disney animation

Charlie Bonafacio and APW’s animation industry guest-judges

Animation Portfolio Workshop has been privileged to enjoy the involvement of a number of experienced (and very generous) animation artists over the years who have taken time from their busy lives to take on the role of a special guest judge in our APW Character Design Contest.  Back in 2014 Animation Portfolio Workshop had the pleasure of working with Charlie Bonafacio.  It’s not everyday that a chance comes along for a beginner to have their drawings looked at by a former Disney animator

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APW students ask Charlie Bonifacio

Former Disney animator Charlie Bonifacio was kind enough to be our special guest judge for the APW 2014 Character Design Contest.  APW Directors Gerard Sternik and Vince Peets gathered questions from APW students to ask Charlie.  In this video, APW students ask “What is the biggest challenge to being a Disney animator?” and “How do you stay creative?”  Since Charlie also has extensive experience as an animation educator, he took quite naturally to giving clear answers to important questions from people who are just starting out in animation.

 

 

A word from Charlie Bonifacio

Animation educator, former Disney animator, and our 2014 honorary guest judge Charlie Bonifacio takes time to thank each and every person who entered the 2014 APW Character Design Contest.
Charlie identifies originality, and a sense of character and personal expression as some of the qualities he looked for as he approached the task of judging the animation character designs and choosing the eventual winners.

 

 

Pixar Animator Visits APW

Pixar Animator Visits APW 1

Pixar animator and Animation Portfolio Workshop alumnus Graham Finlay dropped by to speak to Animation Portfolio Workshop students.  Graham shared his story of starting off as a an APW student, moving on to 3 years of animation school at Seneca Animation Arts Centre and then getting his first job as an animator on tv series and feature films.  These experiences eventually led him to San Francisco CA where he currently works as an animator at Pixar.

There was no shortage of questions from these motivated APW students.  “What’s an average day like working at Pixar?…”How did you get the job?”…”Did animation school prepare you for the work you do now?” etc.  Graham happily took the time to answer each question and surely inspired some future animators along the way.  These students are at the beginning of the process of assembling their animation portfolios and then after that, applying to top animation schools.  This kind of encouragement goes a long way!

Pixar Animator Visits APW 2