Sheldon's Art Academy

Refferal Letters Page 1


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David Chai

Employment

The College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI
Instructor of Traditional Animation

Thunderbean Animation, Ann Arbor, MI
Animation Director

Statement

Sheldon Borenstein is the man!

I make this statement, not because of the fact he was single handedly responsible for raising the level of drawing within an entire university animation department in less than a year's time. I make this statement, not based upon the incredible level of success his students are having finding work in an extremely demanding and competitive industry. I make this statement, not because of the fact that Sheldon cares and lives for his students as if they were of his own flesh and blood.

I make this statement because Sheldon was able to show a man like myself how to draw better. Before studying with Sheldon, I couldn't draw the figure to save my life. Although I already had a BS degree in Illustration, I had no sensitivity to recognizing gesture, construction, anatomy, and technique: The core fundamentals that are the basis of Sheldon's teaching.

I had studied unsuccessfully with a variety of other figure drawing instructors, all trying to teach basically the same information. It wasn't until I met Sheldon however, that it all began to become clear. Sheldon has the unique gift to provide complicated and technical information in a manner that is simple, organized, and easy to understand.

While I still have very far to go in my quest to attain greater levels of power and excellence in my work, I can state without a doubt that Sheldon and his teaching of the core fundamentals has placed me well along the way!


Jeffrey Biancalana

Employment

Mondo Media
Animator/ Storyboard-Concept Artist San Jose State University
Graduate Student/ Instructor
Wild Brain
Assistant Animator

Statement

Sheldon Borenstein has been a great influence on me as an artist, and as a person. Throughout our time together he constantly challenged me intellectually, creatively, and emotionally. He found many ways to make me think about what it was I expected to achieve as an artist, and as a human being.

Sheldon's experience in the animation industry was crucial in his ability to train me for the jobs I would encounter once I graduated from school. The first Job I received, as an assistant animator at Curious pictures in San Francisco, was given to me based upon the strength of drawings I had done under Sheldon's supervision. I was not required to take a test, and when the executive producer looked through my portfolio, she asked me which studio I had done the drawings in, confirming in my mind that the work I had done in Sheldon's class was of industry quality. Getting your first job in the animation industry is a crucial step for any new graduate, and it will open many new doors. Because of Sheldon's teaching I was more than qualified for the position I had received, and I quickly moved on to do storyboards, design work, and even directing.

Beyond the industry, I use the fundamental drawing skills that Sheldon taught me in my own personal work. It is the core fundamentals that make you a strong artist, and capable of doing many things. I still refer to Sheldon's books. I consult him when I see him, and I will spend my life trying to master the skills he has shown to me.

Jennifer Corker

Education

SJSU student

Statement

Upon first meeting Sheldon a year ago, I discovered he had previously worked in the animation industry, a fact that came as no surprise. Stout, comedic, and highly energetic, Sheldon struck me as the living form of a spunky cartoon sidekick. Moreover, he remains a passionate artist and dedicated teacher. Sheldon's enthusiasm for and experience in art creates a unique classroom environment that is both informative and entertaining.

Sheldon stresses the importance of drawing, painting, and design: if an artist is skillful in these three areas, he or she will be versatile enough to work almost anywhere. In order to prepare students for these fields of work, Sheldon teaches the fundamentals essential for success. Unlike some instructors, Sheldon does not teach "short cuts" or half-baked methods of drawing. Instead, he provides his students with information acquired throughout his years in the industry, and relates it in a way that is easy for students to understand and apply. One of the main principles Sheldon focuses on is rhythm. Without shapes, lines, colors, or forms arranged in an expressive, "musical" manner, a work will appear lifeless and boring. Never before has a teacher so clearly and adamantly expressed the importance rhythm; Sheldon helped my drawings become more gestural and narrative, and thus much more sophisticated.

Sheldon also understands that, just like anything else, artistic principles take time to learn. He provides constant assistance throughout the learning process, and is not satisfied until he is sure his students fully grasp each concept. Many students, such as myself, seek guidance outside of class. To our benefit, Sheldon has an open invitation to help anyone who desires to learn. While most teachers do not offer their assistance outside of school hours, Sheldon allows his students to call him at home, on his own personal time, for help with class work. That is perhaps what impresses me most about Sheldon, and conveys his extraordinary love of teaching. Within the past year, I have worked closely with Sheldon. During summer and winter holidays, I emailed Sheldon my drawings, then called him for over-the-phone critiques. This instant feedback helped me improve quickly with fewer struggles. Furthermore, Sheldon asked of me no extra fee other than maintaining a conscientious work ethic.

A great artist, mentor, and friend, Sheldon is unlike any teacher I have ever had. He lives to provide his students with the knowledge and support they will need to succeed in art. Like many of his students, I return to Sheldon's class each semester because of his efficient, positive method of teaching. Even after graduating, I will continue to seek his insight and encouragement. I feel fortunate to work with Sheldon; he is an important factor in my artistic development, a tool that I could not succeed without.

Ruben Perez

Statement

Take a moment and imagine yourself inside a dark cave. the area around you gets darker and darker until you can't see anything at all. You can move but you can't see your body. What do you do, what could possibly get you out of this situation? If you are absent of light will you just sit there for eternity or will you use your other senses to help you? Yu can still hear and smell. In order to better your situation you might begin crawling on the floor. After many hours of crawling you see some streaks of light in the distance, and with great efforts you crawl towards them. Eventually, if you work hard enough, you will crawl your way to the light. when you reach the light you will see a brighter light in the distance. At this point you will run towards the net light an your journey will continue until you reach the sun. This is the life of an artist. Although we must all start by crawling there are tools that enhance our sense and help us out of the dark. Sheldon's classes give you the tools to help you in the life long journey as an artist. When you get tired of crawling towards improvement Sheldon will teach you the basic tools for drawing and painting.

Firstly, he teaches you about gesture (the ever existing rhythm of life). Gesture is the non uniform rhythm that navigates through every human/animal form. By exposing the students to something that consistently exists in everything he gives students a weapon to approach their drawings. Furthermore, when you see gesture in the figures you then start noticing gesture all around. There is gesture in the way cats move, leafs fly, and in music. Along with gesture there is also form.

Form as Sheldon teaches it is what gives solidity to the world. Like the world around us everything can be broken down into simple forms (cube, sphere, and cylinder). Sheldon teaches his students how to construct the figure with these simple forms and in the same motion teaches them to understand what they are drawing.

Thirdly, students learn to understand and analyze what they are drawing. By teaching students anatomy, Sheldon gives them a peak into what happens inside the body. By understanding the inside of the body students are also able to analyze exterior forms.

Lastly, Sheldon teaches technique. He teaches the techniques used by the masters and also the techniques necessary to acquire employment in the film industry.

In conclusion, Sheldon Borenstinein gave me and many art students the tools necessary to stop crawling and start running towards our dreams.

Noah Klocek

Statment

I can honestly say that Sheldon Knows people and art better then anyone I have ever met. Sheldon's gift is that he has the ability to share his knowledge of art with everyone he teaches in the most profound and individualistic manner. Whether you learn from him in a class of sixty or study with him one on one, he speaks to your every question, yet leaves you with the inspired desire for further knowledge. Sheldon is a great artist in his own right, but it is his ability to teach and share his skill that makes him a master.

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