As Opposed to Pose-to-Pose

It's been a while since we've had a really in-depth post about club comings and goings, and I do apologize about that, but finals are, indeed, upon us. You'll probably all end up with one mammoth of a post to read over spring break, but until then, I'll try and cover everything that I've missed, however briefly, right here.

First things first -- I know we covered this in club -- but Mr. Hans Brekke and his team over at Reel Feedback put on quite the event. Everyone who went had a great time. We enjoyed some delicious pizza, a few drinks and for some brave souls, some really phenominal critique. We had our reels reviewed by animators from ILM, Massive Black, Tippitt AND Pixar. Jealous? You should be. I may even be obtaining some of the event photos a little later and I'll be sure to post them so everyone who didn't go, can see what they were missing.

This past Saturday, we crammed as many of us as we could in to room 130 at Powell to enjoy a lecture by guest speaker Don Crum of Pixar/Disney along with his guest, Pixar co-worker Michal Makarewicz. Those who attended learned about Don Crum, how he got "in", and learned about the classes he's offering through the Animation Collaborative. The lecture was wonderful and motivating, but even more amazing was how much time he and Mike left to just hang out and answer the groups questions. Unlike the industry on campus events where you wait your turn at the microphone, ask your question, then squeeze through all the knees to get back to your seat, Don and Mike were genuine and direct and speaking to you, not just another face in the crowd.

One of my favorite things Don touched upon was the hypothetical question "What can you bring to the software?" Helping us (at least the 3D advocates) remember that the software is just another tool in the box. A carpenter doesn't look to his hammer or skillsaw to make him a better craftsman -- it's not the software's job to do the work for us, either. We have to hone our skills, learn how to work with the tools provided to us so we can bring our ideas to life.

Beyond anything else though, his most important message is a powerful one. Never stop! No matter how many times you're rejected from a company, if it's what you love to do, you will get there -- but you can't let a little "NO" here and there -- or even a big one -- stand in your way.

Finally, Michal also revealed that he will be April's guest speaker, so don't forget to keep an eye out for more specific dates, times and locations.

Don't forget to come to club this week! Spring Break is almost here, but for those of us who are still around, you know what to do, and if you don't, come to Room 714 at 3:30pm on Friday and we'll tell you!