The Animation Academy

Wrap up 2018

Charles Z - Dec 03, 2018

This past year has been a busy one for the Academy. We've had a wonderful time with our students. Everyone has had a positive creative experience growing artitistically and professionally. Our students continue to produce exceptional content and are making inroads in new and exciting areas that are emerging in the world of animation and related fields.

We're accepting new student enrollment for classes starting January 7 2019. If you'd like to enroll and get things moving contact us early so we can begin the process. It's helpful if you have art avalable for review. Drawings from your imagination are preferable.

For 2019 we'll be expanding our online presence. Will follow up soon with details.

Thank you to everyone who's made 2018 a very special time in our almost 21 year history!

Enroll Early

Charles Z - Aug 02, 2018

If you're looking to join us at The Animation Academy we highly recommend that you enroll early for the term you're interested in. Our seating is limited and we're experiencing increased activity with incoming students with both our on site classes in Burbank and our online sessions. Please contact us in advance to arrange your enrollment for the time frame you're looking for. Thank you!

Hannah Smith on Patreon - Process animation video

Charles Z - May 31, 2018

She's been a fantastic student and now she's showcasing her animation expertise on Patreon. This is Hannah Smith's latest video where she features her process from the initial rough footage to the final color version. Hannah is proficient in Toonboom which is industry standard software for traditional had drawn animation. Hannah has also started a Patreon account to help move her production along. Take a look at The Blue Wolf Studios on Patreon and consider supporting this emerging talent and her outstanding work. You can also follow Hannah Smith's Blue Wolf Studios on YouTube.

* Special Notice for June 25 Semester

Charles Z - May 24, 2018

We experience a high level of enrollment requests this time of year. Seating is very limited. We're making arrangements to increase the capacity of our class size for sessions that will start June 25. If you're looking to enroll for this period please do so as early as possible prior to the class reaching capacity.

Joshua Lam - Drawing / Coloring Video

Charles Z - Apr 16, 2018

Academy alum Joshua Lam of Running Deer Publishing has created a speed drawing / painting demonstration video that highlights fundamental basics in both constructing a character and rendering the image in color. You can see more of Joshua's Running Deer content on YouTube.

Joshua Lam launches Running Deer Publishing

Charles Z - Apr 04, 2018

Another of our many exceptional students over the years has launched an exciting new venture. Joshua Lam is a professional graphic designer who studied with us at various times during his career. His latest project involves the publishing of a new iBook entitled "Water" through a new company he's formed called Running Deer Publishing. The launch date for his book will be this coming April 19 2018. You can see a preview of Water at this link to iTunes. You can also follow Water and new developments with Running Deer Publishing on Facebook. Also on Instagram and Pinterest and be sure to subscribe to RDP's YouTube channel.

Enjoy Joshua's videos as he describes what Running Deer is about and see a tutorial as he illustrates a page from Water.

Share the Lesson 10 - Head and Shoulders

Charles Z - Mar 01, 2018

An important aspect of Character Design is the relationship between the head and body of the character. In Share the Lesson 10 we explore various ways the head / neck / shoulder area relate in design.

Academy Legend - Sean Jimenez

Charles Z - Feb 06, 2018

Here's another example of the incredible talent that has come our way and contributed to our 20 year legacy. This art is from an assignment by Sean Jimenez when he was a student at the Academy back in our first year of 1998. First time it's ever been seen publicly. He created this for Visual Development and Production Design. The assignment was geared towards creating a thematic composition utilizing gray tones. Sean did a great job. We have this art featured as part of our Wall of Fame.

In today's industry Sean Jimenez is among the most accomplished of professionals working in the biz. His credits include Background Design Supervisor for Disney's "Gravity Falls" TV series. Click here to see the IMDb credits for Sean Jimenez. You'll be amazed at his designs at this link to Sean's blog.

We're 20 Years Old Today !!

Charles Z - Jan 19, 2018

The Animation Academy in Burbank California celebrates our 20th anniversary today! We conducted our first class on January 19 1998 with a group of 20 students in the back room of a local restaurant. Twenty years later the legacy of our school still plays a significant part in the history of the animation industry and more importantly in the lives of the many students we've had who've gone on to great creative careers.

THANK YOU to all the wonderful people and all the talented artists who've made this possible!

Academy's Jason Perdue graduates from CCA

Charles Z - Jan 09, 2018

Jason Perdue is another of our exceptional students who went on to a degree granting program. He's recently graduated from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco with a BA. Take a look at his website and view his Traditional Animation demo reel from 2016 below. You can also see more of Jason's videos including his CG animation on his Vimeo channel.