Learning From The Animation Workshop

The Animation Workshop in Viborg, Denmark

Earlier in January I was back at The Animation Workshop, working as a "Censor" or - as we would say in the UK - an External Examiner.

External Examiners exist to maintain standards across higher education and ensure that degree results are fairly awarded.

Standards at the Animation Workshop are very, very high.  Not only do their students achieve high levels of skills in both 2D and 3D animation, but many are also skilled character designers and storyboard artists.

An animation class at The Animation Workshop

The Animation Workshop
Classes at the Animation Workshop are taught almost entirely by visiting tutors - a steady stream of industry professionals, helping to make the school feel more like an animation community, rather than simply a college for learning animation.

Animation Specialisation
The students in Viborg specialize in either computer graphics (modelling, rigging, lighting and compositing) or animation. However, throughout the course - and especially during their final year film - students from both disciplines come together to work on group projects.

Gateway to The Animation Workshop

Unique Ethos
One of the things that makes the Animation Workshop so special is its unique ethos. The school works hard to help their students reach their full potential, not just as animators but also as individuals.

Everything, from the hydraulic desks that the students and teachers work at (making it possible to both sit and work at the computer) to the large airy classrooms, fitted with sofas and places to relax, makes for a very positive and creative working environment.

Learning from the best
When I designed the course at Animation Apprentice, the course structure was inspired by my experience teaching at three leading animation schools: CalArts and Gnomon in Los Angeles, and The Animation Workshop in Denmark. Building Animation Apprentice, I tried to incorporate the best features of all three schools, on the basis that if you learn from the best you won't go too far wrong.  Returning to TAW to see the excellent work done by their students is always an inspiration and a pleasure.

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our next classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.