Welcome to AnimSchool! The New Online School for the broader world of 3D animation!
AnimSchool is the online school devoted to teaching the many skills used in 3D productions from gaming to commercials to film. We teach students who want to make characters (modeling and rigging), or make them move and act (animation). Our instructors work at the best animation studios in the world and teach part-time with us, after hours.
Appealing, convincing characters are the heart of AnimSchool. We love characters! AnimSchool provides a well-rounded curriculum: specific enough to make our graduates desirable for top studios, but broad enough to give them solid footing and job security anywhere in the industry.
AnimSchool has two programs, in the 3D Character Program you learn how to make characters, modeling their shape and putting in the structure to make them bend and move and have expression. In the 3D Animation Program, you learn how to make them move and act. 
AnimSchool's teachers are some of the best practitioners of these arts in the world. AnimSchool plans on offering additional programs in the future, covering the wider world of 3D skills.
AnimSchool is all online--on your computer, over high-speed internet. Using the latest in web conferencing technology, students can learn the crafts of 3D computer animation right from home. Maybe you recently graduated from high school or its equivalent: you can launch a career in the world of 3D animation from where you already live, for a fraction of the cost of most other schools. Or maybe you already have a full time job 
and family responsibilities. You can take a new direction in life, and finally pursue the passion for 3D animation after hours.
Choose which AnimSchool program
Decide whether you want to make characters or move characters. Take a look at the program descriptions here.
You can change your mind at any time later if you decide you want to try the other program instead.
Each program is a 21-month course of study. Be ready to commit at least 15-20 hours per week to your studies and assignments.
Want to take a
single Master-
class, not a
whole
program?
Click
here!
Apply to an AnimSchool program
Decide which term you want to start in. See the calendar with the dates listed here. Go to the Apply page here.
You'll want to do or get these things ready:
- Download the current AnimSchool catalog here. That describes all the details of the school.
- Decide how you want to pay:
Monthly, each Term, or EasyPay (EasyPay is low cost, but you take 3 one-term breaks during the program.)
- Post some of your art online. Post any of your drawings, 3D art, or visual arts
abilities anywhere on the web and have the link ready. You can use a site
like mediafire.
- Write a few sentences describing your 3D goals. We admit those most committed
to
completing a program of study. You will be asked to paste your goal statement
when applying.
- Read the enrollment agreement. You sign this when applying.
- Be ready to pay for the first payment and the application fee of $125.
Once accepted into a program, you can choose which instance of the first class to take. There may be many teachers teaching the same course at different times. Choose the best time and teacher for you!
Get your computer hardware and software set
You’ll need a microphone and web camera (most laptops already have them built-in). On the
Orientation site, there are instructions for buying the 3D software with the eduational discount.
Install the software; make sure Maya (or Softimage) runs on your computer.
Logon at the appointed time
Don’t miss your classtime. When it’s time to meet, click on the Go To Class button on the sidebar. If you’ve set your local time properly, your class time&day should display in your timezone. Make sure you’re not trying to logon to class when it’s the time shown for the AnimSchool servers!
On the Orientation page, you’ll see instructions for using options and interface during the web conference meeting.
You’re a student and you’re learning directly from the pros! Now take a look around
AnimSchool and use all the resources.
- The Orientation page will give you information on how to get started.
- Download the characters and/or tools needed for your assignments.
- Most importantly, there will be video instruction showing 3D concepts and the assignments being done by the pros. Be sure to watch each one of these!
- You can see your classmates’ student assignments and comment on them.
- Accept friends from around the school who can then see your work, and you can comment on theirs.
- You can discuss things in the AnimSchool forums.
- The Calendar shows important dates for signing up for future classes, school events, and your own classtimes and Critique Time.
- Send messages to your classmates, teachers, and friends.
- Visit with other students at The Atrium (formerly known as "the Video Lounge").
AnimSchool requires a time commitment like any school. Expect to spend at least 15-20 hours per week carrying out the week’s assignments. If you want to excel, devote 40 hours per week. AnimSchool isn’t about dabbling in the field of 3D animation—it’s about striving for excellence! Here’s the secret to getting good in the field: after you think you know the concepts, try it yourself then the let the best in the field critique your attempts. Train your eye to see the problems and deficiencies they see. Take advantage of that access and practice, practice!
Our teachers are among the very best in the field! They’re passionate about what they do and they want to share their enthusiasm with you. Whenever you hit a roadblock during the week, write down questions and when classtime comes ASK them! They’re there to help you. The class is designed so you feel free to interact with them one-on-one and get any help you need. If you don’t understand the direction they’ve given for your animation, model, or rig, ask them to clarify. You have up to 10 minutes during each class for them to focus exclusively on your work. Then be sure to respond to their notes diligently. Even if you’re doubting their direction, you’ll probably find your work improves when you give it a try.
The most popular classes will get filled first. Note on the calendar when the classes for the next term are made available, and sign up early for your next class.
Graduate! Now you're ready to go!
After passing seven terms at AnimSchool, you’ll be ready to work in the field of 3D Animation. You’ll have the unique advantage of having highly-developed skills in a main area, but have broader skills supporting you. You’ll have a network of friends and teachers you’ll need to get your foot in the door. You will feel confident and competant in many different studios and areas of 3D animation!
Questions?