Sheldon's Art Academy

Refferal Letters Page 3


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Lior Taylor

Statement

I am a fifth year art student at San Jose State University, majoring in Animation and Illustration. Last year I was a finalist at the Society of Illustrators student competition in New York, and recently my portfolio was accepted for the "pro-prep" intermediate level of the ACME animation program, which I am currently attending.

I met Sheldon two and half years ago, when I attended his figure drawing class for the first time. When he started by introducing the class as a "17th century, Italian Renaissance school of drawing" I was instantly hooked - this is what I've always wanted to learn, and here finally was someone who could teach me! Using humor as well as song and dance routines, Sheldon stands out from all other teachers I've known by keeping students interested and engaged during his classes.

In the following semesters and years, Sheldon had become much more than a teacher - a mentor, and a close friend. From the get go he spent extra time with me outside of class, teaching me as much as he could, even over the phone! His knowledge and expertise helped me not only with his drawing classes, but also in painting, design, and animation, all mediums that Sheldon commands with unsurpassed authority. But Sheldon's mentoring goes beyond art; he is a thoughtful, considerate, and caring person who has also served as a role model for me since I've known him. As the proud father of three wonderful girls all you need to do is spend five minutes with one of them to realize what a wonderful father he is, and those parental skills carry on into his teaching.

After studying with Sheldon for over five semesters now, I still can't get enough. I defiantly recommend him as a teacher to people of all ages.

Tammy Manis

Employment

Comedy Central
Back ground designer/ layout/ color Film Roman
Character layout artist/ animator Fox Studios
Animator/ storyboard artist Animator/ clean-up artist Nokia phone text messaging short animations

Statement

The skills and discipline I learned from Sheldon Borenstein are invaluable. They are with me everyday I step foot into the studio. Those skills have given me the confidence to take on even the most daunting of jobs and the persistence to always see it through. I truly owe my ability to sustain a career in the art/animation world to Sheldon Borenstein.

Over the years, he has been a great teacher, and mentor, but most importantly a good friend. Always honest and always true. He gave me solid fundamentals that which to stand on to grow as an artist. He helped me find my own rhythm and style of drawing and then showed me the way to expand on those fundamentals. I am the artist I am today because of his vast knowledge and his shear joy in passing that knowledge on.

Thank you Sheldon. You are the best.

Lori Cottrell-Bennett

Statement

A teacher who is able to teach the fundamentals well is one of the most important necessities for an aspiring artist. Learning to give your pictures structure, form, and life is an invaluable foundation for an artist.

In all my time as an art student, I never had a teacher who taught the fundamentals as clearly and concisely as Sheldon Borenstein. His teaching has helped me to improve my skills exponentially. And his mentoring and support has helped me to realize many of my goals as an artist.

Christopher Ocampo

Statement

Sheldon has consistently and effectively taught western thought on drawing for many years. He teaches old master techniques for figure drawing and has an in depth knowledge of the movements and flow of anatomy. Through figure drawing, you learn the essentials of visual communication that applies to pictures and imagery. On top of his succesful track record as a professor, his sheer dedication to the craft is truly inspiring.

Keetsie J. Berbel

Statement

I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with Sheldon. His enthusiastic teaching has equipped me with fundamental drawing skillsthat are universal in the art world. These skills have followed me all the way into the start of my career, where they are still relevant to all the work I do.

Most importantly, Sheldon has taught me that any gap in talent can be overcome through tireless, focused practice. He does not teach secret techniques or tricks, but instead reinforces a solid understanding of crucial drawing concepts in all of his students. His own hunger for learning is contagious in every class he teaches.

Pam Ho

Statement

So come this January, I'll have been at Disney for 2 years, and in the industry for 3. Although in a lot of ways I still feel like an "industry baby," I can't say enough, or tell enough people how I would not be where I am if it wasn't for your class and especially your business lectures. I don't even want to call it a class, because it's really more of a life/career lesson. Who better to pass on the knowledge than you? You really have "been there and done that."

I first heard your business lecture when you let me sit in on one of your classes because I was finishing up a painting in the back of the room. I don't think I finished the painting because I was so astonished by what you were teaching. Mostly because I had just bombed an interview days before. I did everything opposite of what you were saying, and I knew that I did not get the job. After your lecture and attending your classes, I applied everything you taught me in my interview with DreamWorks. Looking back, I think they were really impressed with the way I handled myself in the interview, especially since there were 3 people interviewing me at once. I remember telling myself, "Relax. Just be yourself, and they'll love you! Just talk to them; they're people too. Oh, and don't forget to ask your questions."

Every time I meet with a potential employer, I say the same thing to myself. And most importantly, I ask relevant, intelligent questions - just like you taught us. Although it's only been 3 years, I feel like I've met most of the people that I'll be working with for the next few years. The industry is truly small; and even if I haven't met everyone yet, everyone knows EVERYONE. (Including you Sheldon! )

You've taught me invaluable lessons that I will continue to use in my career. And I can't help but continue to share with the people I meet!

Thanks Sheldon


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