Take an AnimSchool class now!Take an AnimSchool class now!AnimSchool offers working animators the great opportunity of immediately learning right from the very best animators and character artists.
AnimSchool offers working animators the great opportunity of immediately learning right from the very best animators and character artists.
Many animators, modelers or riggers need only to take an intermediate or advanced course to supplement their current knowledge and make them more marketable to companies. For them, taking an entire AnimSchool program isn't efficient or cost effective.
At AnimSchool, we offer the unique opportunity to directly apply to a particular class and teacher of your choice, to get just the leg-up you need to open new doors.
Our instructors work at the best animation studios in the world and teach part-time with us, after hours. Imagine having access to top modelers, riggers, or animators for a full term to review your work and help you improve!
The "Express" option allows students to take individual classes ala carte style to supplement their education at any point in their career. Students don't have to be accepted into a full AnimSchool program to apply but they must apply to the school, and agree to the terms of service. But Express students must be accepted into the class by that particular class teacher. The student submits their work to the teacher directly to be considered.
Classes cost more when taken ala carte as an Express class because there is an additional $125 fee to take any class Express. This is in place of the usual $125 school registration fee.
Express students do not qualify for the AnimSchool educational discount software from Autodesk. Express students may use AnimSchool character rigs and assets while they are students, and they eligible to continue using rigs for six months after the Express class is over.
Students taking a class Express does not preclude them from later enrolling in a full program.
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.
To take a class "Express", follow the instructions below. Go to the Class Listing and choose a class to take. Then apply directly for that class.
Apply to an AnimSchool class
Look at the Class Listing to decide which class you’d like to take. There may be many teachers teaching the same course at different times. Choose the best time and teacher for you!
Each class is an 11-week course of study. See the calendar with the dates listed here.
Be ready to commit at least 15-20 hours per week to your studies and assignments.
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 or once for the Term
- 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.
- Read the enrollment agreement. You sign this when applying.
- Be ready to pay for the first payment and the Express Class Enrollment fee of $125.
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 Times.
- 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.
Pass the class! Now you're ready to go!
After working with the top pros, you will feel confident and competant in many different studios and areas of 3D animation. Move forward in your career with new abilities and insight!
I can't tell you how happy I am to be a part of AnimSchool! It is exactly what I have needed and exactly what I've been looking for to push my animation to a higher level.
The attention I have been given has allowed me to quickly hone in on animation principles that have needed more attention. I have also learned things about animation principles that I had never considered before. To be able to get to the heart of these issues as quickly as we have has saved me a lot of precious time and money.
The people at AnimSchool have been encouraging, supportive, honest, personal, and down-to-earth. They have treated me with respect, and have expected a lot from me. Because of that, I feel much more confident in my reel these days, and it's just going to get better from here.
I would do it again in a heart-beat! It's one of the best decisions I've made in my career.
Thanks AnimSchool! 
— Seth Hippen
Questions?