Video Game Design for Kids and Teens. I have been teaching for 17 years.

I have been working with Ms. Jessica for about eight years now, and she has really helped me work toward my goal of being a video game animator. This was from when I was 13 up until present date. I am 21 now and four months away from graduating from Full Sail University with an B.S. in Game Art.

Ms. Jessica has helped countless students with her extensive knowledge of Maya. This includes all parts of the pipeline, including 3D Modeling, Rigging and Animating. She does an excellent job at not only explaining what to do, but why to do it. This is important in an industry that thrives on innovation. No one knows what one’s art director is going to ask, whether it is animating someone gliding through the air with a makeshift parachute or doing a victory dance, but knowing the principles behind the movement of a character goes a long way toward knowing how to animate any given project. A major competitive advantage is that she knows how to animate quadruped characters. She is the only teacher I have ever had that has ever even mentioned the subject, nevertheless taught students how to do it.

It is also very important to note that Ms. Jessica teaches drawing. This is a very important skill for everyone in the pipeline, as this is generally the best way to pre-visualize. The style she teaches creates art that is optimal for scanning into the computer so students can go over it in programs like Gimp, Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, she teaches art in a variety of media, including graphite and even sculpting. Ms. Jessica's modeling skills are primarily in Maya. She knows all of the tools of the trade, including easy tips and tricks to get fine details that students might otherwise not see.

Ms. Jessica is very approachable and is always willing to offer constructive criticism, and she is always there to help when sticky situations arise. She will look at a students work at any time given she is not helping someone else already. Between her positive attitude, expertise in most areas of the pipeline and superb and detailed teaching ability, I would recommend Ms. Jessica wholeheartedly as an upper level l instructor who is well versed in the industry.

I started taking Animation classes with Jessica at a summer camp when I was in middle school. She is very friendly and knowledgeable and is a great teacher. I couldn't make it to her live classes any more so about 3 years ago I switched to private online classes. I am about to graduate from high school and will be going to an art college and major in Animation. I have made many animated short films and have really learned how to use the software-Maya. She has prepared me well for my future career.