J.J. ABRAMS
Producer:
Star Trek, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
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Overview
For over 25 years, Gnomon has trained thousands of artists for careers in the entertainment industry. Recognized as one of the Top U.S. Colleges by Forbes and named one of America’s Top Animation Schools by The Hollywood Reporter, Gnomon offers a variety of educational options to help students reach their goals in the entertainment industry, with certificate and degree programs, and over 100 individual courses. Gnomon is dedicated to empowering aspiring artists with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in today’s competitive creative landscape.
Mission
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At-A-Glance
550+ Total Student Body
80+ Unique Courses
98% BFA Placement Rate*
79% Certificate Program Placement Rate*
1000+ Industry-Employed Graduates
14 Average Class Size
96% Retention Rate for First Year BFA Students
0% Delinquency Rate on Private Loans
*Employment rates follow ACCSC definitions and are verified by an external firm. Data is available from the Placement Office.
Our Approach
Gnomon centers its curriculum around industry demand. Our education emphasizes professional application and spans a wide range of subjects across the production pipeline
Where You'll Learn
Gnomon’s 45,000 sq ft campus is located in North Hollywood, CA, providing students with access to a community of working artists in the field.
Who You'll Learn From
Gnomon’s instructors are working professionals who are well versed in the most up-to-date software, hardware, and techniques used in VFX, games, and animation.
Though there may be ever more powerful software available to visual effects artists, our emphasis remains on the creative process instead of mere technical proficiency. Gnomon recognizes that quality education is only a portion of a student’s holistic academic experience. Through studio engagement, networking activities, and industry-related events showcasing the latest artistic and CG techniques, students at Gnomon gain a broad understanding of the operational characteristics of different studios, insight into the current job market, and the comprehensive knowledge of how to navigate a career in the digital production industries.
Visual effects artists launched Gnomon with the support of the entertainment industry to help meet the demand for well-trained creative talent in the growing field of digital entertainment. Many of our alumni have gone on to work on blockbuster films and games, contributing to projects at studios around the world.*
*For current alumni and placement information, please contact the Placement Office.
History
Gnomon was founded in 1997 by Alex Alvarez, in a modest, single classroom location at the Television Center (TVC) building in Hollywood, CA. Centered on the dream of opening a space where artists could share ideas, techniques and learn together, Alex was determined to create an education that inspires: a place to learn that is led by artists, for artists.
Soon after founding, Alex partnered with Darrin Krumweide, and together they pioneered the earliest instructional efforts in the field, making Gnomon one of the first institutions in the country, and possibly the world, to offer an education specific to the emerging field of computer-generated visual effects.
Now an accredited college supporting a 45,000 sq ft campus, offering multiple degree and certificate-level programs, as well as over a hundred course offerings for everyone from the working professional to those just getting started, the School’s mission remains the same. Gnomon is honored to continue providing the entertainment industry with a uniquely skilled workforce and offering student artists an unparalleled educational experience.
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I only wish that Gnomon had existed when I was a kid. Their professors and founders are people who truly inspire. They don’t just teach the ‘how to,’ they give you context, understanding, and expectations of ‘how to on the job’. It’s that amazing ideal, where art and making a living peacefully co-exist. You can certainly become a successful working artist without Gnomon, but with their pedigree, placement stats, culture, and track record, why take that chance?
