Here is another interesting article I came across in 3D World magazine “Why [3D] Education isn’t Working” by Mark Ramshaw. Although this article is more UK centric, it basically examines what kind of student schools are producing and what industry is looking for. Ramshaw also contrasts the role between university, industry and the student in educating the students or themselves.
One of the terms mentioned frequently is “industry-ready” and when Martin Bowman says, “I firmly believe students should be industry-ready,” what does he mean by “Industry-Ready” and what kind of jobs should they be ready for? - the big picture thinking, the story telling, the creative powerhouses or a just digital grunts. Jobs that can be out sourced and in many cases automated. Is he suggesting that we should be focusing on just getting the tools into their hands and teaching them just skills? He mentions that he ‘believes there should be courses for students who wish to make experimental, thought-provoking animation but then mentions that there are absolutely no jobs in it for those graduates.’
Ramshaw then argues that there are ‘other things that a university education should provide – things that can conflict and compete for time with content geared towards walking in to a job. I totally agree and feel that ideally students should receive more of a liberal arts degree first. And then focus on the skills at a certificate school like VFS. BUT, who can afford that $80 – 120k for a university based degree and then continue on for a certificate? It is not realistic. Or do we just get them in to industry ASAP and provide skill based education, but happens when that skill is not needed or evolves? Where do these students go from there? “It’s an expensive, all-or-nothing gamble”, says McCampbell - Computer Animation department head at Florida’s Ringling College of Art and Design.
Matthew O’ Neill gives out advice at the end the article stating, “. . . for any prospective student would be to take a step back and look what you are looking to gain from university. Attending university is no longer a prestigious thing which you should be grateful for. You are buying something with your own money, so think of it as a business decision.” I agree you should take it seriously, not all schools are created equal. But I do not agree with the de-emphasis of the university, being well rounded makes you more marketable and you can bring more to the table than being just a technician.
Getting a Job in CG: Real Advice from Reel People, Chapter 3: What to Learn 
Here is a short article that covers Elements and Principles of sculpture from the Creative Wisdom E-Zine. You will have to scroll down a bit on the page.
The Awards Competition is open to everyone in the Architectural Visualization industry to highlight the best imagery and animations done in 2007/2008.
If you have not bought it yet . . . Buy the 3 disk special; it come with a great documentary - The Pixar Story By Leslie Iwerks An Award-Winning Filmmaker Tells The Riveting Story Of The Innovative Company That Revolutionized Hollywood.
The Sci-Fi Boys is a great documentary ro show your students what inspired the greats . . .
