Animation Mentor celebrated its eighth graduation ceremony at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco with more than 200 graduates and 500 spectators. While everyone took delight in the celebration of meeting classmates, mentors and cofounders Bobby Beck, Carlos Baena and Shawn Kelly in person, the highlight was guest speaker Lee Unkrich, director of Toy Story 3.
Lee, who has worked at Pixar Animation Studios for 16 years, told several inspiring personal stories that have helped him with his career.
"I am really, really proud of Toy Story 3, but it was by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. And it's perhaps the hardest thing I'll ever do. Don't be afraid of the impossible," Lee said. "Don't be afraid to fail. You will fail again and again. But those failures will make your work strong and you a better person."
He also said to put your personal experiences in your work as it will take it to a new level.
"The most important piece of advice I can leave with you today to is infuse your work with life," Lee said. "Put as much real life into your work as possible. Things you've experienced, things that have moved you, affected you, changed you. "
"We are all wandering through our lives experiencing different things. But we're all sharing a common human experience. Find ways to touch base with that in your work and you'll affect not just a few people but a lot of people."
Animation Mentor 2010 BBQ
More than 600 alumni, students, mentors and family enjoyed burgers and hot dogs, old and new faces and the Golden Gate Bridge at the annual barbecue that was held at Crissy Field.
The Animation Mentor barbecue in full swing.
Henry, the BBQ master, flips the burgers.
Carlos Baena, wearing beanie, and Shawn Kelly announce raffle winners.
Students and mentor talk animation.
Animation Mentor alums Thomas Grummt and Jason Behr with Aly Lopez.
Grads Alexiss Memmott and Jude Brownbill with Carlo Andreacchio.
The Animation Mentor family!
RAWRRR into Winter Term. Save $1,000!
We bet you’re pretty excited about starting your animation career! We’re excited for you to start your journey and want to offer you our 2010 tuition rates for Winter Term. If you sign up (like now!) for the Winter 2011 Term, you’ll save more than 1,000 bucks. That’s extra cashola for your pocket.
Winter Term begins Jan. 3, 2011. For more information, check out our Winter 2011 Promotion.