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Animation Articles

ANIMATION TIPS & TRICKS

Tutorial: Animating a Spinning Jump in Maya

https://youtu.be/fx1gKktzZvc In this lesson, Animation Mentor mentor and Rant Senior 3D Animator Gleb Sitnichenko shows how to build a convincing spinning jump for Stella based on ice skating axel reference. He focuses on why preparation and reference matter more than...

Tutorial: How to Polish Your Animation

https://youtu.be/CPLMqeCROQ0 DreamWorks animator and Animation Mentor alum Nicholas De Lotto walks through what “polish” actually means in a professional workflow and how to approach it without turning your shot into a floaty mess. He focuses on separating body and...

Tutorial: Animating Emotion Through Body Language

https://youtu.be/pm1aw5YkSI8?si=9WcrAkJ8fjN1zG5U In this tutorial, Animation Mentor Game Animation and Character Animation mentor Natasha Krinsky shows how to communicate emotion through posing, posture, and movement instead of relying on facial animation alone. Using...

A Conversation with Disney Legend Andreas Deja

https://youtu.be/HAiTpKcUOz8 We were honored to sit down with Disney Legend Andreas Deja as he reflected on decades animating some of Disney’s most beloved characters and the making of his hand‑drawn short film Mushka. He even took us behind the scenes to the initial...

Tutorial: Animating Nonverbal Communication in Maya

https://youtu.be/vTOgdlHfceU In this tutorial, Animation Mentor graduate Nathaniel Seymour explores how to animate clear emotion and storytelling without dialogue. Using his simple “Imp Rock” character and a giant flower, he demonstrates how gestures, facial shapes,...

DEMO REEL ADVICE

Animation Demo Reel Review Etiquette

So, you've secured a demo reel review at a convention, job fair, etc., but it's not just about the work! You want to make a good impression too. There are definitely do's and don'ts to abide by when getting your demo reel reviewed—learn what they are from Image Engine...

5 Things NOT to Do on Your Demo Reel

Image from Francisco Ucke's 2018 Student Showcase Shot!   At Animation Mentor, we know demo reels are the most important asset you have when looking for your dream animation job! In fact, we dedicate an entire class to teaching our students how to build their own...

A Guide to Demo Reel Reviews at Animation Conventions

Heading to CTN—or any other convention—this year with your demo reel in tow? First, read these pro tips on what to bring, how to get your reel reviewed, and more from some of our own mentors and reel reviewers who have seen it al! The annual CTN animation expo in...

Shawn Kelly Answers 5 Burning Questions About Demo Reels

Animation Mentor co-founder and ILM Lead Animator Shawn Kelly answers five great student questions about demo reels and gives advice on applying for studio animation jobs. And he should know—he’s been at ILM for more than 20 years! Get ready to soak up some knowledge....

Is Your Demo Reel Ready for a Major Studio?

In our recent webinar, Animation Mentor Co-founder and Industrial Light & Magic Lead Animator Shawn Kelly took a little break from working on Avengers 3 to critique some student demo reels and to talk about do's and don'ts, creature animation, and what studios are...

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