Anyone who follows this site has probably noticed a distinct falloff in posts over the last year or more. Part of that has been intentional. I've just been so busy with other parts of my life, including my family, my ministry projects, my interests outside of animation- not to mention my full-time work at Valve, that I just don't have the time or energy (or interest, honestly) to maintain an online presence as an animation person of interest. So I'm retiring from animation blogging and online animation teaching. As such I won't be doing any more APT sessions or new tutorials or training videos. I did try and have a few smaller classes over the last year, but it's just been too much to fit in and do well. Maybe someday I'll come back to it, but for now it's just not something I have that much interest in continuing. I still like to teach, but I much prefer live on-site teaching experiences where I can be there with the students. Along those lines I'll be teaching a 2 week workshop in the Czech Republic at Anomalia again this summer. I did a one week class last summer and had a blast. Live teaching is definitely a more enjoyable experience than remote online teaching. So I will stay active that way, just not here on my site or with online classes.
Another element that factors into my decision is the fact that there are a number of good resources available for online animation training now that didn't exist 7 years ago when I started the VTS and APT. With the recent advent of schools like AnimSchool and iAnimate (and others), along with the older AnimationMentor, there is enough competition in the marketplace, which is good for students. I don't have any interest in creating a larger organization to compete with those folks- I never really did. I just wanted to provide an alternative, fund some ministry projects and pay some bills along the way. I'm glad I was able to do that for a while. I most enjoyed the relationships I've had over the years with my students. You guys have been amazing. I've enjoyed the feedback and interactions, the friendships (and the occasional scuffles) I've had along the way. You all have been a great blessing, even those who ragged on me.
I will leave this site up, along with the tutorials, so no worries there. I just won't be adding to them. I'll also leave my blog up for those interested, but won't be adding new posts. Same goes for my Youtube channel. I'll leave the animationclinic.com store up as well so folks can still get the old VTS training videos. The current low price for the old VTS video bundles will now be the new normal price. I'll also probably be shutting down my twitter feed and doing some serious pruning of my Facebook friends list to get it down to just people I personally know.
God bless and peace...
