Academy Update

Howdy folks, checking in with recent news and updates. But first, allow me to share with you a demonstration I did a few years ago which I recently discovered. It's the eagle head above. It was done in Photoshop after scanning in a rough sketch. The lesson was in the effectiveness of graphic simplicity. In this case, black and white, plus three other colors contained within shapes. Look at what can be done with a simple approach. Shapes of color in the tradition of the animation cell, harnessing the beauty of that approach. I forgot about this work at the time, otherwise I would've included the image in my book 'Controlling Illusion'. As such, I'll settle for sharing with you now.

In news, congratulations to James Lavelle Brown, who has recently been named the Director of the Educational Program! James is an outstanding artist specializing in character design. He's been with the school for over 10 years, almost since the very beginning in 1998. He and his wife are organizing, managing and building our curriculum now, freeing me in class so I can work the floor and spend more time with individual students and groups of students. James has been at it for about a month and so far he's doing a terrific job. The Academy has gotten even better since he's taken over this aspect of operations.

Regarding the many requests we receive from prospective students outside the US, if you're an international student looking to come to the Academy, a tourist visa is all you need. You'll get plenty out of 3 months with us. You'll have to make arrangements for your stay in the LA/Burbank area, but if you can swing the expense of your lodging, living, and transportation, you'll get more than your money's worth from the modest fee associated with the art education in the subjects we offer.

Good things continue to happen with the Academy and with our students and friends. Thanks to the many wonderful people we have associated with our program and The Animation Academy experience.

Keep Creating! It's the key to your artistic future!