All my life I had wanted to learn 3D computer animation and graphics. I originally came from a graphic design background where I had mastered 2D dimensional graphics on my own, teaching myself how to use Photoshop, Illustrator and pretty much any other conventional graphic design program out there. I had worked over 6 years at various companies for brands like Timex Canada (Designing Catalogs for Guess , Nautica), Messiah Skateboards (as an art director), March Entertainment (working as graphic designer/marketing coordinator). Learning 3d Graphics was the last mountain peak that I wanted to conquer on my list of educational things to do. For over 7 years I was a lost soul when it came to schooling. I already had attended 2 universities and had a Bachlors Degree from Wilfrid Laurier in Communication Studies and a Diploma in Film Studies from Ryerson University. My goal in life has been to become a director/producer of commercials and music videos. But I’ve never been able to put my vision to screen, until now.
It’s still recognized as one of the top schools in the world to learn animation, even when compared to places like Cal Arts or VFS.
In the summer of 2008 I decided to sign up for Sheridan College for computer animation. Sheridan has always been one of the pioneers in this field and it’s still recognized as one of the top schools in the world to learn animation, even when compared to places like Cal Arts or VFS. The Computer animation program started in the early 1980′s and has been running ever since. The alumni list is huge and it runs deep within the Entertainment business. Many grads have gone on to work for Dreamworks, Pixar, ILM, Core Digital Pictures, Starz Animation, Lucas Films, Blue Sky, Ubisoft. Pretty much anywhere in the world, there is a Sheridan grad working in almost every major entertainment firm. Growing up in the 90′s I had heard about Sheridan and almost forgot about the place til it was time to do research schools. On my list of choices were Vancouver film school, Lost Boys, Seneca College and Sheridan College. I spoke with advisors of each school. My questions were relatively simple: What software would I learn? What were the hours like? How much one-on-one time would I get? Where are your alumni now?
In the end Vancouver Film school, Lost Boys, and Sheridan all had a huge alumni list with impressive work. But The cost to attend VFS and Lost boys were a bit too high for me. I didn’t have enough money to make it out to Vancouver. I was 27 and I needed a school that wouldn’t rob me of my savings and put me into major debt. Sheridan and Seneca had both relatively cheaper tuition fees. Since I lived in Ontario, Canada it was only $12k to attend (Note tuition is higher for international Students. Around $25k-$30k). Not bad considering I had spent way more money studying my film diploma at Ryerson. I had learned that the Visual FX program at Seneca was really good, but when it came to 3D graphics and animation, Sheridan was the place to be.
The Program
Prior to entering Sheridan I didn’t really expect much, I only wanted to learn how to make some basic objects in 3D, like how to model a building or car. However, I got more than I expected. I had missed the entrance for the September program that ran until April, so I joined the January group instead, which would last until August. My class originally started out with 13 people. It was an intense 8 months where I pretty much lived in the computer lab. Everyday for 8 months I modeled, textured, animated, lit, designed, and did the impossible. I had classes in learning how to use Maya, Mudbox, After Effects, Animation methodology, Animation theory, Lighting and Compositing, and Animation Principles.
This encouraged the remaining people to work even harder on their work, burning the midnight oil until their projects were perfect.
It was tough, the assignments took many hours to complete, and learning curve for Maya was very steep. So steep that many people had problems trying to grasp the software. This was mainly due to Maya’s poor user interface design. Also taking into consideration how times Maya crashes on a regular basis, many people became frustrated with it. Some people dropped out, others decided the program was not for them. Although, majority of people wanted to be there, this encouraged the remaining people to work even harder on their projects, burning the midnight oil until their work were perfect.
There was plenty of equipment to share. The computer lab at Sheridan had close to 80 to 100 computers in total. There was more than enough for everyone including those from different classes. Since many of the teachers had been teaching at Sheridan for years, many of them had set ways in their teaching methods. They gave good instruction on animation principles, methodology, theory, history. There was also plenty of help when needed.
A usual day would be – in the morning we would have class from 9 till noon, then the rest of the day we would work on our stuff. Teachers and TA’s would be around the lab for the afternoon to help students with their problems. There were also video recordings of each of the classes, which gave us a chance to review all the complex stuff taught that day.
Learning Maya can be very complex, but the teacher I had was young and did an amazing job at explaining everything. Since my class was small, there was a lot of one-on-one time with the teachers. Almost everyone in my class got 20-30 minutes a day with our instructor who would help us with a our problems. It was well worth our tuition. I learned so much within the 8 months I was there, by the end of it, I was completely shocked that the program was over as it went by so fast.
The Good and the Bad
Trying to cram in too much information into 8 months was the program’s biggest weakness. Within the span of 8 months, there was so much information taught that it seemed there wasn’t enough time to absorb all the information, let alone mentally digest it. There were many days where people felt like they were just being beaten up by the computer.
Another downer was, I didn’t feel enough time was focused on the animation principles. They were touched upon, but I felt that more time was needed. Some people managed to pick up the animation basics quickly, others took more time. However, I felt that a stronger focus on the animation principles were needed for people from different backgrounds.
Best part of the program. That’s difficult to say because there was a lot about the program that I actually liked. I met a lot of great talented people in the program. Many of them who I’ll continue to work with in the years to come.
The one-on-one time was great during the January program. I got to ask a lot of questions that I had with my project
Every week there were lectures by industry professionals or alumni. Sometimes there were even studio tours. These alumni gave us some great insight into where we could end up working in the industry. Also the tours were great to attend, because we all got to see the different places that we could apply to after school.
The mentality behind this is that students will be able to adapt and find out what they are good at.
Am I Prepared?
Yes and no, depending on what you plan to focus in on. Sheridan focuses is on making students generalists. The mentality behind this is that students will be able to adapt and find out what they are good at. The final assignment is for each student to produce a 1 minute short film with one character and one location. This is alright if you are into animation, but it can be a bit of a drag if you’re focus is modeling. I know a lot of people who struggled with their final assignments, because they just weren’t animators. However, there were lots of students who picked up their animation skills in their final project.
Specialization is really up to you after the program. You will end up with a 1 minute demo that has 1 character, 1 location and a simple story. A Lot of people who loved modeling, some did cool game cinematics, other people who love stuff like Pixar did a simple cartoon short. For myself, I tried something different by making a funny commercial. I tried to mix some organic modeling with some motion graphics.
I do feel that I am prepared to tackle any problem. However, now that I’ve completed the program, I realize that I’m going to have to continue learning on my own, which is fine by me. I do wish Sheridan had some more advanced courses in Motion graphics and modeling.
It’s important to realize that the school can only teach you so much. In the end it’s up to you, as a student, to carry on and expand on the foundation they provide you. Also, you will have to push yourself hard to make the most of it. If you’re willing to put in the long hours and try to figure out how to do amazing things, your time will pay off. But do realize this comes with a price of giving up your social life. Forget TV, forget video-games, forget your loved ones or even family. Just live in the computer lab. Glue your hand to the mouse and click away. It’s the only way to learn the programs inside out.
I met a lot of talented students, some were light years ahead of me. A lot of the good ones had some prior experience in 3D before entering the program. This is a very very very tough program that will prepare you. You will either love it or hate it. But they will teach you everything you need to know.
Yes! I would recommend this program highly for those who wish to build a foundation in 3D and animation.
The Verdict
Yes! I would recommend this program highly for those who wish to build a foundation in 3D and animation. Although, I am currently unemployed and still searching for a job, most of my friends who have applied around have gotten full-time jobs within 12 weeks after graduation.
Many of them reworked their final projects to focus on a particular specialization, some were stronger in animation, others were better in modeling/rigging or even motion graphics. Whatever they chose to specialize in after school, the foundational learning they received at Sheridan, greatly improved their skills and helped them to get to where they are now.
As for my own current plans, I’ve come to realize that animation isn’t for me. However, motion graphics and branding is an avenue that I’m trying to pursue. I’ve completed 9 years of post-graduate school already. I’m very tired of it. However, I do believe that I have a strong foundation of knowledge that I can always pull from.
Attending Sheridan College for 3D was the last piece of my educational puzzle. They taught me everything that I wanted to know about 3D and have opened doors for me that I never though possible.
I’m updating my website to include my demo reel, so for now you can check out my graphic design work.
(5 votes, average: 3.60 out of 5)
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