The Art Department (http://www.theartdepartment.org/), in partnership with animation, story, design, and creative leaders from Pixar, Disney and other notables, have launched a new, multi-track collegiate animation program. The animation classes and major starts August 27th 2012, and submissions for merit based awards, including full-rides, have begun via the school’s website.
“The Art Department offers a mainline to animation, film, games, and art industry leaders who teach within a collegiate program built by those who make Academy Award winning films and blockbuster games. Having Andrew Gordon and esteemed animation faculty lead this innovative international program, brings true knowledge and deep practical experience to our students, connecting them to those capable of delivering life-changing opportunities. We have cut the cost of college education to less than half that of the top art schools in the US. Full and partial ride, merit based awards, combined with on-ground and online delivery, we make it possible for deserving students from any economic background or locale to learn and build their creative dreams alongside those that lead the field.”
Jason Manley – President, The Art Department, Founder of ConceptArt.Org
“Our animation program is rooted in history, tradition, visual storytelling, is highly focused on creativity, visual expression and entrepreneurial spirit. It can be attended by students anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” Manley says. “Access to affordable, life-changing, educational experiences is important and we are doing everything to bring opportunities and success to talented people. Giving the merit awards to hard-working artists around the world, has a major impact and is part of what makes it all worthwhile.”
Each segment of the school curriculum features classes taught by masters of that discipline, assuring students get relevant, applicable insight from the very best in the field at any given time. Courses span five tracks within the program; Directing, Animation, Experimental, Games, and Visual Effects while covering 3D, 2D, and Flash based media options. From the start, students focus on valuable foundational training in drawing, painting, and problem solving, while learning to create effective characters, visual narratives, meaningful stories and personal creative voice. In addition, students gain crucial insight into business, legal, teamwork, production, marketing, planning, promotion, and finance – all necessary for long term success in today’s rapidly growing industry.
“I want the best animation program in the world. We are teaching students what they need to know to be great storytellers, directors, animators, and visual artists. Everyone involved wanted the program that we wished we had when we were in college. That is what we built and it does not exist anywhere else but here,” says Department Chair, Andrew Gordon.
Gordon is a fifteen year veteran of the Oscar winning studio Pixar, where he has contributed to awarded films, including, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2 and 3, Monsters Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and currently, as Directing Animator for Monsters University. As a three time leader of Pixar’s animation internship, he works to bring new talent to the studio and regularly assists with training those ready to make the next step into the company.
D, Drawing and Painting and Illustration. I am proud to work with such gifted and experienced faculty. These are not just industry stars, they are great teachers.”
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