Animation Student Testimonial - Ben Anderson

“iAnimate has given me the freedom to explore and solidify my process”

Ben honed his animation skills at iAnimate, gaining expert guidance in character animation, acting theory, and workflow, fueled by passion and collaboration.

Why did you decide to enroll in iAnimate?

Ben: “After graduating from Ringling in 2012 I had a great generalist foundation but knew I needed time to further focus on animation in both a performative and technical sense if I wanted to specialize in the medium. After doing my research it was clear iAnimate was exactly what I needed. With the small class sizes and incredible roster of instructors, there was a ton of opportunity to really pick their brains and get into the weeds of acting theory, character depth, workflow, and execution.”

What did you learn at iAnimate that helps you stand out as an artist?

Ben: “Having taken multiple instructors in a few different workshops, the continued reinforcement of passion being the driving force in your career was my biggest takeaway and that's been something I've done my best to hold onto throughout my career.

I would spend hours every day listening to and watching as many lectures and critiques as I could that were available on the school site and even watching lectures from instructors in other disciplines. The constant was always passion and it's an important reminder.

Now that I'm working from home and not going into a studio every day, it's more important than ever to hang on to that passion and really listen to it.”

How did iAnimate help you to evolve your animation skills as a character animator?

Ben: “iAnimate has helped me in a variety of ways. It has given me the freedom to explore and solidify my process of conception, planning, and execution. iAnimate has reinforced in my life the notion of "you get out of it what you put into it." The willingness and professionalism to do the work and do it on time will override natural talent and nothing is given.

When we first moved out to San Francisco I was attempting to start my career in animation and I couldn't afford iAnimate's WS4. Having listened to so many lectures and critiques I began creating "WS4" shots on my own. I put together a reel that got me into a studio and when I was able to afford it I signed up for and was accepted into a WS5 class.

Before I was in any sort of studio system, iAnimate also reinforced to me the importance of collaboration and how helpful it is to bounce ideas around with flexibility for the sake of the current project. A willingness to collaborate and simply be someone enjoyable to interact with has helped me in every facet of life, in and outside of my career."