Animation Mentor Q&A

Today marks my three year anniversary at Roblox! I was interviewed by my school, Animation Mentor.

About Animation Mentor

Animation Mentor is an online animation school founded in 2005 by professional animators Bobby Beck, Shawn Kelly, and Carlos Baena. All three founders worked at Pixar Animation Studios and shared a passion for mentoring aspiring animators. Their vision was to create a school where students could learn directly from working professionals in the animation industry, gaining real-world experience and practical knowledge in a virtual environment. Over the years, Animation Mentor has become a respected and influential institution in the field of character animation, with alumni working at top studios around the world.

The school offers a structured program focused primarily on character animation for film, television, and games. Its flagship offering is the Character Animation Program, which is divided into six core courses that gradually build a student’s skill set. These courses cover fundamental principles such as timing, spacing, and weight, and move into more advanced concepts including body mechanics, acting, and performance. Each class is taught by a mentor who is an active professional in the industry. Mentors work at leading studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks, Industrial Light & Magic, Blue Sky, and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

One of the key features of Animation Mentor is its emphasis on mentorship. Students receive one-on-one feedback through video reviews, live Q&A sessions, and weekly critiques. These interactions allow students to improve their work in a collaborative and supportive environment, guided by animators who understand the demands of the industry. This mentor-student relationship helps to replicate the experience of working within a studio pipeline and encourages professional growth from the beginning of the program.

The school also uses a proprietary online campus that provides access to lecture videos, assignments, forums, and peer reviews. Students can interact with each other, share their work, and receive comments from both mentors and classmates. This online community fosters collaboration and helps students build relationships that can continue into their professional careers. The global nature of the student body adds a diverse perspective to discussions, reflecting the international scope of the animation industry.

Animation Mentor provides its students with professional-quality rigs and tools designed specifically for learning. These character rigs, such as Stewart, Squirrels, and Stella, are created by the school’s internal team and are used in exercises that mirror real production challenges. The use of these consistent, high-quality assets allows students to focus on learning animation techniques without being distracted by technical limitations.

In addition to the core Character Animation Program, Animation Mentor offers supplementary workshops and courses in areas such as creature animation, game animation, and animation for visual effects. These advanced courses are designed for students who already have foundational animation experience and want to specialize further. Creature animation, for example, covers the motion and behavior of animals, fantasy creatures, and realistic characters for live-action films. Game animation includes interactive movement cycles, responsiveness, and working within game engines.

The curriculum at Animation Mentor is built on the principles established by pioneers of traditional animation. Students study concepts such as squash and stretch, anticipation, follow-through, and arcs, all of which are essential for creating believable motion. These lessons are presented through video lectures featuring demonstrations, breakdowns of professional work, and interviews with industry veterans. By combining classical techniques with digital tools, the program prepares students for the demands of modern animation workflows.

Graduates of Animation Mentor have gone on to work at major studios around the world. Many alumni have contributed to high-profile films, television shows, and video games. The school maintains a strong alumni network and showcases graduate success stories on its website. This emphasis on real-world outcomes helps reinforce the school’s commitment to preparing students for industry careers.

The admissions process for Animation Mentor is open to students of all experience levels, though the school recommends that applicants have a basic understanding of computer use and 3D software. The flexibility of the online platform allows students from various countries and backgrounds to participate in the program without relocating. This accessibility has helped the school build a diverse and inclusive student community.

Students at Animation Mentor are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time each week to their studies. Assignments often involve blocking, refining, and polishing character performances, and the iterative feedback process encourages students to revise and improve their work. While the workload can be demanding, the structure of the program is designed to mirror the expectations of a professional animation environment. The experience builds not only artistic skill but also discipline and time management.

Beyond technical training, Animation Mentor emphasizes storytelling and emotional performance. Students learn how to convey character motivation, personality, and subtle expression through movement. These lessons help animators go beyond mechanics and create performances that resonate with audiences. By focusing on storytelling, the program nurtures well-rounded artists who understand the importance of character and emotion in animation.

Animation Mentor also supports students in preparing for careers through its Career Services team. This includes portfolio reviews, demo reel advice, resume building, and interview preparation. The goal is to ensure that students leave the program with not only technical skills but also the tools they need to market themselves and succeed professionally.

In conclusion, Animation Mentor is a respected online animation school that provides comprehensive training in character animation. Its mentor-led approach, industry-focused curriculum, and global community make it a valuable resource for aspiring animators. By learning from professionals and participating in a structured, project-based environment, students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue careers in animation for film, television, and games.

*ChatGPT helped write this post.