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Founder & Co-Director
MAXINE SCHACKER, Founder and Co-Director of Max the Mutt, is an artist who has exhibited in Montreal, Toronto and New York. She studied with Robert Beverly Hale, world famous Instructor of Drawing and Anatomy at the Art Students League of New York. She has taught painting, life drawing and anatomy for the Illustration and Animation programs at Sheridan College, and the Bell Centre for Creative Communication at Centennial College.
Co-Director of Max the Mutt and Classical & Computer Animation & Production Program Coordinator
Animal Drawing, Cartooning Instructor
TINA SEEMANN is a cartoonist and character designer whose work has appeared on many of TV Ontario’s children’s shows of the past. Tina designed the “Max the Mutt” mascot, as well as the characters for the proposed Max the Mutt Animation feature production, The Jazz Bears. She designed the characters and illustrated a Children’s Book written by David Schacker called “The Life and Times of Sir Reginald Tubb: A Bath-time Saga in Verse“. Classically trained in animation, Tina has taught animation at Sheridan College and the Bell Centre for Creative Communication. Tina is a Co-director of Max the Mutt and Coordinator of the Classical & Computer Animation & Production Diploma program.
Classical & Computer Animation & Production Coordinator, Instructor
2D Computer Animation: Introduction, Intermediate, Film Project; Intro to 3D Computer Animation; 3D Animation Production
DAVID HUYNH, a graduate of Max the Mutt, has been a 3D Technical Director for Corus/Nelvana in Toronto for several years where he worked on the TV series “Bravest Warriors“, as well as a 2D Computer Animation Technical Director. David teaches both 2D and 3D computer animation courses. He is the Producer and Technical Director for the year 4 film project, and also works on constructing and improving professional level work flows for both 2d and 3D Animation at MTM. David is also one of the Classical & Computer Animation & Production program Coordinators.
Concept Art for Animation & Video Games Coordinator, Animation Instructor
3D Film Development & Preproduction for Animation Year 4 Film Project, Animation Basics 1 & 2
HILARY PHILLIPS is a Director, Character Design Supervisor, and Storyboard Artist who has many years of top animation experience both in Canada and the U.S.A. Graduating with high honors from Sheridan College Classical Animation Program in 1982, Hilary Phillips has worked in the animation industry for more than 30 yrs. She began her career as an animator, primarily in children’s television productions such as the Raccoons, Care Bears, Dragon Tales, but also did some feature work along the way. She directed two TV specials, Railway Dragon and Birthday Dragon. Over the years she became more involved in character design, storyboarding, production design and development. She also has a crossover interest and experience in Live Action film making and special effects design with several shorts and a feature film, Dark Sunrise.
Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts Program Coordinator, Instructor
History of Sequential Arts, Perspective, Basic to Advanced Inking, Comic Book Composition & Layout for Portfolio, Portfolio Development
KENT BURLES is an illustrator whose love of the comic and fantasy genres led him into the comic and role-playing game industries. He worked with Malibu Comics on creating a series of Planet of the Apes comic books, as well as a series called The Adventurers. He has also worked on many role playing games by Fasa, Steve Jackson, White Wolf, and recently on Anvil Galaxy and Rifts for Palladium Books. Kent is a Max the Mutt’s Coordinator for the Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts Diploma Program.
Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts Program Coordinator, Instructor
Cinematic Storytelling & Story Development, Graphic Novel Writing & Illustration, Character Design, Perspective, Principles of Drawing
GREG BEETTAM is a veteran Comic Book/ Graphic Novel artist, freelance Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Writer and Visual Storytelling Expert, with 20+ years experience. Greg co-wrote a comic called Xeno’s Arrow with Stephen Geigen-Miller. In addition to his work in comics, graphic novels and cartooning, he has worked in advertising as a concept artist, specializing in storyboards, story development, script-writing, and presentation design. Greg has been a integral part in the planning, and shares the Coordinator position, for our new Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts 4 year Diploma Program. He is a valuable member of the MTM faculty family.
Instructor
Advanced & Intermediate Life Drawing, Principles of Drawing
ED SHAWCROSS is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art, and an artist with many exhibitions to his credit. He has taught at Sheridan College and Dundas Valley, and is past President of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. He is a dedicated educator, and, in addition to his own classes, is the Coordinator for year one life drawing for all programs.
Instructor
Constructive Figure Drawing, Structural Drawing, Intermediate & Advanced Comic Book Composition Penciling
DAVE ROSS has drawn and written for Marvel Comics and DC Comics on Captain America, Spiderman, Batgirl, Star Trek, Daredevil, Birds of Prey and JLA: Act of God, among many other projects. Dave recently published and toured with his instructional book “Freehand Figure Drawing for Illustrators: Mastering the Art of Drawing from Memory” which was published by Random House LLC. He was also an artist for the Rai series at Valiant Comics, and has worked as a concept designer and layout artist for animation. One of the founders of MTM’s Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts Diploma Program, he works with Kent Burles and Greg Beettam to review and fine tune the program and develop curriculum.
Instructor
Layout for Animation, Layout for the Concept Art program
ADAM EARLE is an animation artist with just over a decade of experience as a 3D Layout artist and 3D animator. He is currently a 2D and 3D animator, 3D Layout Artist and finaler for Guru Studio, Toronto. He previously worked for major companies as a pre-viz artist, animator and layout artist, and has a deep knowledge of animation production.
Some of the projects he’s worked on are, True and the Rainbow Kingdom, Justin Time Go!, and Disney’s Pixie Hollow Bake Off. He’s particularly proud of Thomas and Friends’ “Tale of the Brave”, where he had the pleasure of animating the ‘Monsters Everywhere’ sequence.
In his spare time he enjoys creating comics, music and even more cartoons. He has been enjoying his experience teaching for our Classical & Computer Animation & Production and Concept Art Programs at Max the Mutt.
Instructor
Character Design for Video Games
ADRIAN BOBB, is a writer, director and producer for Exocentric productions, his independent film production company. He has created original short and feature length film content as well as VFX work for independent films. In the past, Adrian has worked at companies such as Ubisoft, Digital Dimension, Rocket Science VFX, Jam Filled Animation, Little Blackstone Studios, as a matte painter, concept artist and 3D modeler. He has extensive experience as a creature and character designer, modeler and texture artist, and has been, and remains, an important addition to the Max the Mutt Concept Art program’s Faculty.
Instructor
Beginning & Advanced Life Drawing, Drawing Props & Objects
ALAN HOWELL has worked as an illustrator and designer, comic book artist, and caricaturist. Alan is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art. He has many years of experience as an Illustrator. His work appears in numerous book illustrations for Alexander Press and other publishing companies. He works in traditional and digital materials. Alan is an important member of Max the Mutt’s Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts and Concept Art program’s faculty.
Professional Development Instructor
3D Rigging and Python
ALVIN L. SENYAHAN learned to sketch and paint at an early age, taking a particular interest in still-life and landscape. He started out his career as a practicing licensed Civil Engineer, providing 3D engineering, design and modeling services. He soon became interested in visual effects, and left engineering to pursue this profession along with 3D modeling, character rigging, animation and compositing. While studying animation at Centennial, he was scooped up by CORE studios. Since then, he has worked in a number of studios, including Gallus Entertainment (3D modeler/rigger), Optix Digital (3D generalist), Soho Vfx (3D generalist), Sinking Ship Entertainment (3D effects lead, 3D generalist, rigging), and Guru Studios (3D Rigger). He’s worked on a wide range of productions including commercial ads, TV series and feature films.
Instructor
Toon Boom Harmony Instructor
APOLLO OKAMURA has 20 years of professional experience in the art industry, and has worked in fashion, advertising, comics, games, and of course, animation. During this time, he’s had the pleasure of working on well known licenses such as Robotech, Transformers, and the Ninja Turtles. While Apollo is classically trained in traditional animation, he’s also a big proponent for modern digital integration and has worked closely with Toon Boom as a certified trainer, working with several animation studios, including Big Jump, Bento Box, and Chuck Gammage Animation. Apollo’s love for drawing is only surpassed by his passion for teaching and has been honoured to teach at many animation schools around the world, including these notable North American colleges: Sheridan College, Algonquin College, and Savannah College of Art and Design.
Instructor
Advanced Props & Objects
BARTOL RENDULIC, trained both in fine art and Industrial design, is a Concept Artist specializing in Prop Design, a Model Builder, and illustrator with 21 years of experience. He has worked in prop design for feature films, TV, commercials, and AAA video games. Bartol is a welcome addition to the MTM faculty teaching our Concept Art program students.
Instructor
Perspective, Drawing Heads & Features
BOGDAN MOLEA is a renaissance man. He is a well respected fine artist who has years of gallery representation and has work in collections here and abroad. However, he also has professional experience in concept art, animation, matte painting, and has excellent 3D skills. He is an excellent and committed instructor. Before moving to Canada, in addition to his work as a professional artist, Bogdan was an Associate Professor at Nicolae Grigorescu Fine Arts Institute in Bucharest, Romania. Bogdan is a returning member of the MTM faculty and will be teaching traditional fundamental courses to our Concept Art program students.
Instructor
Animation Basics
BRAD FERGUSON teaches advanced classical animation and advises on both Max the Mutt student films and the year 4 students’ 3D production.
Successfully spanning nearly 20 years, first starting as a Character Designer and Animator back in 2001, Brad’s diverse and quality-focused animation career has included a range of roles such as an award winning Director/Showrunner, Animator, Storyboard Artist/Supervisor, Voice Director, Author, Character Designer and Entrepreneur. As an Instructor, he is equally at home with classical animation, 2D and 3D computer animation and he enthusiastically brings his many years of wide-ranging industry experiences into the classroom. Brad is an important member of Max the Mutt’s Classical & Computer Animation & Production program faculty.
He also has extensive experiences working in Television and Film Development as well as script refinement & punch-up. His Directing/Showrunner credits include “Numb Chucks” & the award-winning “Almost Naked Animals”, both with multiple international award nominations and wins, including “Best Animated Series”. Then there was Spin Master’s CG preschool series, “Rusty Rivets” and the educational series “Dr Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat”. Brad was also an Assistant Director on Nickelodeon’s “Welcome to the Wayne” and has extensive experience working in Development.
Instructor
3D Character Animation
CHRISTOPHER WOLFE is an outstanding character animator with many years of experience including animating for classical, 2D, and 3D series. He is currently Senior Animator at Brown Bag Films working on the Emmy Nominated Show -” Blues Clues & You“. Christopher is joining the MTM faculty to teach the 3D Character Animation course for our Classical & Computer Animation & Production program.
Instructor
Acting for Animation
CHRISTEL BARTELSE is a 4 time Canadian Comedy Award nominee, actor, writer, comedian and clown. A graduate of Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, and Second City Conservatory, her work has been presented in both Canada and the US. She is an original member and co-creator of the comedy duo “The Burnt Marshmallows,” and is currently a member of “Faustwork Mask Theatre.” Christel has developed and performed in three solo shows which have been nominated for the Canadian Comedy Award ,“Best One Person Show”. Her fourth show, “All KIDding Aside” was presented and well received at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2017. Her latest show, “The Surprise,” is a clown piece directed by Andy Massingham, presented at Next Stage Festival 2018. (Factory Theatre) . Christel teaches acting courses for students in the Classical & Computer Animation & Production Diploma Program at MTM, and also teaches for The Toronto Film School and Humber College.
Instructor
Digital Matte Painting
DANIEL ST AMANT has experience in both Animation and VFX and currently does compositing for 2D and 3D feature Films. His duties include matte painting, full CG integration, as well as crowd replacements and set extensions. His traditional fine art background (check out his website!) coupled with his visual effects training makes him another wonderful addition to MTM’s faculty! Daniel will be teaching for our Concept Art diploma program.
Instructor
3D Character Animation
DARRYL MALLOY is a 3D animator with years of experience who animated for Guru for several years, and is now animating for Tangent Animation, Toronto. With his passion not only to help upcoming animators, but to continue to develop and expand his own artistry, makes him a great addition to MTM’s animation department.
Instructor
3D In-Depth: Modelling & Texturing
HWASUP SONG has joined us as a part time instructor, and will be instructing year 4 Classical & Computer Animation & Production students, and, in addition will be the Modeling & Texturing Supervisor for the year 4 Film Project. An experienced character/creature artist with python programming capability that solves various technical challenges and enhances the workflows in real production environments He is currently the lead modeler for Toronto animation company Jam Filled, and has previously worked as a Modeling Supervisor for Tangent Animation, and 3D artist for Soho VFX.
Instructor
Beginning Life Drawing, Traditional Colour Illustration for Comics & Covers
JOCK MACRAE is a skilled illustrator and graphic designer. He has been an art director, has worked in advertising and has extensive experience as a children’s book illustrator, for publishers such as Kids Can Press, Nelsons, Key Porter and Bayard Press, among others. Jock has also been the graphic designer for much of Max the Mutt’s promotional materials, like our annual Course Calendars. Jock is a major part of year one drawing faculty, and also teaches illustration and graphic design for our Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts and Concept Art programs.
Instructor
Advanced 3D Computer Rigging and Modelling
JOSH WHITE currently works on feature films as a Senior 3D Asset Creator, doing lead character rigging, scripting, and modelling. He is known for his work on Max Steel (2016), Double Bang (2001) and Bubble Guppies (2011). His fine art background and knowledge of classical as well as computer animation make him a valuable and welcome addition to MTM’s faculty!
Instructor
Environmental Visualization
JULIEN NEMA has experience designing characters, sets and props for Nerd Corps. He also has experience in the game industry, researching and conceptualizing the most suitable design direction for mobile AR games and efficiently conveying his ideas. He has designed characters and art assets along with clear model sheets for 3D modelers to build from, and has directed and communicated with 3D modelers to ensure assets got the changes they needed look their best in game. He is currently a design artist for Nelvana Studio.
Instructor
Character Design and Concept Art Instructor
KENNY LAM has developed a passion and personal commitment to helping his students succeed. He has many experiences in movies and video games. He worked on movies such as Avatar, District 9, Predators, The Lovely Bones, The A-Team and The adventure of Tintin at Weta Digital. Moreover, he worked on Rainbow Six Siege and Watch Dogs Legion as Art Director at Ubisoft. His teaching style demonstrates dedication to fostering a positive learning environment for all audiences and we are very lucky he joined our Concept Art program Faculty Family.
Instructor
Portrait Painting
LAURA FABER is a Concept Artist and Illustrator working at Elliott Animation. Where she works on developing new shows, primarily on world designs, and assembling pitch packages. She is also currently working on illustrating her second children’s book. She graduated from Max the Mutt Concept Art program in 2016 and we are pleased to welcome her back to join our Faculty Family this time.
Instructor
Colour Theory & Background Painting, Digital Background Painting
MAYA IVANOVA has 18 years of experience in Visual Arts and Architectural Design. Since 2014 she has worked with both The Walt Disney company and Mercury Filmworks specializing in painting landscapes, urban landscapes, building interiors and fantasy worlds.
Instructor
Cartooning for Comics, Cartooning
MEAGHAN CARTER is a Toronto-based comic artist, with works in the Valor, Toronto Comics and Secret Loves of Geek Girls anthologies and the Toronto Comics anthologies. Meaghan is the author of the YA webcomics Take Off, and the ongoing Godslave series. Her work primarily features female leads, character drama and interactions with otherworldly beings. Meaghan also contributes her creative talents to The Pitiful Human-Lizard with Jason Loo as a colourist. Meaghan is a graduate of Max the Mutt’s Illustration for Sequential Arts Diploma program. She currently teaches cartooning and character design for Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts and Concept Art programs students. She is also active in arranging for talk and presentations from the comic book/graphic novel community in Toronto.
Instructor
Digital Media for Artists, Scripting for Comics, Computer Colouring & Lettering for Comics
MIKE GAGNON is an artist and writer, who works mostly in the comic book industry. His studio, Hammer Comics, is based in Hamilton, Ontario. His work has been published worldwide by companies such as Marvel Comics, Dark Horse Comics, Jack Lake Productions (Classics Illustrated), and many small press publications. Mike is a valued member of the MTM faculty family for the Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts program.
Instructor
3D Character Animation
MIKE SHIELL will be teaching 3D Character Animation for the Classical & Computer Animation & Production program students. He has over 25 years’ experience working as a Director, Animation Supervisor and Animator. He has directed and supervised a number of children’s shows including the Emmy awarding winning shows “The Backyardigans” and “Mike the Knight”. He is also an author and illustrator of children’s books and he creates cartoons, illustrations and animation for a wide range of clients. His work has appeared in National Lampoon, American Bystander, Kids Can Press, Reader’s Digest, GoComics/Universal Press Syndicate, Nelvana, Cartoon Collections, Nimble Collective, Saturday Evening Post, Prospect Magazine (UK), Phoenix Magazine (IRL) The Oldie (UK), Nickelodeon, BBC, Funny Times Magazine, Spider Magazine, Oatmeal Greetings, HIT Entertainment, CBS News, NobleWorks Greetings, Lucas Arts, Hallmark and King Features to name a few.
Instructor
Illustration for Children's Books, Traditional & Computer Graphics
MILAN PAVLOVIC is an award-winning illustrator and graphic artist specializing in illustrations for children, advertising, animation, editorials, and comics. Having BA in book design and MA in illustration, he began his career in Serbia, and as an Instructor he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. Milan is the Illustrator for several children’s book publications for Groundwood Books including, “Danny, Who Fell In A Hole”, “Kabungo“, and “Seamus’s Short Story“. Milan is a valued member of the MTM faculty family and teaches for the Illustration & Storytelling for Sequential Arts and Concept Art programs.
Instructor
3D for Concept Art, Modelling, and Asset Development for Games
NENAD PERIC came to Canada from Serbia, where he worked for as 3D modeller for Glossyrey. He has worked in Toronto as a 3D Artist/ Modeler for Soho VFX where projects he’s worked on include Deadpool 2, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, and recently joined Toronto animation company Jam Filled as a 3D artist. He’s been commended for his artistic excellence and is a valuable member of MTM’s faculty! Nenad teaches for our Concept Art program.
Instructor
PARIS ALLEYNE is a Toronto based comic illustrator and colourist. He graduated in 2013 from Max the Mutt’s original 3 year Illustration diploma program that has become the 4 year diploma program we offer today. He’s worked with Marvel, IDW Publishing, BOOM! Studios and Lion Forge LLC. He’s also created his own series Haven with Toronto publisher, Chapterhouse. Currently he’s the colourist on the Comixology original title Afterlift with Chip Zdarsky and Jason Loo. We are very pleased to be welcoming Paris to join our Faculty Family.
Instructor
Cinematic Language, Storyboard and Layout, Story Telling & Story Development, Introduction to Storyboarding & Film Language
PIOTR BIELICKI has over 30 years of professional experience in production design, production layout, storyboarding and animation for TV series and feature films. He has worked for Disney Feature Animation for many years on projects including “Mulan” (layout artist: journeyman) , “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (layout artist), “Pocahontas” (key layout/workbook) and many others. Since returning to Canada, Piotr has been involved in art direction and direction for live action and animated educational films. His passion for film and animation education makes him an exciting addition to MTM’s faculty and will be teaching courses for both our Classical & Computer Animation & Production and Concept Art Diploma Programs.
Instructor
Design & Composition, Colour & Water Based Media, Colour Theory & Background Painting
SCOTT CAMERON has been an illustrator since he graduated from Ontario College of Art in 1984. He was a background painter for Disney Canada. As an illustrator he has numerous credits including magazine covers and children’s books. He was nominated for a Governor General’s Award for Illustration for his work on Beethoven Lives Upstairs. Scott has been a valuable member of MTM’s faculty family who has taught courses for all of our Diploma Programs.
Instructor
Advanced Life Drawing, Anatomy, Drawing Heads & Features, Drawing Hands & Feet, Drawing for Animation
STEVE MILLARD started his career in animation working for Walt Disney Canada on such projects as “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas“, and “Peter Pan: Return to Neverland“. He has also worked as a character designer for Nelvana and 9 Story Animation. As a fine artist, he has exhibited drawings and paintings in Oakville and Toronto.
Steve was a Featured Published Artist in “Spectrum 24: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art” by Flesk Publications and was an Exhibiting Artist for “The Colour and Form Society: 25th Annual Juried Show” in Etobicoke, Ontario.
Steve has been a valuable member of the MTM faculty family, since 2008, teaching advanced courses for all 3 of our Diploma Programs.
Instructor
3D Character Animation, Character Design for Animation & Video Games
ULYSSES ESGUERRA is a 3D Lead Animator currently working for Guru Studios in Toronto. His prior experience includes animating for many other top Canadian companies, including Red Rover Studios (now House of Cool), Canuck Creations and Arc Productions. He also has traditional feature animation experience as a classical animator. His talents include character design as well as animating. Ulysses has been an important addition to the MTM faculty family and has taught for both our Classical & Computer Animation & Production and Concept Art diploma programs.