Ukrainian-born Oleg Dergachov met Maxine Schacker and Tina Seemann of Max the Mutt Animation School last summer. He had heard of the school’s stellar reputation, its philosophy regarding the importance of old-fashioned art fundamentals and the high quality of the work that its graduates produce.

Oleg Dergachov joined the staff at Max the Mutt in September. This academic year he is teaching anatomy and an introductory cartooning course. Oleg, a recognized, award-winning cartoonist and fine artist who received his training in Russia, is delighted with the curriculum that Max the Mutt offers. Max the Mutt students were thrilled to find out the College had added yet another internationally recognized cartoonist to its faculty!

Oleg feels he is making a definite connection with his students because of the small classroom sizes and the style of teaching that is encouraged at the College. “This school is preparing students for real life and the standards are high… that is what I was looking for in a teaching position,” he explains, “and I found it here at Max.“ He adds: “Larger groups and classrooms may be more profitable for other animation schools in North America, but the quality of teaching in a small group is what is emphasized at this College and I agree that is what gets results and prepares students for the real world.”

Tina Seemann and Maxine Schacker agree, and explain how much the school values Oleg, not just for his talent and teaching skills, but for the fact that his experience goes beyond North America and includes other influences he can pass along to the students. Tina explains: “Oleg Dergachov’s experience and teaching style is exactly what Max the Mutt students can benefit from, and we are grateful he has chosen to teach at our school.”

Photo from left to right: Maxine Schacker, Oleg Dergachov, Tina Seemann