COLLEGE AGE ANIMATION CLASS
INSTRUCTOR: NATHAN FISHER

This Animation Class teaches & mentors adults 17 and older in digital and traditional art for creating animated cartoons and stories. This class will focus on skill development for animating, character design, scriptwriting, & voiceover acting. If you are under 17 and wish to join this class, please reach out to Annie at classes@cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com.

INCLUDES

• Weekly classes
• Contribute to student projects as an animator, character designer, background artist, script writer, or voice actor
• Participate in live online voiceover performance sessions
• Interact with other students in our online community
• Get support during the week when needed

CLASS IN SESSION: TUESDAYS | SEPTEMBER 14-DECEMBER 7 | 4 PM TO 5:30 PM | $300

If you would like to pay a prorated amount when joining the class after September 14, email Annie at classes@cottonwoodcenterforthearts.com

The following roles DO NOT REQUIRE ownership of any tech, computer, or equipment: CHARACTER DESIGNER, BACKGROUND ARTIST, VOICEOVER ACTOR, or SCRIPTWRITER**. It is possible to learn and accomplish a lot in this class using nothing more than a pencil and paper. However, if your student does have a Windows or Mac laptop computer, iPad, or Android Tablet available, we encourage them to bring those items with them to class.

FOR CHARACTER DESIGNERS and BACKGROUND ARTISTS who do have a computer, tablet, or other electronic device available to them, we recommend:
1) Installing the FREE student version of Autodesk Sketchbook on their computer, iPad, Android Tablet and even their iPhone or Android Smartphone.
2) Owning a Wacom Drawing Tablet or drawing stylus to use with their computer or electronic device:
• For laptop or desktop computers: there is no better option than a Wacom Drawing Tablet – Click here for info.You can find a good one on Amazon for approx $75 to $100.
• For iPad Pro: we recommend the Apple Pencil drawing stylus. Apple Pencil only works with the iPad Pro and not any other device.
• For all other touchscreen devices: including iPad, Android Tablet, Android Smartphone, or iPhone, we recommend the Adonit Pro3 Drawing Stylus

**FOR THE ANIMATOR ROLE ONLY (most recommended setup):
to participate in the animator role, it is highly recommended that your student have access to, or invest in the following four items:
1) A desktop or laptop computer (Windows or Mac) at home that they can practice with. It is best if they have a laptop they can bring to class, but at bare minimum they need to be able to have access to a computer at home. Google Chromebooks are NOT capable of running the animation or drawing software applications that we use in this class, so the computer must be Windows or Mac.
2) Their own subscription to the animation software we will be using ($6 per month). This software will ONLY work on a Windows or Mac computer and not on any other electronic device.
3) Their own Wacom drawing tablet to use at home and/or in class with their computer. Click here for info. You can find a good one on Amazon for approx $75 to $100. I also recommend the Wacom Intuos S.
4) Installing the FREE student version of Autodesk Sketchbook on their computer.

**FOR ANIMATORS WHO CANNOT AFFORD ACCESS TO A COMPUTER AT THIS TIME:If students are not in a position to afford access to a Windows or Mac computer, it is still possible to learn and practice the principles of animation in this class with other digital devices: Apple iOS (iPad or iPhone) or Android (tablet, phone, or Kindle Fire). For this option to work, you will need the following:
1) Drawing stylus such as Adonit Pro for all touch screen devices ($29 at Target) or Apple Pencil for iPad Pro
2) Rough Animator app ($5)
3) Autodesk Sketchbook app (free)

NATHAN’S STORY + THE CREATION OF THIS PROGRAM:

When I was teenager, I dreamed of having a place where I could grow in the art and creative expressions that were inside of me. I loved movies, cartoons, Hollywood and artistic media. I loved to draw and experiment with cartoon animation. I wanted someone to show me how I could get really good at it. I wanted a community I could be a part of that would affirm and encourage who I am as a creative person. The problem was that none existed that was either affordable or accessible to me. Eventually, I enrolled in an expensive art school that failed to provide any lasting community to support me on my journey.

Today, creative youth are experiencing that same frustration. I discovered this first hand as a public school art teacher. Many of our in-school art programs are restrictive and limited to academic requirements that do not allow artistic students to truly explore their creative interests and ambitions. Today’s students are inspired by their heroes and the pop-culture stories that they have come to love and respect. This is why I have created the Animation Production Group After School classes.

This is a place where students who love animation, digital media, or pop-culture art can grow in the skills and expressions that they dream of mastering. Students in this program have told me that not only do they love what they learn in these classes, but also that they love to come because it is a safe place from the stresses and pressures of life, and that it provides a peaceful atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy their creative gifts, and enjoy the company of others who share that same passion. They tell me it’s the best 120 minutes of their week!

Artists need mentors and friends who share their passion and will walk with them as they pursue their creative passions. We invite you to register below and join us for this purpose.

____________________________
Nathan Fisher
Animation Group Teacher