Join us for a night of indie short films from MTM’s third- and fourth-year students at The Wych (1150 Davenport Rd, Toronto) on Monday, June 2nd, 6-9pm. Watch original animated shorts, grab a drink and hang out with animators and students!
Category: Events
Celebrating the 2024-2025 School Year: Staff Party, Student Showcase + Global Education Fair
Last week, we hosted our annual Staff Party that brought MTM’s faculty and staff together to celebrate the end of another successful school year. Held at our campus, we honoured the team’s hard work and support in guiding students toward creative excellence with a wholesome potluck!
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Here’s a look at some of the amazing artwork from our students this 2024-2025 school year:
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Global Education Fair
On Saturday, April 26th, we were invited to the Global Education Fair at the atrium of our campus at 95 Moatfield Drive. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth!
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See you in the 2025-2026 school year!
2013 Graduate Aaron Long Visits Max the Mutt
Director of BoJack Horseman offers valuable advice to MTM students
Aaron Long, Canadian animator and filmmaker, well known as a director on BoJack Horseman (Netflix), was in Toronto in early November to make an appearance at TAAFI INDUSTRY 2019‘s 2-day event, which offers exclusive talks from top animation artists and creators.
TAAFI INDUSTRY 2019
At TAAFI, Aaron spoke about his career starting as an intern for the Chuck Grammage studio with little experience and a ton of passion, through to his current work as a director for Bojack Horseman and Tuca & Bertie with Netflix. He also discussed how animation isn’t just for cartoons, as new streaming services start to take animation seriously. And the ins and outs on crafting your ideas for a primetime world. And lastly was the judge on a pitching competition.
Aaron Long’s Alma Mater
Aaron Long is a 2013 Max the Mutt (MTM) graduate. We were thrilled when he reached out to say he’d love to drop by to say hi, and talk to the students about his work!
As part of his presentation, Aaron showed fascinating behind-the-scene clips from BoJack Horseman and other programs he’s worked on (like the fabulous Tuca & Bertie) and gave students insight into what working on these productions was like. He shared the story of how his career in animation launched. And he emphasized the importance (and challenges) of continuing to develop his personal work while working on other projects.
Our students were inspired by his humility, the information he shared, and his love of traditional animation. He spoke about the inspiration he got from History of Animation, a first-year course at MTM, and his love of using physical movement, attitude, and timing to tell a story. He also highlighted the importance of life-drawing and other fundamental drawing skills he learned at MTM to his work.
Aaron Long created “Fester Fish” while still a student at Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art, and Design. A producer in LA who saw his YouTube channel discovered and contacted him.
Thanks for the visit, Aaron! Please come back soon.
Aaron Long is an animator and filmmaker from Toronto. He currently lives in Los Angeles, and has directed for Bojack Horseman, Tuca & Bertie, Triptank and more. He also creates independent cartoons Sublo & Tangy Mustard and Fester Fish which appear online and in festivals around the world.
Want to learn more about Aaron Long? Check out his work here, or visit his IMBD page.
2018 Concept Art Grads, Dhenzel Obeng and Zabi Hassan Talk About Being An Effective Concept Artist!
Students stayed on after classes last night to meet with Zabi Hassan and Dhenzel Obeng , 2018 Max the Mutt Concept Art for Animation & Video Games graduates, who are both working as Concept Artists at UbiSoft Toronto. They were introduced by Dayna Griffiths, year 4 Concept Art student and Tiffani Brown, another year 4 student, took the photos and sent this report:
“Some of what was discussed:
-Transitioning to workplace from school. Leaving ego at the door and understanding you’re working to achieve a whole.
-What to expect on the job – problem solving and collaboration. Many art directors. Communication is key. You have awesome people with great knowledge at your fingertips. Use them.
-Exposing yourself online and in a community (events, “meetups”,etc) outside of school. Getting comfortable with being vulnerable with your art. The importance of being open to critiques.
-Understanding that even now, as students, you’re making connections. Value them.
Of course they shared tons more and the students were very engaged. It was a great evening!”
Find out more about Max the Mutt’s 4 year Concept Art for Animation & Video Games Diploma Program! Â
For more information, email us at admissions@maxthemutt.com or book a tour today!
Our Trip to the Royal Winter Fair – Thoughts from Tina Seemann
Every year in November Max the Mutt students and faculty attend the Royal Winter Fair. A great opportunity to spend a day drawing animals and people on location.- Tina Seemann, MTM Co-director and Animation Program coordinator, had these thoughts to share about their day:
“With November comes our annual trip to the Royal Winter Fair, when the country comes to the city. A grand day out, it offers the students a combined drawing opportunity to capture people and farm animals together on the same page.
The horse jumping competitions are difficult enough to catch on paper, never mind the manic ‘Superdogs’ show which has hundreds of school kids screaming! Our students drew everything; from the sheep shearing, to the poultry exhibition, from the heifer auction to the petting zoo.
I had bought a few tiny plastic horse models and the Animal Drawing texts so that the students might see animal skeletal landmarks.
(Funny that this image is the only one to feature students and ‘animals’, makes us look like giants!)
Ed, Allen and Steve were also shepherding the group and added their life drawing expertise.
Bison burger anyone? How about a ‘beaver tail’ or taffy apple?”
We love the Royal Winter Fair!
You’re invited! Max the Mutt’s OPEN HOUSE Weekend: November 3 & 4 !!
Attend Max the Mutt’s November Open House Event and you will be introduced to the unique learning environment of a college created over 20 years ago by artists, animators and educators who are passionate about their arts and motivated by the desire to pass on their skills.Â
Community, professionalism, and generosity of spirit are words that best describe the culture we believe in and do our best to encourage at the college.
We are happy to answer your questions!
Like: Why do our graduates do so well? Why were we ranked first in North America for 2017 for Digital Illustration, 3rd in the world, by The Rookies, an international website supported by major companies worldwide?
Max the Mutt graduates can be found at top companies including:Â
Pixar, UbiSoft, Warner Bros Games, Guru Studio, Nelvana/Corus Entertainment, ToonBox Entertainment, National Film Board of Canada, Tangent Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks and many more.
Learn about where they got their start and find out how our programs help our students make dreams come true!
Open Saturday: November 3rd Â
From 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
11:30 AM:Â Attend an Information Session to learn more about Max the Mutt, about each of our 3 in depth 4 year diploma programs, and the careers each prepares you for:
- Our new 4 year Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts Diploma Program (& we have welcomed our first group of students this Fall 2018 term)! We’ll share with you the additional courses that now make this a more secure path for people who want to study for a career in comics and graphic novels. This program now gives you additional skills for jobs that will sustain you while build build your comic book/graphic novel career!
- Learn about exciting changes in the Classical & Computer Animation & Production Diploma Program. the only program in Toronto that gives you entry level skills for both 2D computer (Harmony) and 3D (Maya) animation jobs!
- Learn about the many career paths open to graduates of our Concept Art for Animation & Video Games Diploma Program!
Following the info session, you’re invited to participate in a group tour of the college, where you can view student work from all 4 years and see classes in session.
1:30 PM: Bring your lunch, and stay on to meet Dave Ross, Author of “Figure Drawing for Illustrators”, Internationally acclaimed Comic Book Artist and MTM Instructor
- A book signing will follow the “Introduction to Figure Drawing Without a Model” workshop with Dave.Â
- Dave’s book, “Figure Drawing for Illustrators” will be available for purchase, or bring your copy with you and get it autographed!
Also open on the Sunday: November 4th Â
From:Â 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
To Book a private tour for Sunday click HERE! Â
We will give you a call to confirm the time of your tour and also, if you want to attend, we’ll book you for one or both of the free Sunday workshops:
11:00 AM: “Layout for Comics” workshop with Kent Burles – Illustrator, Comic Book Artist, MTM Instructor and Illustration Program Coordinator.
1:30 PM: “Introduction to Character Design For Comics” workshop with Meaghan Carter, Comic Book Artist & MTM Instructor.
Remember if you plan to take a workshop or workshops please bring your sketch book and drawing materials. You’re also welcome to bring along your lunch!
Please note: We suggest a private tour for those of you who are sure which direction you want to go in! We encourage you to include family or a good friend, and we offer, if you request it, free consultation on your art work and portfolio advice.
Please RSVP to admissions@maxthemutt.com or call 416-703-6877, or make a private tour request….
Max the Mutt College of Animation, Art & Design offers three 4 year in depth diploma programs, Classical & Computer Animation & Production, Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts, and Concept Art or Video Games & Animation.
Congratulations Dhenzel Obeng, 2018 UbiSoft Toronto NXT Showcase Award & Internship Winner!
On Tuesday evening, May 15th, with excitement running high, UbiSoft Toronto held this year’s NXT Showcase awards presentation. The five finalists for each category were present along with faculty members from many Ontario university and college programs, some family, and UbiSoft employees. As usual, the atmosphere was warm, positive… and the food was great!
The pic below was taken before the announcements of winners. Dhenzel Obeng and close friend Zabi Hassan, also an MTM 2018 Concept Art grad, and a current concept artist at UbiSoft, joined Tina Seemann (she took the pic) and me in celebrating the fact that Dhenzel made it as a finalist, an honour in itself!
This one was taken after the awards! HOORAY FOR DHENZEL !!!
Dhenzel has passion, drive, curiosity, and a generous spirit. He’s worked hard to develop the skills to create worlds and share his vision. We are all very, very happy for him!
Maxine Schacker
(Click on the link for info about 4 year program, unique in Canada)
 Year End Open House at Max the Mutt! Graduate Work on View!
May 26 & 27, Year End Open House at Max the Mutt! Graduate Work on View!
You are cordially invited to Max the Mutt’s annual year-end Open House & Exhibition of Graduate and Undergraduate work!       Â
Saturday and Sunday, May 26th & 27th
On view: student films, slide shows of concept art environments, props and character designs, children’s books and comic book art!
Saturday, May 26th: doors open at 10:30 am
11:30 AM:Â Join us for coffee and doughnuts and an information session about this unique college, our philosophy, and the programs we offer, followed by a tour of the college.
1:30 PM:Â A special Open House presentation by Jim Woo, comic book artist and co-founder of The Comic Machine!
An Introduction to Rich Media comics
 and The Comic Machine
Digital comics have evolved in the past few years. In this hour long presentation we explore the evolution of digital comics and the various platforms in use today.
There will also be an overview of a developing platform called The Comic Machine which is essentially the YouTube of comics.
This online platform allows anybody to create a rich media comic with online motion editing tools, generate the text with an advanced text engine, and also publish it to a gallery and social media, providing the opportunity to develop a following.
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Jim Woo will demo the beta version of the online software.
Audience members with laptops are welcome to follow along.
You will need the Google Chrome browser installed.
For interested attendees, we will hand out user accounts and passwords.
For more information go to www.thecomicmachine.com
Sunday, May 27th: doors open at 11:00 am
1:00 PM: Attend the Open House Special Free workshop
Character Design for Comics & Graphic Novels with Greg Beettam, illustrator and comic book/graphic novel artist.
(If you plan to take the free workshop, please bring your sketchbook and drawing pencils!)
To pre-arrange diploma program private tours and info sessions, please contact admissions now to book your appointment!
Max the Mutt students are passionate people who want to develop first-class skills. Â Are you one of them?
Find out at our two-day Open House!  We’ve been voted one of the 5 top illustration schools in the world by the international art & design website  “The Rookies” Â
Our graduates have gone on to careers at top companies including Pixar, Corus/Nelvana, Guru Studio, Toon Box, National Film Board of Canada, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Yowza Animation, Portfolio Entertainment, UbiSoft, Â & Warner Bros. Games. Â Come see where they got their start!
Come for one or both days.
RSVP to: admissions@maxthemutt.com or call 416 703 6877
April 28 & 29 Open House, Featuring An Exhibition of Year One Student Art Work !
You are cordially invited to Max the Mutt’s April 28 & 29 Open House exhibition of year one student art work! Visit us and celebrate with us their impressive achievements!
Our Open House, featuring an exhibition of year one student art work, is a special annual event.
One of the major differences between Max the Mutt and programs at other colleges and universities is our deep commitment to teaching traditional, representational fine art skills. First year students in all programs are amazed at their artistic growth during this year.
Enjoy three studios devoted to exhibitions of year one art work from each of our three diploma programs!
This year, first year students will be available in each of the exhibition rooms to answer your questions and explain the curriculum.
Open Saturday, April 28th:Â 10 am to 4 pm
Special presentation at 11:30 am about our three diploma programs, summer workshops, and the summer certificate program.
Open Sunday, April 29th: 11 am to 3 pm
(featured art work by year one students 2018, and also from previous years)
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