, we wrap up 2011 and one amazing road trip. Now it's time to look ahead to an even more awesome and exciting 2012. If you're ready to pursue your animation dreams, remember to submit your application by February 17, 2012, for our Spring 2012 term. For experienced animators, be sure to check out our Animals & Creatures: Master Class to explore fantasy creatures, quadrupeds and flying creatures in a realistic animation style.

And to all of our friends in the Animation Mentor community, we wish you and yours a festive — and animated — holiday season. See you next year!