You have many choices when it comes to your education. These choices are a good thing because you can customize your education on your journey to becoming a kick-ass animator.

In 2005, three friends had the vision to create an alternative to brick and mortar, four-year university animation programs. They broke the traditional model and created the very first online animation school. In order to address the need for industry-trained artists, they paired students with industry professionals who would provide feedback just like they do in the studio.

It was a revolutionary shift. It changed how animation was taught and who it was accessible to. It made animation education available to a much larger group of artists. Their vision opened the door for animation and visual effects to be taught online. Since the founding of Animation Mentor, a number of knock-off online animation schools have been created.

You will receive an experience at Animation Mentor that you will not get anywhere else. Since 2005, we continued innovating and collaborating with top studios to ensure that we prepare you better than any other school can. In 2013, that innovation resulted in the very first online production pipeline accessible to students — giving you the skills to succeed in today’s industry. This production pipeline has inspired the next generation of animation education and we are proud to announce our newest tracks featuring this revolutionary education.

INTRODUCING: New Options For You!

Today, we want to let you know that you now have a choice. A choice that enables you to be the best animator you can be. You have the option to learn in our Classic Animation Track or in our Classic Pro Animation Track. Both tracks will prepare you for a career in the industry, but we have intentionally designed these tracks to give you two amazing options.

The Classic Animation Track.

This is our original, 18-month, online animation program. In this series of six classes – from Animation Basics to Polishing and Portfolio – you will learn to develop the artistic and technical skills you need to be successful as a character animator. Working, professional animators provide you with hands-on instruction and valuable industry insights. Graduates of program receive a diploma in Advanced Studies in Character Animation and you leave the program with exciting new shots for your demo reel.

The Classic Pro Animation Track.

Our newest approach to online animation education. Built on cutting edge curriculum, designed by industry professionals and informed by recruiters at world-class studios. You will join a team of animation and VFX students and learn to use studio best-practices, professional workflows and our exclusive production pipeline to produce a short film. Graduates of this seven class, 21 month program receive a diploma in Advanced Character Animation Production and you leave the program with new shots for your demo reel and a short film.

Which track is right for me?

Each artist is different and we created two tracks to meet your needs and ambition. Our Classic Animation Track is geared to those who are looking to produce and polish a demo reel. Our Classic Pro Animation Track is designed for students who want to collaborate on a short film in a real production setting. You are looking for the best education for your learning style and to set you up for a successful career – we’ve worked hard to create two tracks for that reason. We are here for you — shoot us an email at admissions (at) animationmentor.com and we’d be more than happy to discuss which track may be the best fit for you.

What happened to Animation Fundamentals?

Fear not! We’re incorporating our awesome Animation Fundamentals classes into both our Classic Animation Track and Classic Pro Animation Track. As a result, we’ll be phasing out this fundamentals diploma over the next four terms. What this means is that as long as you finish Introduction to Acting (AN04) by the end of the Spring 2015 term, you’ll get your Animation Fundamentals diploma. Please take this into account as you plan your schedule – we won’t extend this for people who take extended leaves from the school.

Spring 2015 is the last time we will offer the Animation Fundamentals diploma. We’re phasing this out to give our current students and new incoming Summer 2014 students the opportunity to earn this diploma. We know this diploma may be important to you, and we want to make sure you have the opportunity to earn this diploma.

Your Choice.

The reason for these changes to our curriculum is you. You told us you want options. And well, your opinion is very, very important to us. With both tracks, you are guaranteed to get an education that will teach you the essentials, connect you with top talent from the industry, and give you an experience that will change the course of your career.

We’re here for you.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we’d love to learn more about you, your ambitions and how we can help. Have a specific question? Leave it in the comments below.