Gnomon School of Visual Effects - Pinwire
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Gnomon Inc. School of Visual Effects is a digital training center that specializes in 3D computer graphics and animation for individuals, professionals and production studios. With a staff of instructors who all have experience in production or working as application engineers for Alias|Wavefront, Gnomon is able to offer courses from introductory to expert level.

Type: Training Center
Location: Hollywood, CA, USA
Accreditation: No
Financial Aid: Yes

Software Taught: Alias, Maya, Renderman, Shake, XSI, zBrush, Other

Gnomon Inc. School of Visual Effects is a digital training center that specializes in 3D computer graphics and animation for individuals, professionals and production studios. With a staff of instructors who all have experience in production or working as application engineers for Alias|Wavefront, Gnomon is able to offer courses from introductory to expert level. Gnomon offers classes on an extension basis or full-time, industry-approved certificate program which has been planned under advisement from the Alliance of Digital Effects Production Trainers (ADEPT) whose members include training managers from such studios as Blue Sky|VIFX, Cinesite, DreamWorks SKG, Rhythm & Hues and Sony Pictures Imageworks. Gnomon’s curriculum includes digital and traditional art courses geared towards producing well-rounded digital 3D artists.

Since our curriculum covers such a broad spectrum, you can begin your education at an introductory level – in computer graphics or traditional art. Or, if you have experience, you can step into an intermediate or advanced course. Possibly you’ve been a 3D digital artist and now you’re finding that developing your foundation art skills is what you need to advance your career. Or you are a traditional artist wishing to incorporate the digital side.

From our inception, Gnomon has been dedicated to teaching not just software programs, but the underlying techniques and concepts behind the programs. Our instructors are all experienced industry professionals, therefore they know how the tools are used in the real world and they develop their courseware accordingly. Because many of our instructors migrated to computers so that they could manifest their vision, they understand the importance of self-expression in learning.

Class assignments are project based on, and revolve around, the student’s personal direction. Thus, on completion of a course of study each student has completed work unique to their vision. This mode of instruction assures that, in addition to the training, students also gain valuable experience in problem-solving skills.

Our program is structured around four terms a year, with ten weeks of class and a break between each term. All classes are held in the evening or on weekends and meet for three hours each week. All digital courses are held to a maximum of 12 students, so each student has their own computer. Unless otherwise noted, tuition for digital classes includes nine hours of guaranteed lab time per week and unlimited rendering time.

Although we offer a full-time Certificate Program, 90% of our students attend Gnomon on an “extension basis” taking one or two classes a term. 40% of those students have been working in the industry and are here to upgrade their skills. Most of our students are in their mid to late twenties, but our 150-plus student population includes individuals from late teens to late 50’s.

Gnomon is proud to say that we are officially registered with the State of California Bureau of Private Post Secondary Vocational Education.

We have attempted, in this brochure, to supply as much information as possible about us and our program. Should you have questions or would like to tour our facilities, feel free to contact us.

FACILITIES

Gnomon’s facilities have been designed to create a production-like environment with an atmosphere conducive to creativity and learning. Our 7500 sq. ft facility houses four computer labs furnished with state-of-the-art, production-level Windows NT workstations. All systems are 100 base-T networked with Internet access via high-speed DSL services.

Students also have access to a fully-equipped edit bay for producing demo-reels. This gives students access to a Digital Video (DV) system running Final-Cut Pro / Premiere, as well a high-end audio system running Avid ProTools. Audio equipment includes mics, keyboards, MIDI, sound effects modules and a voice transformer.

Figure drawing, acting and sculpture classes are held in our spacious studio. An analog classroom, with tables and drawing stools for courses such as Storyboarding and Principals of Animation, is also equipped with a large-screen TV for viewing relevant footage during classes.

Other resources available for students include a kitchen, lounge and 70-person screening room. The lounge is furnished with comfortable, custom-built furniture and a 60″ television with Sony PlayStation2, Xbox, Nintendo64 and Sega DreamCast game systems. The research library housed in the student lounge includes scores of video games, and hundreds of videos and DVDs.

More info at Gnomon3d.com

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