Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Animation Mentor? We’re here to help with answers to our most frequently asked questions below!
Which courses do I need to apply for? Can I just register without applying?
If you are interested in starting the 3D Character Animation Program or the Game Animation Program, you will need to apply to Animation Mentor for admittance.
If you are considering taking any of our 6-week or 12-week courses that are not part of our main programs, you do not need to apply and can register directly. We highly recommend reviewing the prerequisite requirements for each course before registering.
I was previously accepted to Animation Mentor, do I need to apply again?
No. If you were previously accepted, you do not need to apply again and can go ahead and register for class!
Do I need to know how to use Maya before starting classes?
We recommend having a basic knowledge of Maya before starting our 3D Character Animation or Game Animation programs. For students with little to no Maya experience, we offer the 6 week Maya Animation course. This course will teach you all the basics of Maya so that you’ll have a strong foundation before starting your main program.
Are classes live or recorded?
Your weekly lectures in class are pre-recorded and are individually released every Sunday of the term.
You will also have a one-hour live Q&A session with your mentor each week. The weekly Q&As are live video sessions where you get to see your mentor and other students. Your mentor can demonstrate assignments live during class and take your questions. These are not recorded, so it is highly encouraged for you to attend every session.
You will also have access to recorded and written supplemental content, available for all students on our online campus.
What is the typical weekly schedule for a student?
We recommend spending 20-40 hours per week focused on animation while attending our 3D Character Animation or Game Animation program. The time estimate depends on your skills in Maya, your skills as an animator, and where you are in the program. Included in this time estimate are our supplemental resources for you to take advantage of during your time here as well as your weekly Q&A and lecture. Students in courses outside of our main programs can expect to spend 10-20 hours per week.
Lectures are posted on Sundays each week. From that point you have unlimited access to the lecture and can rewatch it as often as you need. You are required to attend 1 one-hour Q&A session each week with your mentor. We offer Q&A’s on a variety of days and times to accommodate a wide range of time zones and personal schedules.
Assignments are due on Sundays at 12pm Noon Pacific Time. Your mentor will review your assignment the following week in a recorded eCritique™- which is a video you will receive where your mentor comments directly on your work.
Here is a sample plan for one week as an Animation Mentor student:
Sunday:
- Review your assignment and make any last adjustments before turning it in
- Upload your homework by 12pm Noon Pacific Time
- Comment on fellow students’ newly posted work on the Animation Mentor Campus
- Watch the new lecture for the week and check out the new homework assignment, including any new rigs and assets for the assignment
Monday:
- Watch your recorded eCritique for the week and take notes
- Start planning the week’s assignment
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday:
- Work on the homework assignment a little bit each day
- Attend your weekly Q&A session with your mentor
- Attend any supplemental Q&A’s you want to
Friday:
- Focus on the homework assignment; try to get it close to finished
Saturday:
- Finish the homework assignment or as close to finished as you can get so you only have minor edits to do on Sunday
- Take a break! You worked hard this week
What kind of computer and software do I need to use?
Animation Mentor provides an Autodesk Maya license to all students in courses that require Maya, including our Maya Animation courses, and all courses in the 3D Character Animation and Game Animation programs. Most other courses have free software options for students to select from.
Learn more about the software and computer system requirements here.
What resources are available to me as a student?
We offer a wide range of resources available to all our students beyond the recorded lectures and live Q&A with a mentor. Some of these resources include:
- Dailies Q&As; Feedback sessions with alumni where students can get extra feedback and advice from Alumni during the week.
- Movie & Game Q&As; Learn all kinds of tips, tricks, and behind the scenes tidbits from mentors and industry professionals as they discuss working on the latest movies and video games.
- Open Office Hours; Our student success staff hosts open office Q&As where you can jump in at any point to ask questions, seek help, and get support.
- Peer Buddy program; Pairs students with a classmate from a higher course to be there to answer questions, give extra feedback on your work, and offer their experience going through the course.
- Technical Support; We have dedicated staff ready to answer any technical issues you may be having on your assignments to help make sure you aren’t held back on learning animation because of tech trouble.
- Resource Library; A large online library of information, extra lectures, and content you can browse through if you want to learn more on any kind of animation topic.
- And More! These are just a few of the resources we offer our students, and we are always working on adding more to ensure our students not only learn, but succeed in our courses.
Will I get a diploma or certificate after I complete my courses?
Animation Mentor provides a certificate of completion to those students who successfully pass Feature Animation Acting & Polish or Game Animation: Cinematic Cutscenes. Alumni can download their certificates via the AM Campus by navigating to “My Profile > Grades” and clicking the certificate download in the top right.
Do I need to have good drawing skills?
Drawing skills are not a requirement of our 3D Character Animation or Game Animation programs and will not necessarily be taught as part of the curriculum. Students keep sketchbooks to reference as they create their animations. Basic drawing skills are needed for some of our 6-week courses like 2D Animation, Storyboarding, and Character Design.
What are the requirements for international students? Can I get a visa?
Our admissions requirements are the same for all students, no matter where you live around the world. Animation Mentor is unable to assist students with student visas – our courses are offered exclusively online and relocation is not required.
What happens if I don’t pass a course?
At the end of each term, you will receive a Pass or Fail from your mentor. If you do not pass and need to repeat, you will automatically receive a $900 discount off of the normal tuition when you register. Learn more about our Repeat a Class program here.
When do I get access to Maya for my class?
You will be able to download Maya and access a free Maya license on the first day of the term.
What is Animation Mentor's Refund Policy?
The Cancellation Period is any time before Friday of Week 1 of your course.
The Withdrawal Period ends once 60% of the course has elapsed (Only applicable to 12 week courses. Wed of Week 7).
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Prior to the Cancellation Period (Friday of Week 1):The refund for courses shall be the amount of tuition and fees paid, less the non-refundable registration fee.
Students enrolled in a six week course may withdraw for a full refund or hold minus registration fees at any time before Friday of Week 1. Any withdrawals after that period may receive a pro-rated refund or hold based on how many weeks have elapsed.
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After the Expiration of the Cancellation Period (Friday of Week 1):Tuition and fees may be refunded or held. Funds paid will be pro-rated according to the number of class sessions elapsed and held on account for use by the student or issued as a refund to the original method of payment. If the student has not submitted sufficient payment to qualify for a pro-rated refund or hold, any remaining payment owed will not be collected.
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After the Expiration of the Withdrawal Period (Wed of Week 7):Tuition and fees may be refunded or held. Funds paid will be pro-rated according to the number of class sessions elapsed and held on account for use by the student or issued as a refund to the original method of payment. If the student has not submitted sufficient payment to qualify for a pro-rated refund or hold, they will be required to pay the difference between the pro-rated amount and their current payment balance.