FAQS

What does Gnomon mean? Top
Gnomon is Old English word that means interpreter. It is also the upright on a sundial that casts the shadow or the arrow in Alias|Wavefront PowerAnimator that points to global center.
What is Gnomon's history? Top
Gnomon was founded by a former Applications Engineers from Alias|Wavefront who saw a need for a school that taught the tools and techniques necessary to produce high-end digital content. We opened our doors in 1997 with one computer lab, three instructors and four digital courses. Today, we offer not only computer instruction, but also courses in the traditional art and production techniques required to succeed in today’s digital studios.
Is Gnomon Approved by the State of California? Top
Gnomon is approved as a non-degree vocational institution from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education pursuant to California Education Code, Section 94915.
Is Gnomon Accredited? Top
Gnomon is accredited by the Council of Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency committed to assuring quality and integrity in career and workforce development.
Who are your faculty? Top
A primary determining factor in the quality of education at any institution is the faculty. Because of our location in the heart of the entertainment community and our commitment to providing instruction by production professionals, Gnomon's faculty is made up of an extraordinary group of educators. All of our instructors are industry professionals who earn their living using the tools and techniques that they then pass on to our students. They teach at Gnomon because they believe in the importance of quality education. They are committed to the industries in which they serve and the students who look to them for instruction. For a list of our instructors please visit the Instructor page on our website.
How is your curriculum designed? Top

Gnomon’s curriculum is designed specifically to provide students with the skills they need to succeed as digital artists in the entertainment industries. We are dedicated to teaching, not just software, but the underlying techniques and concepts behind the programs. Our instructors are experienced industry professionals who teach the skills they use on a daily basis and develop their courseware accordingly.

Class assignments are project-based and revolve around the student's personal direction and creation. Thus, upon completion of a course of study, each student has completed work that is unique to his or her vision. Homework is assigned with an emphasis on personal projects, realism, complexity and research. This mode of instruction assures that, in addition to the learning the software, students also gain valuable experience in problem-solving skills.

What software do you train on? Top
We have standardized our curriculum on the Alias suite of programs, primarily Maya. We also offer limited training on Renderman, Shake and Softimage.
Where are you Located and what are your facilities like? Top

Gnomon School of Visual Effects is located in the center of the Hollywood production district in the former Technicolor Studios complex.

Our 7500-square-foot facility features four-computer labs furnished with a total of 50 state-of-the-art, production-level workstations. An analog studio is home to courses such as Figure Drawing and Production Design. The remainder of our space is made up of a 70-seat screening room, a professional-level sound/edit bay, student lounge, kitchen, game hall and administrative offices.

Overall our facilities have been designed to create a production-like environment with an atmosphere conducive to creativity and learning.

Does Gnomon offer tours? Top
Yes, they are offered Monday through Friday. To set an appointment, please contact our office at 323-466-6663. In the event that you come without a set appointment, we cannot guarantee that a staff member will be available to answer your questions.
What are Future term dates? Top
Curriculum Calendar infromation is found here.
What are Gnomon’s Program Options? Top

Gnomon offers Digital classes and courses in complementary traditional skills (Analog Courses). Our curriculum addresses the needs of both beginning and advanced level digital artists. The three main training options are as follows:

High-End CG Certificate Program
In response to industry needs, in the Summer of 1998, Gnomon instituted our Certificate Program, which is designed to give motivated individuals the skills they need to obtain and succeed in entry-level positions in the 3D entertainment industries. Designed with input from members of the Alliance of Digital Effects Production Trainers (ADEPT) and our Advisory Board, this program offers a well-rounded education made up of both digital and traditional art classes.

Certificate students take in excess of 35 courses. This intensive curriculum provides a balanced education in both digital and traditional skills. Within this structure, all courses are geared toward applying the tools learned in the 3D arena. Admission to the Certificate Program requires a completed application form and portfolio. Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or the GED equivalency.

For more detailed information on the Certificate Program, please read the sections in the FAQ sheet pertaining to Participation and Admission to the Program or contact our office via email or phone.

Professional Studies Program
A majority of our students take classes on an extension basis. Classes are open to the public and do not require a portfolio for entrance. Extension students usually take an individualized selection of courses -- one or two classes a term -- until they gain the skills they need to succeed in their chosen career. These students are often production professionals who are at Gnomon to increase their knowledge. Others come from varied backgrounds with the goal of getting into the digital production industries. Admission is based on space availability and class size is limited to 12 students per class. The majority of our classes are 10 weeks in length, with each digital class, consisting of 3 hours of class per week and 9 hours of guaranteed lab time per week.

Class assignments are project-based and revolve around the student's personal direction and creation. Thus, upon completion of a course of study, each student has completed work that is unique to his or her vision. Homework is assigned with an emphasis on personal projects, realism, complexity and research. This mode of instruction assures that, in addition to the learning the software, students also gain valuable experience in problem-solving skills.

Maya Fast Track Program
This program is specifically designed for professionals who want to learn as much Maya as possible in the shortest amount of time so that they can use Maya as a production tool. This program consists of nine consecutive weeks of one-week classes that address a specific area of Maya. Classes are held during the day, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, thus giving students 30 hours of class each week.

Please be aware that the Fast Track Program does not include any lab time. Students are in class 30 hours a week getting as much information as possible in that time period. The focus of the program is for the students to learn, but not for them to work on portfolio pieces and or a demo reel. For more information please visit our website or contact our Director of Industry Relations, Pam Hogarth.

What is Gnomon’s tuition? Top
Tuition ranges based on the type of program and class. In the extension program, digital classes range from $1250 to $1700. The majority of our 10 week digital classes are $1625, 5-week Digital courses are $800. The traditional classes cost $450 for 10-week classes, and $225 for five-week classes. Tuition for the Certificate Program is a set price of $5500.00 per term with a non-refundable deposit of $1500.00. For the Maya Fast Track Program, tuition is $9,000.00.
How can students pay for courses? Top
Gnomon accepts personal or company checks, Visa, MasterCard, money orders, Payment Plans and Sallie Mae Career Training loans.
Do you offer financial aid or loans? Top
  1. Sallie Mae Career Training loans
    For general information on the Career Training loan, you may visit their website at www.salliemaefinancial.com. Should you wish to explore this option, prior to filing out any paperwork, please contact our office at 323-466-6663.
  2. Gnomon Payment Plans
    Tuition is broken into three installments over the length of the term. There is a 3% finance fee applied to payment plans.
  3. Federal Student Aid
    Students who are enrolled in the Certificate in High-end Computer Graphics Program on a full-time basis and are citizens of the United States may be eligible to receive Pell Grant and/or Stafford Loan financial assistance. Additional information is available here.
What is the schedule for one-week classes? Top
Please visit the online course schedules or contact our office for the schedule.
Does Gnomon offer Custom Training? Top
Gnomon has extensive experience providing custom training for production studios, animation houses, corporations and individuals. We can tailor our digital classes to fit your needs or create a class specifically for your artists. Training can occur in our classroom or on-site at your facility. Our instructors and staff have experience in production, so we understand the pressures and needs of the entertainment industries. We can also make arrangements for many of our traditional, analog classes to be given on a custom basis. For further information on Custom Training please contact our Director of Industry Relations, Pam Hogarth.
Is it possible to see student work? Top
Yes. Visit our Student Gallery section for examples of student work.
What is the age range of your students? Top
Gnomon students come from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Though the median age of our students is 25 to 30, we have many “career changers” who are in their mid-forties to fifties - and a couple of high school students who take one class per term.
Where do your students come from? Top
85% of our students live and work in the Los Angeles area. 40% of our students who work in the digital production industries and take classes to upgrade their skills. We do have students who come from around the world to LA for anywhere from one to seven terms and attend classes on a full-time basis.
Do you accept international students? Top

Gnomon is eligible to issue I-20's only for students accepted into the High-End CG Certificate and the Maya Fast Track programs.

We are NOT able to issue I-20’s for Professional Studies courses. If you are interested in taking classes on an extension basis, you may check with your embassy to enquire about the length of a visitors visa to the US. A visitors visa may allow enough time for you to complete one or two terms at Gnomon.

Do I need a college degree? Top
We do not require a college degree for admission to any of our courses. We do require a high school diploma or GED equivalency for our High-End CG Certificate program.
Does Gnomon lead to a degree? Top
No, we do not lead to a degree. We do offer a Certificate Program.
Where do out-of-town students live? Top

There are a couple of options in regards to housing. They are as follows:

Roommate and Rental Services
Students have had success using the following sites on the web to find accommodations: www.craigslist.com, www.easyroomates.com and www.westsiderentals.com. Additionally, Gnomon posts notices for students looking for roommates and try to connect people that are looking for roommates

Homestays
Gnomon has an established relationship with Global Student Services. They provide housing for students with families within the area. For information on their services and to obtain and application Please visit their website at www.global-student-service.com.

Hotels
For shorter-term stays Gnomon has corporate accounts with local hotels as well as a corporate housing development. For further information please contact our office.

Does Gnomon assist with Internships? Top
We do have internships, which are awarded to students on an individual basis based on availability, student skill, knowledge and personal fit with the company offering the internship. The management team at Gnomon makes decisions as to which students are referred for internships.
Does Gnomon participate in Group/Student Projects? Top
Yes, past projects have included an animation that was shown at the SIGGRAPH 2001Electronic Theater pre-show, animation and effects for a short film produced and directed by Faye Dunaway and, most recently, over 60 effects shots for a Roger Corman film produced by the Los Angeles Film School. These projects give our students the opportunity to work collaboratively with professionals under real-world circumstances, get credit on distributed projects and include professional work on their demo reel.
Is there any Career Guidance? Top
Gnomon offers career guidance services. Our Director of Industry Relations holds a degree in Vocational Counseling and is available to advise students on career preparation, resume, demo reel creation and job hunting.
Does Gnomon assist with Job Placement? Top
Gnomon is a member of several job list services. Additionally we receive calls from prospective employers. We maintain active relationships with several recruiting agencies and most of the major production studios.
Where are former/current students working? Top
Gnomon students are working, or have worked, at: 525 Post; Activision; Alias; Angel Studios; Arete; Assylum; Boss Games; Blur Studios; CBS; Centropolis; Cinesite; Cinesite London; Clarity; Click Active Media; Design Works; Digital Domain; DreamWorks Feature Animation and Interactive; Electronic Arts; Film Roman; Hammer Film; Industrial Light & Magic; In-Sight Pix; Klasky-Csupo; Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company; Knowledge Adventure; Kronos; LA Times; Left Field Productions; Lidar Studios; Look! Effects; Mattel; Matrix 3D; Midway; Motion Theory; Nickelodeon; Osiris; PacTitle/Mirage; Paramount; Pixar; POP; Radium; Rare Medium; Reality Check Studios; Rhythm & Hues; Rock Star Games; Sony Pictures Entertainment, Imageworks, Interactive and DVD; South Park the movie; Spark Inc; THQ; Threshold Entertainment; Univision Network; Viacom; Walt Disney Feature Animation; Television, TSL and Imagineering; Warner Bros; Will Vinton Studios; Xerox and Zoic.
How can someone participate in the High-End CG Certificate Program? Top

The High-End CG Certificate Program is available in two formats: Full-time and Part-time.

The full-time program is seven terms (21 months). Full-time students should expect to be at the school for a minimum of 60 hours per week. We strongly recommend full-time students not work while active in the full-time program.

The Part-time program is available for students who need to work while attending school. Inclusion in the Part-time program requires registration in at least two courses per term. Part-time students may transfer into the full-time program only after fulfilling the requirements for Term One or Two. Transfer is contingent upon space availability and permission of the administration

What is the Admission process to the High-End CG Certificate Program? Top

Admission to the Certificate Program (both Full-time and Part-time) requires that all Applicants must have at least a high school diploma or the GED equivalency.

Decisions for acceptance are made based on a completed application form, portfolio review. Additionally it is highly recommended that prospective students interview with a member of Gnomon’s staff to determine if the program is appropriate for them.

We accept the student into the Program twice a year; Spring and Fall terms. The deadline for application is two months before the start of the term for which you are applying.

What are the Portfolio requirements for the High-End CG Certificate Program? Top
The portfolio need not be extensive: 15 to 20 pieces are sufficient. We are looking for work that you feel is representative of your skills. Personal projects are preferred over pieces done for school or work assignments. The committee is looking to see your skill and how you progress from concept to completion. You are strongly encouraged to include sketchbooks in your portfolio submission. Please submit traditional work as flat art, not on CD. Feel free to include any digital work you have done as well.
Are there additional benefits of the High-End CG Certificate Program? Top

Besides our regular classes, Certificate students receive additional benefits not available to other students they include:

  • Internal critique at the completion of every term by our Director, Alex Alvarez and or Associate Director, Darrin Krumweide
  • External critiques by Industry Professionals upon completion of Terms 2, 4 and 6
  • Studio tours
  • Special daytime workshops in specific skills such as resumes and interviewing
  • Invitations to industry events
What is the placement rate from the High-End CG Certificate Program? Top
The Certificate Program began in July of 1998 and the first students graduated in June of 1999. By September they had all found full-time staff positions. We continue to maintain 90% placement for Certificate graduates.
What is Gnomon Online? Top
Gnomon Online offers web-based, high-quality tutorials, scene files and moderated forums for Alias Maya. Gnomon Online was established to create the best source for quality Maya training on the Internet. Based on the School’s industry-driven curriculum, Gnomon Online exists to help artists become more productive, regardless of their physical location. Gnomon Online offers over 30 hours of Maya training accessible with a paid subscription fee of $49 per month. Membership gives individuals access to an ever-growing library of streaming-video tutorials, tips, scene files, and the Gnomon Online Member Forums. Additional tutorials are added each month, keeping the site – and membership – dynamic.
What is The Gnomon Workshop? Top
The Gnomon Workshop provides the international Maya community with training DVDs and written tutorials, allowing individuals and studios outside the Hollywood area access to the exceptional training offered by the school. Each title has over 100 minutes of instruction. The DVD’s have high-quality digital video, lecture notes and scene files. Titles are available for purchase individually or in discounted bundles. To place an order please visit the website at www.thegnomonworkshop.com. Gnomon Workshop products are also available for purchase at the school Monday through Friday from 10am – 6pm.