The Imposter

So, I got my first critique from my mentor. It didn't go as well as I planned. I uploaded my assignment early and got some positive feedback initially. I thought I could take the rest of the week off! I was a little concerned on Sat night when I checked my workspace and saw a bunch of comments discussing things I should consider changing. Even though most of the comments were in agreement I figured I was good to go and didn't want to over think things. Well, I probably should have taken their advice! I got a barely passing grade and a very disappointing Critique. All at once, those voices of doom and gloom kept whispering in my ear : "Hack! What are you doing here?" I knew they would come, just not this soon and I was unprepared for it. Fortunately my wife gave me the encouragement I needed to press on and focus on this week. I recall the words of Kipling: "If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster and treat these two imposters just the same." Success and Failure are imposters. Both shouldn't have the power to control you but only to educate you. I heard that building a thick skin is one of the greatest qualities an animator can possess so I guess I am on my way. Bring on the bouncing ball!

Padawans

I met my mentor today at our weekly Q&A.  He gave us a chance to introduce ourselves via webcam.  I have a lot of interesting students in my class.  A few live in NY like me.  Hopefully we can have a meet up.  The enthusiasm everyone had was so palpable during that hour.  Strange to think our conversation covered three continents…This is such a unique and amazing place.  Can’t wait to start animating!

Here We Go!

Day 1 of Animation Mentor was completely overwhelming!  The gates opened at 3PM EST and I was the deer in the proverbial headlights.  There was so much content thrown at me from video training to assignments to the syllabus.  I was glad to hear that there would be no assignment in Week1.  It was a good idea on their part to let us soak in our new playground.  I was thrilled to hear that my mentor worked at DreamWorks and was an animator on the Shrek and Madagascar films. I think I’m gonna like it here!