Still drawing away, but now I'm also going to a local school. Last year I started attending Davis Applied Technology College in the Graphic Arts/Animation program. I'm almost through my core classes (two more to go) and will begin the animation section. The program teaches both hand drawn and CG animation. I'm excited to work through school, but I'm also searching for better resources than what the school offers. The two teachers that oversee us have no education or work experience in animation or the arts. So, I'm searching for online resources where I can get honest feedback on my work.

Creating a believable performance is the most important thing I want to learn. Whether it's CG or hand drawn. Here are a few resources I plan on using to enhance my education.

Jason Ryan Webinars -[link]
- I've been searching the web for information on using hand drawn animation principles to be a foundation for a CG scene. Jason's process uses Flipbook with a simple stick figure to create a smooth animation then apply it in Maya as a foundation.

Scott Petersen's Online Mentoring -[link]
- Scott has vast experience as an animator and educator. Having an ex-Cal Arts teacher mentor my work for 50 bucks? That's love for the art and the student. Thank you Scott!


Tom Bancroft's books
*Creating Characters with Personality -[link]
*Character Mentor -[link]
- My drawing skills still need lots of work and Tom's books look like just what the doctor ordered. Here's another pro who loves what he does and pours the knowledge out to us hungry students. Hat's off to you Professor Tom!

I also continue to work through the resources I have...

- Advanced Animation by Preston Blair
- The Illusion Of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston
- The Animator's Survival Kit - Richard Williams
- Character Animation Crash Course by Eric Goldberg
- The Animator's Workbook by Tony White
- Don Bluth Animation Videos
- Animation websites and blogs

I started to realize about a month ago that I've got to take ownership of my education. It would be foolish to blindly trust that the school is giving me exactly what I need to gain a career in animation.