Max the Mutt Animation Graduates Class of 2008

School Directors Tina Seemann (left) and Maxine Schacker (right) were pleased to grant Diplomas to the following students:

Andreas Anler
I am from Sweden. I arrived in Canada in 2005 to study at Max the Mutt. I’ve always loved animation and drawing for as long as I can remember. Before I came to Canada I studied at a small art school in Stockholm and before that I played around with some of the 3D software. Finally getting to be in a place where people are as passionate about art as me has been fantastic.

Rebecca Arnold
I grew up in Kitchener-Waterloo. After a few years in the service industry I came to Toronto. I was walking up Spadina Avenue when I discovered Max the Mutt Animation School. I decided to pop in and see what the school was about when I met Maxine Schacker. She really inspired me so I decided to get some formal training in the animation field. After graduation in May I am thankful for the experiences I have gained at the school and what I have learned about myself along the way.

Thomas Deak
Since I was young, I loved to draw. I never considered it a career but only a hobby. My high school art teacher introduced me to Max The Mutt. Now I am a graduate, looking to be a successful full time animator. I start my internship at 9-Story Production Company next week!

Raechel Dickey
I was born in Toronto and raised in London, Ontario. After High School I came to Toronto where I discovered Max the Mutt Animation School. I learned more in my first four months here than all my high school years. I won a partial scholarship for my 3rd year studies and I am looking forward to returning for the 4th year MAYA program in the fall.

Matthew DilLallo
I took several art classes at Sheridan College and I became interested in animation. I decided to enroll in Max the Mutt Animation School because of their strong ties to the industry and the caliber of work produced by their 3rd year students. I’m particularly interested in character design and Flash Animation.

Ian Haines
I grew up in Cambridge, Ontario. Ever since I could remember I loved to draw. Watching cartoons and reading comic books, I would try to draw characters that captured my imagination, like He-Man and Marvel comic characters. I took a tour of Max the Mutt and immediately I knew it was the place. Three years have passed and I’ve gained a great deal of skill and knowledge and have made life long friends. I am working as an intern for Big Soul Productions for the summer and returning in the Fall for his 4th year in 3D Computer Animation and Production.

Lindsey Herrmann
I was raised in the suburbs of Detroit. Shortly after high school, I became involved in artistic classes and contests at the local college. After realizing that these courses weren’t challenging enough, I searched for a school that would provide me with the discipline and skills that I longed for. I found that Max the Mutt Animation School of Toronto was the place for me. Now, after completing the three-year program, I have the knowledge, and a solid portfolio which gives me the confidence I need to enter the animation industry.

Jesse Jind
I recently graduated from Max the Mutt Animation School’s Classical Animation Diploma program. Prior to that I received my honours BA from McMaster University. After working in the automotive industry for two years I decided to go back to school to pursue a career I was truly passionate about. Having now attended a university and a private college I gained a great appreciation for the level of personal attention a career college can offer. Over the summers I have also interned at several studios where I utilized the skills and professional
attitude I gained from Max the Mutt in a real production environment.

Elizabeth Romo Marcos
I am originally from Mexico City. I have had a passion for art ever since I was a kid. I studied Graphic Design hoping to jump into the animation industry. After University I joined Anima Estudios and worked as a Flash animator. I realized I wanted to learn more so I moved to Canada and enrolled in the Classical Animation program which I’ve just successfully finished. I have an internship at Yowza for the summer, in the fall I return to Max the Mutt for their 3D program.

Liam Moher
I have always loved to draw and it was my love of drawing that finally brought me to Max the Mutt. The more I learned, the greater my respect became for those who have committed themselves to all forms of art. With the knowledge I have acquired I hope to go out into the world and bring inspiration to others, just as others have inspired me.

Randel Palo
Artwork has always been an important part of my life. In grade nine, I was exposed to my first 3D computer animation course and instantly knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I have currently graduated from the animation program at Max the Mutt, and will move ahead into the fourth year to further my studies in the 3D field. I have been introduced to the many aspects that accompany a full production, from concept to the finished product, but animating is still my passion and I hope to continue bringing characters to life.

Steven Seares
Growing up I was always interested in drawing, reading comics, and watching cartoons. This interest continued in high school where I excelled at visual arts and graphic arts. When searching for a college, I found an article about the school in the Toronto Star and made an appointment. Immediately I was impressed with the quality of work and the commitment to strong drawing principles, the fine arts, as well as classical animation. I now look forward to continuing my education with the 3D program in fourth year.

Tracy Squires
I was born and raised in Newfoundland. Growing up I always loved to draw. My biggest influence has always been fairy tales and Disney movies. Coming to Max the Mutt was my first major step toward being the next Disney princess*!
(*-at least animating one!)

Seth Wilks
I grew up in Small Town Canada, and at 21 moved to Toronto to pursue a career in commercial arts. I love working with children and now that I graduated from Max the Mutt it is my goal to work in the animation industry to create fun, clean entertainment for young people.

Isaac Yakabuskie
Ever since I was a young child I have had a passion for art. In Grade 2 I decided I wanted to be an animator and I never changed that idea. Max the Mutt has helped me reach my dream. As a graduating student I’m excited to start my career as an animator.

For High Res Photos Please e-mail bmaguire@maxthemutt.com