Dan Segarra
Senior Animator
Skydance Animation
Dan Segarra has been a professional animator since 2005 and is currently an animator at Skydance Animation. He was one of the first graduates of Animation Mentor and went on to work for Reel FX and Blue Sky Studios. He is also an accomplished character designer and 2D artist. Fun facts about Dan: He’s been told his Donald Duck impression is “freakishly awesome,” he really dislikes horror films, and he enjoys playing the ukulele to clear his mind. Dan currently teaches Advanced Body Mechanics, the third Core Character Animation Course at Animation Mentor.
Dan’s Credits
Luck
Spies in Disguise
Ice Age: Collision Course
The Peanuts Movie
Films
- Spellbound
- Luck
- Hotel Transylvania: Transformania
- Spies in Disguise
- Ferdinand
- Ice Age: Collision Course
- The Peanuts Movie
- Rio 2
- Epic
Other Films
- Ice Age: Continental Drift
- Arthur Christmas
- The Yogi Bear Movie
- Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
- Open Season 2
Shorts
- Bad Luck Spot: A Luck Short
- Scrat Tales: 1st Episode
What Dan’s Students are Saying
Best Mentor I've Had so Far
Dan is the best mentor I’ve had at AM so far. He’s the first mentor I’ve had that has no problem opening up my Maya scene and breaking down my shots. He is very quick to give criticism and feedback, always done by Sunday. His critiques are short but pack full of info and details. It is clear that he takes the time to look at the shots and analyze them before recording his critiques. During lectures, he’s always opening Maya and giving us quality tips and has no problem answering any questions.
Really Focuses on My Animation
Dan gives thoughtful feedback that really focuses on the problem areas of my animation. I’ve been impressed how quickly he provides his critiques, how communicative he has been, and how much prep work he puts into the class and the crits. His best classes have included a combo of check-ins with us, a small prepped lecture using examples of professional animation (sometimes in progress), and in-file reviews. It’s been great to hear his tips, tricks, advice, and stories.
Makes it Easy for Us to Understand
I love being in Dan’s class. He has a way of explaining things and breaking down animation so it’s easy for us to understand. Sometimes he’ll show us playblasts from shots he’s done at work and talk us through his process, which is really helpful. He’s also very kind and encouraging when we’re struggling with our shots and that goes a long way.
Feedback is Actionable and Clear
Dan has helped make the transition from intro to advanced body mechanics very enjoyable. Not only does he take extra time to help with whatever we’re struggling with, but his initial feedback is always very actionable and clear. I am really enjoying being in his course this term!
A Great Mentor
Dan is a great mentor. His critiques are thorough and explain everything as simple with clarity as possible. His Q&A’s are fun, he’s always happy, and makes sure I am doing okay. I struggled one week with an assignment and he reached out to me and Renee to make sure I was getting extra help, which shows me that he really cares and wants me to succeed. I will have him again in the future if I can!
Best Mentor I've Had so Far
Dan is the best mentor I’ve had at AM so far. He’s the first mentor I’ve had that has no problem opening up my Maya scene and breaking down my shots. He is very quick to give criticism and feedback, always done by Sunday. His critiques are short but pack full of info and details. It is clear that he takes the time to look at the shots and analyze them before recording his critiques. During lectures, he’s always opening Maya and giving us quality tips and has no problem answering any questions.
Really Focuses on My Animation
Dan gives thoughtful feedback that really focuses on the problem areas of my animation. I’ve been impressed how quickly he provides his critiques, how communicative he has been, and how much prep work he puts into the class and the crits. His best classes have included a combo of check-ins with us, a small prepped lecture using examples of professional animation (sometimes in progress), and in-file reviews. It’s been great to hear his tips, tricks, advice, and stories.
Makes it Easy for Us to Understand
I love being in Dan’s class. He has a way of explaining things and breaking down animation so it’s easy for us to understand. Sometimes he’ll show us playblasts from shots he’s done at work and talk us through his process, which is really helpful. He’s also very kind and encouraging when we’re struggling with our shots and that goes a long way.
Feedback is Actionable and Clear
Dan has helped make the transition from intro to advanced body mechanics very enjoyable. Not only does he take extra time to help with whatever we’re struggling with, but his initial feedback is always very actionable and clear. I am really enjoying being in his course this term!
A Great Mentor
Dan is a great mentor. His critiques are thorough and explain everything as simple with clarity as possible. His Q&A’s are fun, he’s always happy, and makes sure I am doing okay. I struggled one week with an assignment and he reached out to me and Renee to make sure I was getting extra help, which shows me that he really cares and wants me to succeed. I will have him again in the future if I can!
Courses Taught By Dan
Courses may vary from term to term.