Angie
New Member
Posts: 10
|
Post by Angie on Feb 3, 2006 14:10:33 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?I wanted to attend a place that had people who were in the industry teaching us the industry. The location also was a determining factor. I am from Michigan and so most any location is better then that one however, I knew if I would spend the money then it had to be the right place for me. I have heard from some people that the Academy was great and others who said the Academy was not good and I should go to CalArts. But when it comes down to it, the people who make up this school have the knowledge that I want and so I am happy I am here. Angie M What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?Hate to sound Cliche, but the truth is, I was inspired when I was very young by the make up effects of Thriller and American Werewolf in London. the artistry, problem solving, and team effort attract me to this field. I am also a person who wants to know and do a bit of everything therefore this seems to be a good fit. What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?Before earning my BA in Film and animation at GVSU in Michigan I spent a lot of time doing theater, specifically lighting and set painting, it was the closest thing to VFX I could get until college. In college, I spent time in 16mm film, animation, life-drawing, multimedia classes and even one class learning 3d modeling in Form Z. After college I was hired at a post-house where we do commercial editing and web design. I spent most of my time in Flash, Photoshop and After Effects. I am very interested in the finished composition looking perfect. Thus, my background dabbles in a bit of everything and training my eye in VFX, in combination with the drive to dabble in everything, may make me a good candidate for this field.
|
|
|
Post by erinlehmkuhl on Feb 3, 2006 16:28:17 GMT -8
--Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? I worked for two years at a very uncreative television station in Santa Barbara. I came back back to school so I would be able to create projects that I was proud to show to my friends and family, and mainly, to myself. I grew up in the Bay Area and was happy to discover that the VFX mecca has sprouted up here in the past 20 years. The Academy has a bit more grit than Expression and I felt less pampered here. I want to get in and get out, I don't need a lot of hand holding.
--What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I like the challenging aspect of it. I want someone to say, "he needs to fly over there, get shot at, have a big exposion and then blood spurts everywhere. Can you do that?" And I want to think, "d**n that's tricky." And I want to say, "Sure, let's make it happen!"
--What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I started in production and realized that I much prefer being at the end of the production line so I can put all of the pieces together and see the final product. Some people like the chase, my dad for instance, likes tinkering on his car. He likes the tinkering and hates it when he's finished. I like the prize. I work day and night on my own projects (sometime to the detriment of the final quality) so I can see the final product. That is not unique but it's the truth. I actually wish I could do it all. Plan it, shoot it, VFX it, edit it... but I tried that and it always ends up stretching you too thin and it sucks.
|
|
|
Post by kchang on Feb 6, 2006 1:07:26 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
I studied of the list of courses offered by AAU. I am especially interested in Digital Paint and Rotoscoping, 3D Modeling, and Matte Painting. I believe they will further sharpen my skills in compositing and advance my knowledge in the construction of a masterpiece.
What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
I was not very sure about the field when I chose it for my undergraduate studies, but I like animation, and i thought 3d could be a nice field for me to work in the future. In my second year of college, I was getting sure about my choice.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
My 4 years at SVA, NY, I learned many techniques that are related to the field. I also have a few related work experiences. My prior experiences have deepened my faith in the path of Visual Effects. ;D
|
|
|
Post by riendeau on Feb 7, 2006 12:51:59 GMT -8
• Discussion 1.1: Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
To me what is most important is being given the opportunity over the next 2-3 years to focus on personal interests, ideas and concepts. The Academy's school of visual effects & animation has some of the most accomplished faculty in post-graduate education to be sure. If I'm going to get a job, it only makes sense to have 'double agent' professors who can potentially be helpful company contacts as well.
I do think the school has the necessary resources. I would like to see more and better computers, but that'd be the case anywhere.
___________________________________________
• Discussion 1.2: What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films?
Simply put, I believe that cg effects is the only realm of digital art that can accurately realize the ideas I have and help in the development of better ones as time goes on.
I do like a lot of VFX films, particularly ones that are off-the-map, foreign films and anime included but I tend to gravitate towards either decisively bad action movies or a well-directed film with or without any VFX.
____________________________________________
• Discussion 1.3: What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both?
My ideas are very non-traditional. I'm looking to build something different in visual entertainment. Prior to coming to the Academy, I've already worked for and quit the one kind of digital arts job that I dislike, (news design) so I'm not here to waste time. I want to make interesting, new visuals and enjoy the time spent.
I guess I consider myself a little bit of both artist and technician. I enjoy tinkering with hardware, building computers and other stuff as much as the traditional or computer arts. I like knowing all the options and how everything works, which is part of the reason I'm taking this class outside my major, 3D Modeling.
|
|
|
Post by mdmoss on Feb 7, 2006 22:36:37 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program? -The school was recommended to me by Ronn Brown and after doing some research of other schools, this one had what I wanted: great teachers that have been or are in the industry, and I'd much rather live in Northern California.
What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films? - I've been a Star Wars geek since I was eleven and while watching Jurassic Park, I knew I wanted to be apart of that kind of magic, to learn how to make dinosaurs real, it fascinated me.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both? -While achieving my BS I excelled in all my classes, and I relished challenging myself, making more work for myself was fun for me. I've had only a little experience in real production while working on a project with Ronn Brown, but I'm ready for the real thing. It's my opinion that it is impossible to do this kind of work without being both an artist and a tech. You have to be able to see important details in lighting, reflections, color, contrast, etc. and you could not do this kind of work without knowing the technology in the digital age.
|
|
kbus
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by kbus on Feb 9, 2006 12:19:33 GMT -8
Hey Everyone, My names Karla, I suppose my answers will differ from everyone's a little but, because I am coming from the New Media program.
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I chose the Academy of Art University for so many reasons. Probably some wrong reasons. I picked the West Coast, because most of the places I would like to work on the on the West Coast. I didn't have a car, and San Francisco offered public transportation. In addition, the Academy is one of the few Art schools that I looked at, that offered a Masters Program. My ambition was to simply gain training in After Effects and Flash, so I was told that I could get that in the New Media Program. It's funny though, I think what I want lies somewhere in between New Media and Visual Effects. But this school also offers a great deal of loans for financial aid, I think that kind of made the decision for me. San Francisco is a very expensive place, and this is an expensive school, so the assistance was definitely a plus in coming to this school.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I'm not sure if Visual Effects is something I solely want to do. I certainly want to incorporate some effects into my Motion Graphics. But I do enjoy visual effects when they are done well. I don't feel right saying that because I'm about as green as it gets. But I really enjoy innovative and seamless visual effects.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
I have skills from many different places. In undergrad, I majored in Film production as well as Electronic Studio Art. I have design for a good amount of years. Now I am studying Motion Graphics and I am planning to incorporate all of these lessons into this class. I was going to say I am a quick learner, but I think in this day and age, who isn't. As far as if I'm a techy or an artist. For now, I consider myself a button pusher, I want to be more than that. I want to expand my skills as an artist and as a conceptual thinker. That's what I essentially am here for. I want to strengthen those muscles, because I feel that this is what will set you apart from everyone else.
|
|
|
Post by lekelu on Feb 9, 2006 20:35:51 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program? I came from the EAST Coast where they offer a few really great Art Institutions, but none really have the connections nor the Rep. this school does. I have the aspirations to make it into the film/VFX industry yet it makes it really hard to do that 3000 miles away....unless I became a lawyer like my brother, then I could try to shake the hollywood pockets, but I want more than just a small name on a speeding credit reel.
What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films? These days, every movie needs some kind of visual effects. Not everyone cares about story line, or acting, a mojority of a national and worldwide audience is fascinated by the growing technology of VFX. New methods of VFX feed into the imagination of audiences. THE MATRIX (the first one), for example, reset the bar for film companies to not only produce ground breaking effects, but to connect a meaningful story. Since then, many have tried but they fail to achieve one or the other. My goal is to be a part of the creation of films so that there is more than just eye candy. An even better example, LORD OF THE RINGS. To me, Flawless. There is real emotion in the effects, and the tone of the artistry. People left the theatres, I am one, who just felt that for 2.5 hours participated in the journey and destruction of the ring. Some even peed their pants. I am not one of them. But I want to make people pee their pants because my movie is so d**n good. YOU AINT COOL, UNLESS YOU MAKE PEOPLE PEE THEIR PANTS. Spoken wisely by Billy Madison.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both? I graduated from the University of Vermont with a Degree in Studio Art, and an Art History Minor. The school did not really have a VFX or much of a technology department, but as an artist first, I believe that my imagination, is what has been developed over the years. Most of the imagination has been put to paper or canvas or wood, but my mind sees these still pieces in motion. They deserve that motion, and a world around them in the same color tone. There are good guys and bad guys and a trophy at the end. So in other words, in careful detail I want to build these storys in color and put them into motion.
|
|
|
Post by yuying on Feb 9, 2006 20:57:29 GMT -8
why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? I had always thought about studying in Academy of Art University. This is every artist’s dream school. You come here to learn art from people who really know about art. They are all very professional and they know what they are doing. I love people know what is their talent and they know how to use it. Everybody try to do their best here, and we all learn from each other. I love this kind of learning environment. Also, I love San Francisco. This is my favorite in the whole world!! I am very lucky to study here!!! : )
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? I took couple of animation classes from SFSU. I got inspire from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. I love puppet animation, but there is something that I feel I want to learn more. So, here I am. Taking VFX class in my dream school. I love watch the beautiful sky and I want to create it with my own hand, digitally. : ) I want to learn how to do it. So I will be able to show my imaginations visually to people.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? I used to go to fine art high school in Taiwan. Therefore, I have some background from art. I got my BA in visual commutation. I did not learn a lot from my last degree. But, I did take some of digital film class there, and I made some stop motion film. I think it may make me a little bit good candidate for this field.
|
|
|
Post by nickjushchyshyn on Feb 10, 2006 6:46:51 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? The first key factor was the availability of an Online based program for a VFX MFA. Even studying locally, an attending an on-site program would require some 9 hours of commuting time alone, which is not a particularly viable option with a full time job, plus freelance work (not to mention two kids) to keep up with.
The final deciding point in selecting this program over other online offerings was the faculty and industry ties at AoAU.
Do you feel that the school has the necessary resources you need to complete your program?
At the moment, I'm very optimistic that the resources are in place. Directed study requirements are still a little vague, and I'm not entirely sure how smoothly things will work since I'm connecting from the east coast, but I'm determined to do everything possible to get the most from this program and see it through to completion.
What makes you want to participate in the computer graphics industry? Do you watch a lot of VFX films? Quite simply, it appears that the "computer graphics industry" is the future of communications in general.
Sure, I watch VFX films (ok .... a LOT of VFX films ... but how can anyone NOT watch VFX films when they're the staple product of the mass market film industry ... even for "nonFX" subject matter?), but, beyond film, computer graphics have become the cornerstone of virtually all visual mass media. Television (drama, comedy, news, advertising), home entertainment (direct-to-DVD release and game systems), broadband entertainment (computer-based, entertainment systems, and now portable viewers like the iPod, PSP and cell phones), digital signage ... and more.
At the same time the industry is unstable. Rank and file jobs are rapidly moving abroad, making in more difficult for a "pure" artist or technician in the U.S. to find work. However, since costs of production are lowered by this trend, this opens access to MORE shows to be produced, which increases demand for people that are both technically AND artistically savvy supervisors, TDs and directors here at the client-facing "how do we make this show happen on budget?" side of the business.
It's these increased needs and challenges that draw me to the industry.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the computer graphics industry? Would you classify yourself as an artist, a technician, or a little of both? I classify myself as a lot of both. Artistically, I started with black & white photography at the age of 5, developing my own film and prints in a basement darkroom. From a technical POV, I have been programming computers since 1983, and have over 15 years of professional programming experience along with an in-depth understanding of the technolgies and processes involved in computer graphics productions.
Today, I'm every bit as comfortable working with and/or discussing the lighting and compositional considerations of a shot as I am with meeting the demands of matchmoving and integrating a CG or greenscreen element into the scene or coding scripts or plugins to streamline HDR creation in the pipeline. While I certainly don't expect this to be "unique" (especially in a group like this), I'm hoping that it's at least a viable starting point for getting involved in national-level, feature-film-grade work.
|
|
|
Post by yslee728 on Feb 10, 2006 10:00:42 GMT -8
When I lived in San Francisco, I got to know more about AAU from my friends. Besides, I also did some search on the internet. This school is famous for computer graphic program.
Though my primary interest lays Media art, I also hope to gain a comprehensive knowledge of the many other facets involving visual effects and 3D Character Animation. Media arts interest me immensely. It is not only an integration of art and technology, but involved in experience of the visual, audio sense. It cannot only be seen as an extension of the human, but as an indication of our civilization, and possibly a realm that goes beyond the boundaries of language and culture. Nowadays, different cultures have started to merge as one because of the emergence of media arts that create a virtual world which interacts and communicates with people
After earning MBA degree, I find out this is not what I want for my career. Then I studied in The Art Institute of California in San Francisco. I have learned various basic art techniques and subjects such as graphic design, drawing, and digital imaging; I also enjoyed liberal arts courses-- such as contemporary art theory and cultural studies that can stimulate my thoughts. Even I just start my art education for 2 quarters; this education has provided me with diversified techniques and a solid foundation to create ambitious multi-media installations combining different aspects of design, imaging, and traditional drawing as a whole.
|
|
shora
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by shora on Jun 22, 2006 22:37:17 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University? I searched thorugh all animation and Visual Effects schools and univeristies in awn.com, schools section about a year and half ago for a MFA degree. and by that time I thought AAU was the most promising of them all. and the fact that it is located in the Bay Area made it more appealing to me. nad I still think the same too. What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)? Everything about VFX (and animation). I love this thing. I want to tell stories (in any form and variation) and this is by far for me the only medium that one person can do the whole thing by himslef. (Yeah!!!! I know its impossible by todays standards, but .. That's me ;D) What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry? first and foremost, passion and love to do this job. the other thing is I have a BS in Computer Science, MS in IT & Multimedia and now I'm in for MFA of VFX. You can't find that kind of degree of education that much. But again, no matter how much good I am at 3ds max right now, it doesn't matter in the Post Production industry... so right now, I can't be the best candidate for post production VFX job
|
|
|
Post by jenhaoyeh on Sept 11, 2007 16:48:23 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
First, AAU enjoys high prestige in the field of 3D animation and excellent and outstanding faculty. The academic atmosphere of your school is quite demanding, challenging and stimulating, which makes it an ideal place for study.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
Pixar, THQ. I want to do the thing what they do. I want I can create something make people WOW~~.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
I've studies in Design, marketing, photography, programing. I also took relevant courses offered by Alias Maya and obtained a certificate. I were even in military. So, I do know how to behave my behavior and finish the mission on time.
|
|
|
Post by benlaidlaw on Sept 12, 2007 15:38:38 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I needed the change from the east coast to see what this centrifuge of the film industry really is. The east coast may have its strong suits, but the west coast and the Academy of Art have the competition for me to figure out what I really am best at to go forward in the next ten years.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
VFX has been the light at the end of the narrowing tunnel in the film industry for me. I've dabbled into everything trying to concentrate, especially trying in animation and lighting, over the last few years. The people, the concepts, and the tools have been extremely appealing and i now want to focus in an even smaller area....(LOL, no w i just got to pick from all the jobs in the VFX industry, I'm getting closer though)
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
The unique thing is my blue collard puritan work ethic who'll do the job until it is complete after I've put my name on it. From screenplays, to houses, to film projects. I'm a fan of smart hard labor. I know how to learn, and can tell what a good picture is and why it is a good picture, so I'm not working pointlessly.
|
|
rlui
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by rlui on Sept 13, 2007 9:20:33 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
Well at first i didn't know what i wanted to do in life but once i saw the AAU commerical, i decided to continue with art. On a Plus note they were located in San Francisco, CA and after 18 years living in New York City, it was time for a new atmosphere.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
At first i sign up as a Modeler / animator, but somehow my friend convention me to go to VFX side. Also around that time 80% of the students were modeler or animators and there were a few VFX artist. So i gave it a try and fell in love. Somehow making stuff exploded in cg seem enjoyable -=)
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
I love the challenge. I feel like i am mcguyver and i need to use this paper clip and rubber band and turn into a bomb. I want to challenge myself and not fail.
so I'll let my work speak for me.
|
|
alex
New Member
Posts: 1
|
Post by alex on Sept 13, 2007 22:45:26 GMT -8
Why have you chosen the Academy of Art University?
I did some research on a few animation schools on the internet and compared the courses that they offer. I find that the courses that AAU offers are better and I can complete my degree within 3 years. Moreover, I wanted to stay in San Francisco and most of the well-known visual effects company are located at the west coast.
What makes you want to participate in the Industry (VFX)?
After watching the very first three Star Wars (Episode 4, 5 and 6), I was really impressed by the visual effects. I was really curious of how the visual effects was done. Since then, I started to love Sci-Fi movies and my curiosity of the world of visual effects built up even more. As years gone by and the improvement of technology, visual effects has improved as well. Therefore, working in the industry has become my dream.
What is it about your background that makes you a unique candidate for a position in the post-production vfx industry?
Patience. I wouldn't say I am a 100% perfectionist but once I lay my hand on something, I will get it done until I'm satisfied. Although I just got into the VFX industry, but I have the passion and I am willing to accept any challange.
|
|