Welcome to the Academy of Animated Art. Here we will share news and opportunities related to lighting and creative living.
New Lighting Challenge to bring in the Spring!
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Hello Reader, Spring is here! And what better way to refresh your creative energy than with a brand-new challenge? We’re thrilled to announce our latest Lighting Challenge, "DONE WITH YOU" animated by George Toombes —in partnership with our creative friends at CG Riff!! This challenge isn’t just about honing your skills—it’s about removing obstacles hindering your ability to start creating. Let me tell you why this is so close to my heart. When I was starting, focusing on lighting felt like a distant dream. Why? Before I could even touch a light, I had to create all the assets myself—modeling, texturing, and animating. I was exhausted when I finally got to lighting (weeks or even months later). Making a reel felt like an uphill battle that could take months—if I was lucky. Sound familiar? That’s why we built our Lighting Asset Library—with over 30 ready-to-light assets designed to skip those months of setup and let you dive straight into what you love: lighting. Focus your energy on refining your craft, creating jaw-dropping scenes, and reaching your goals faster. And now, we’re adding something special: animated lighting challenges! You asked for them, and we delivered. This new lighting challenge features a super fun and engaging animation for you to bring to life. Here’s the big question ... How will YOU light this scene?
The possibilities are endless—and I can’t wait to see how you bring the story to life with your unique lighting choices. Ready to get started? Here’s how:
Let’s start spring with creativity, passion, and artistic magic. I’m so excited to see what you create!
As always, stay safe, healthy, and always creating!!! Happy WEEKEND! Interested in learning more about the Academy of Animated Art? There are several ways you can dive deeper: 2. Join our Discord Channel here and meet the community. 3. Enroll in the Lighting for Animation Program here. 4. New to 3D & Interested in modeling? Enroll in the Introduction to 3D Modeling |
Academy of Animated Art
Welcome to the Academy of Animated Art. Here we will share news and opportunities related to lighting and creative living.
Hello Reader, It’s been a while since my last email — what can I say, time flies. With Thanksgiving behind us, we’re entering one of my favorite times of year. You might think it’s because of the holiday cheer, but for me, December is special for another reason: it’s my annual month of giving feedback to the community. This tradition always brings me back to why I entered this industry in the first place — the simple joy of making things look good. And that part has never changed. What was...
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Hi Reader, Ever wondered what feedback looks like at the Academy of Animated Art? Here's a sneak peek: it’s flexible, thoughtful, and designed with your busy life in mind. We know our students aren't full-time learners in traditional settings. Life is busy—work, family, and everything in between—so our programs are intentionally not built around rigid live classes or deadlines. Instead, we prioritize creating a space where learning and creativity are joyful, not stressful. Here’s a perfect...