Animation Mentor is putting the student highlight back into the hands of the students themselves. We let students create whatever they want – revealing themselves by sharing video, text and anything else they feel is appropriate. If you are currently an Animation Mentor student and you’d like to participate in this, send an email to newsletter (at) animationmentor.com and we’ll do our best to fit you in!
Opinder Chaggar - Class 3, Introduction to Acting
What inspired you to learn animation?
The Jungle Book was my first inspiration. I remember my dad and I went shopping when I was about 11 and I saw it on the stands and kept pestering my dad so he bought it for me. Animation Mentor has been a continued inspiration in itself too. It’s also the idea of having that choice to create magic, to bring life to a character, and even sending some kind of message across.
Who would you like to work with?
I always felt to get better you have to work around people who are experienced, who inspire you, uplift you. I believe you can learn something from everyone.
How has your experience at Animation Mentor been so far?
Animation Mentor has surpassed my expectations in every area. Everything works really well together and the whole experience has been both fun and hard work. Animation is nothing but work and if you’re expecting short cuts then forget it. There are no shortcuts to any place worth going and animation is definitely worth it if your desire is there.
What's one of the most important and/or interesting lessons you've learned while at Animation Mentor?
Break all rules through quick in-betweens! I found this helped me a lot in creating a snappier type of movement, although you can’t see it – you can feel it. Time management is also very important. Always try to use the whole week to do your assignment. You can’t just do it a day before and hand it in, you need people to see your work. Use the public reviews/forums throughout the week and when you get to the end of the week you’ll see how your work has improved through the mentors and peers’ feedback.
What is your favorite animated/CG scene of all time?
There are so many but the one that sticks with me is in The Jungle Book. The characters have so much performance to them that is memorable to me, and they have a lot of weight too. King Louie, Baloo, and Shere Khan are my favorites.
Anything else you want to say to your fellow and prospective students of Animation Mentor?
Animation is hard work. When you decide to do this, make a promise to yourself that you will stay with it. There will be times when things don’t go your way and you’ll feel frustrated, but sometimes the best solution is to walk away from the computer screen and come back to it later. Always be open to feedback, and accept that that’s what makes you a better animator. Be sure to give feedback in return, which will also help you develop a critical eye.
While doing your work try to have fun too. I think at the end if you stick with it, with patience and a small degree of genius, anyone can achieve a similar result as the top animators out there. And I think we all share that dream. With the desire, I feel you’re half way there.
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