Maya Animation, Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, VFX, Rendering and, yes, RIGGING! MFA Computer Art: Animation from SVA, NYC.

- Raleigh
- webcam

About the lesson

I have an MFA in Computer Art: Animation, an undergrad BS in Mass Communications/Radio-Tv/Photography - emphasis animation with minors in Art and Music Arts. I did motion capture animation for Rock Band 2 video game, freelance animations and models for various clients over the years. I am currently working on an animated kids' show with the voice actors of Jimmy Neutron, Tommy Pickles and Donald Duck.

I have taught for 12+ years and know how to break things down for people of all levels. I recently helped a student who had to retake a 10 week semester in 3 weeks pass her rigging class. I work freelance and on my animated pilot only so I am highly available, including well into the evening, as I am a considerable night owl. I would love to help you in any way that I can.

subjects

Photoshop
Autodesk Maya
Flash

languages

English

levels

All Levels

About Benjamin

In regards to my relationship with my students, I feel one of my biggest assets is the ability to speak to them on their level, and in a manner they can understand. I have an incredible patience in helping the student figure out the answer to their problems, and can pare down technical jargon in a manner that makes sense to them. This comes from an extensive career in working in a school computer lab environment and being a systems administrator and computer consultant. I understand that not everyone is technically minded and I may need to consider other ways of explaining things so that it can click with their type of learning.

Although I definitely consider myself a professional within the animation industry, I am not blind to the fact that the industry is constantly growing and changing. As such, I am very interested in pursuing my own growth and knowledge in animation and effects. Having a considerable side-interest in programming, I look forward to extending my knowledge within the realm of MEL / Python scripting and character rigging. As I am also fascinated by automation and simulation, I plan on delving deeply into cloth and fluid simulation, as well as particle effects and realistic lighting. And, having fallen in love with the process of motion capture while working on Rock Band 2, I hope to be able to extend my abilities in that process as well.

I started working with Flash (Adobe Animate) as soon as I graduated undergrad, in '99. I have taught it for years, although my main focus has been Maya. I started with the predecessor to Maya back in '97 and first touched Maya right after it was introduced to the industry. I've been using it fairly constantly ever since getting my Masters in Computer Art: Animation in 2007. I'm currently working on an animated kids' show as well.

For animation, THAT is my passion. I have studied animation for as long as I can remember and know the history of animation development all the way back to before Snow White. I know the 12 principles of animation, as developed by Disney animators, and know not just the HOW things are done but the WHY. I believe that makes for a more well-rounded animator. In addition, I can teach basics of rigging and animated character, as well as programming simple scripts and interfaces to create your own tools within Maya.

Animation is not a fast process. It takes a lot of time, work and energy to make even the simplest of animations. 3D Animation is my love and my passion. It is a learned skill that I believe anyone with hard work and dedication to the process can learn to do well. But it takes time and dedication. I love working with people who share that dedication and passion and are willing to put in the work to make something amazing. If you share that excitement and love to put in the hard work to do cool things, I can't wait to work with you!

Recommendations

Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the teacher

Jude
Ben was my instructor for an intro to animation course. He went above and beyond answering any questions I had and even stayed after class to help me with my project. Can honestly say he was one of my favorite instructors I have ever had. Very passionate about what he does and cares about the success of his students.
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Jude
Ben was my instructor for an intro to animation course. He went above and beyond answering any questions I had and even stayed after class to help me with my project. Can honestly say he was one of my favorite instructors I have ever had. Very passionate about what he does and cares about the success of his students.
D
Debbie
I worked with Ben at a college. He is a terrific Maya instructor. He is very attentive to his students and is well liked!
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D
Debbie
I worked with Ben at a college. He is a terrific Maya instructor. He is very attentive to his students and is well liked!
Syntheia
Ben is an incredible teacher. He is SO kind and so, so patient. He never makes me feel silly- even after I realize how silly my questions can be, sometimes.

He has a super organized teaching method and makes it easy to follow his steps- and explains WHY it’s done this way so I totally ‘get WHY’ I’m being instructed this way.

He’s had SO many life experiences with not just computer art and animation and motion capture, but he’s well versed in movie, music, acting, recording and he can play almost EVERY instrument!

He thinks very practically… comes up with alternate options that are super clever- and he has taught me how to think like a ‘working-in-the-industry’ artist.

You should totally choose him as a teacher!
He’s one of the best teachers I’ve had in my life.

Thanks, Ben!!!!

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Syntheia
Ben is an incredible teacher. He is SO kind and so, so patient. He never makes me feel silly- even after I realize how silly my questions can be, sometimes.

He has a super organized teaching method and makes it easy to follow his steps- and explains WHY it’s done this way so I totally ‘get WHY’ I’m being instructed this way.

He’s had SO many life experiences with not just computer art and animation and motion capture, but he’s well versed in movie, music, acting, recording and he can play almost EVERY instrument!

He thinks very practically… comes up with alternate options that are super clever- and he has taught me how to think like a ‘working-in-the-industry’ artist.

You should totally choose him as a teacher!
He’s one of the best teachers I’ve had in my life.

Thanks, Ben!!!!
Daniel
Mr. Benjamin Parks is a phenomenal instructor. During my time working with him, he pushed me to bring out the best in my work. And his critique never came without compliments. He will work with you to accentuate your strengths and polish up your weaknesses. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else to get you into animation.
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Daniel
Mr. Benjamin Parks is a phenomenal instructor. During my time working with him, he pushed me to bring out the best in my work. And his critique never came without compliments. He will work with you to accentuate your strengths and polish up your weaknesses. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else to get you into animation.
S
Suzanne
I highly recommend Ben. He was wonderful in explaining everything an helping my daughter.
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S
Suzanne
I highly recommend Ben. He was wonderful in explaining everything an helping my daughter.
View more recommendations

Rates

packages

5h: $500
10h: $1,000

webcam

$100/h

free lessons

Details

"First free lesson" will likely cover going over your current project (if any) that you need help with, making sure you have Maya installed (free 1 year student licenses are easily available) and what you would like for me to cover. If you're a beginner, and everything is installed, I'll go over the basics of the interface and how to move the camera around in 3D space. You WILL NEED a 3 button mouse. Trackpad laptops are incredibly difficult to work with in 3D, but add a 3 button mouse and you're good to go.

Maya Animation, Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, VFX, Rendering and, yes, RIGGING! MFA Computer Art: Animation from SVA, NYC.