The beginning to the rest of my, well, Sheridan life.

So I've applied to Sheridan's animation program... again. I applied last year but was denied due to a missing credit needed and a slightly below average portfolio score. A score of 2.99 would have snagged me a spot, and a score of 2.81 would have put me on a waiting list, however, my overall score was only 2.44. My life drawing was fine aside from a low score on the spatial volume area of my animal drawings. I really lost a lot in my storyboard. I know I did a terrible job, but was hoping it would be enough. Blast you Sheridan standards! It was somewhat last minute unfortunately, and lacked creativity. I have a few pieces scanned and uploaded from my 2010 application which I which I'll toss in here now.

Observational Life Drawing 1

Observational Life Drawing 2

These netted me a score of 3 across the board, but I got a 0 on presentation because they were newsprint sized and my portfolio case wasn't large enough, so I just shoved them in, folded (as you can tell from the pics).

Hand Drawing (anticipating action)

I got 3s across the board on both of my hand drawings, but received a 2 in structure.

Animal Drawing

For my animal drawings I kinda got a scattered score. 3s on proportion and LQ, but I lost it on structure and spatial volume. Serves me right though, I referenced a picture which is a big no-no. This year I think I'll take a trip out to the farm and do some actual life drawing!


I can't seem to rustle up any other items from my 2010 portfolio submission, but most of the scores were 2. When I finish my new portfolio and get the scores back for it I will probably do a comparison between the two (in which case I will finish scanning all of the pieces missing from this post).

I seriously have to work my butt off to get my 2011 portfolio done BEFORE it gets down to the wire. I've already been sketching up a few character designs, attempting to stay within Sheridan's preference. If any of you out there are also submitting a portfolio, take these words of advice that one of my teachers gave me on character design:  

Create a character that tells a story through the way you represent it. Its all fine and dandy to design a simple character and stay in the safe zone (if you're not good with drawing clothing, for example), but just by adding a quirky tail feather, your character becomes distinguishable. And always remember.. no anime! 

There is nothing Sheridan hates more than anime. I've been told this from multiple teachers now.

And thus begins the trek through my BAA at Sheridan. I'd love to hear from current animation students at Sheridan! Any tips appreciated. =)