Comic Book Boot Camp - Part 2 with Ty Templeton
Starts February 5, 2009 (Thursday evenings).
Archive for November, 2008
Portfolio Skill Development
Description: This program is geared to students who are interested in submitting portfolios for entrance into visual arts programs. The “round robin” concept has been developed so you can sign up for the areas of interest that you would benefit from. As room and space will be limited to 17 students in each session, you should choose your areas of interest soon.
Ramon Perez professional cartoonist/writer presentation
Another dynamic presentation, this time by Ramon Perez, a professional cartoonist/writer and Max The Mutt faculty member, whose wide-ranging repertoire includes comic books, role/playing games, editorial illustration and, according to Ramon himself, anything intriguing that crosses his path.
Ramon encouraged students to foster qualities such as courage and adaptability in order to meet the shifting demands of the comics industry today; the talk was accompanied by an impressive slide presentation and an even more impressive string of amusing anecdotes.
For a slice of Ramon Perez and hist current projects go to:
Welcome to a new, self-proclaimed mutt!
We were delighted to hear Barack Obama refer to himself as a “Mutt.” All the mutts welcome him to the fold.
I am particularly interested in issues concerning education and am hoping that the newest “Mutt” will spearhead reform in the US that will serve as a blueprint for the world.
In my opinion, it isn’t effective or cost-effective to turn trades and crafts into degree programs. Throwing road blocks, both academic and financial, in the way of students gifted in non-academic subjects makes no sense to me. Nor does limiting instructors to individuals with the right papers. Some subjects demand hands-on current industry experience, not academic degrees.
I’m interested in your comments. Please let me know your thoughts on the current state of affairs.
Maxine’s Column: The Challenges of First Year
Our goal at Max the Mutt is one we can probably never achieve: we want every student to succeed. To that end, we try to assess applications to our programs for more than artistic potential. We look for passion and drive, the ability to listen and follow directions, an inquisitive mind that wants to solve problems, the desire to do the best one is capable of…. success is dependent on a number of qualities that have very little to do with innate talent.
Some students dream of becoming an animator, or comic artist, or concept artist but have never had to work hard consistently or apply themselves to learning difficult but necessary skills. Staying organized, working even when they aren’t in the mood, continuing to work when an exercise isn’t coming easily…these are challenges for them.
The first semester of first year can be difficult. Happily, it’s been our experience that most of the students struggling with discipline will finally make the leap, and will begin to discover the pleasures and rewards of focus, hard work, and what Confucius called “qualities of attention.”
The reality of learning any skill is that it takes application and hard work. Applying yourself to learning skills that will enable you to express your vision is easier if you understand the connections and what the eventual pay off will be. This is called delayed gratification. It requires motivation and self discipline. No one can do this for you but yourself.
We all need to remember that there are highs and lows for everyone, and there are times when all of us feel frustrated and may want to give up. That’s where drive, passion and and a belief in our own power to grow come to the rescue.
My advice to individuals having a hard time right now is to rethink the way you are approaching learning. Be determined. Be organized. Take responsibility for listening, following directions, staying focused in class. Give assignments your best shot. Work when you should be working and play when you’re playing. Keep a positive attitude - take some time every day to sit quietly and see yourself succeeding. Look at work that inspires you. Get at least a half hour of exercise every day, even if it’s walking to school. Watch your nutrition- drink enough water, stay away from junk food, bring healthy snacks to keep your energy levels stable. Take pride in the quality of your efforts. Right now, you’re in a serious program. Vacation will come before you know it.
Right now, your education is your priority. Give it your best shot. That’s all anyone can expect from you and it’s all you can expect from yourself. The odds are good that if you listen and do your work, you’ll learn and you’ll succeed.
