Recent graduate Ling Han, gives us an Inside Look at studying in San Francisco at purpose-based art and design school, Academy of Art University, where students develop their talents and acquire the specific skills sought by the creative marketplace.
Whether you’re already at school, looking to find a new school or even considering moving overseas to study, nothing beats hearing from the students themselves! We speak to Ling Han about the ins and outs of studying at Academy of Art University.
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Academy of Art University
AAU is nearby Soma, which is known for its mix of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as its art galleries, museums, and nightlife.
The closest MUNI light rail station is the Civic Center/UN Plaza Station, which is located about a mile north of the university.
My degree is an MFA, which is a three year Master of Fine Arts program.
I watched a short film named Wishing Box, an Oscar-Nominated Shorts in 2019, made by students from AAU. After seeing the film, I looked the school up online and noticed they offered Animation classes that Pixar Animators come to teach. That, and the amazing short movie, were the two reasons I chose to study at Academy of Art University.
Reach out to current students and alumni to learn more about their experiences in the program and how it has helped them in their careers.
Be prepared to study hard: Pursuing a degree can be challenging and require a lot of hard work, so make sure you are prepared to put in the effort needed to succeed.
Through the guidance and support of the instructors and resources at AAU, I was able to develop a compelling portfolio that helped me secure my current job.
I usually see other students walking into the 180 new Montgomery building for classes, as well as city residents and visitors going about their daily routines. The campus expands around the city, so it is very easy to encounter street performers, food trucks, and outdoor art installations.
It could be the university's Urban Knights Cafe. Located at 655 Sutter Street, the cafe is a popular spot for students to grab a coffee, a bite to eat, and socialise with fellow classmates. The cafe offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and serves a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and snacks.
The Academy of Art University offers housing options, but they can be relatively expensive. Consider looking for off-campus housing options, such as apartments or room rentals, that are more affordable. You can try searching for available options through online rental websites or local classifieds.
I actually don’t know lol, just wear wherever is comfortable for you, but keep it casual!
I remember AAU has a variety of club and events, as an animation student, I highly recommend Tea Time Animation, the club members invites guest speakers from industry professionals and each week has different topics, either related to your study or career.
The AAU school community is diverse and inclusive, with a wide range of students from different cultural backgrounds and artistic disciplines. The university has a large international student population, which contributes to a diverse and global perspective on art and design.
A common myth is that AAU is an easy school to get into. While the university has a non-competitive admissions process and accepts a large number of applicants, the academic standards are rigorous, and the coursework is challenging.
The school's location in the heart of San Francisco allows students easy access to the city's many attractions and entertainment options, but finish your homework first!
When I studied at AAU, I didn’t try fancy restaurants but I definitely know you can you can use your AAU student ID to get discounts at different places around San Fransisco.
Nothing really stands out to me! I am open-minded, nothing is too strange!
Offering classed with industry professional teaching them, especially for animation students.
Learning from Pixar Animators at Academy of Art University, gives students the best chance to improve their understanding of body mechanics and acting performance, and to understand the expectations of what the Industry is looking for in an Animator.
One class with fewer students (4-8), so that instructor could pay more attention to each student, and have enough time to demo.
Maybe could using the funds to compensate talented students who have won awards from the AAU spring show or other professional events and competitions could help to incentivise excellence and provide recognition for the hard work and dedication of these students. Could be helpful to create a more competitive and motivated student, as well as attract more talented and ambitious individuals to the school.
I am currently contributing on WISH, a Disney 2023 animated feature.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work at Disney, surrounded by some of the most talented and legendary artists in the world. Being part of such a creative and inspiring environment is a dream come true, and I'm constantly learning and growing as an artist. It's truly an amazing experience.
I also have the privilege of directing a team of over 30 artists in the production of an animated short film called "Chain." In my role as Director, I am responsible for providing feedback to my teammates and ensuring that the project progresses smoothly. To assist me in this endeavor, I have the support of StudioX, with Derek Flood and Michael Parks supervising the production, and project producer Tzu-Ying Ho overseeing the project. Without the expertise and support of StudioX and Tzu-Ying Ho, our project would not have come this far!
Ling Han has been passionate about animation since childhood. He discovered is true calling in the 3D world during undergrad studies in printmaking. A self-taught artist from China, Ling pursued his dream of becoming an Animator in the US. Proud of his journey so far, Ling has already worked for major companies like EA and Disney.