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Train the way studio animators train
5 ways to learn with Rusty Animator, from your first bouncing ball to live mentoring with pros from Reel FX, Cinesite, Weta and Sony Imageworks.
Start where you are – the way you want.
Tap a step to see the program
Step 01 · Learn the tool
Maya for Animators
Only the parts of Maya animators actually use, so the software stops getting in the way and feels as natural as a pencil in your hand.
- 7 core video lessons
- Navigation and the graph editor
- Workflow, scripts and hotkeys
- Scene setup plus 2 animation lessons
- Lifetime access and free updates
- 30-day money-back guarantee
$27one-time · about 2 weeks
Step 02 · Nail the basics
21 Day Beyond Beginner Challenge
Bite-size daily challenges you can actually finish in 21 straight days, with ready-made Maya scenes so you spend your time animating.
- 21 daily challenges
- Ready-made Maya scenes
- Ball bounce to a 180° turn
- 7 bonus challenge days
- Maya for Animators included
- Try Day 1 free
$29one-time
Step 03 · Build mechanics
Body Mechanics Mastery
Animate six shots frame by frame with Rusty, from sit-to-stand to a cinematic demo reel shot. Say goodbye to floaty moves, pops and wall smacks.
- 6 shots of rising difficulty
- 30+ HD frame-by-frame videos
- Reference and sketches to download
- Optional recorded critiques
- Lifetime access
- 90-day money-back guarantee
From 4 × $89· about 90 days · currently closed
Step 04 · Add acting
Character Animation Mastery
Create characters that make people laugh or tear up: a dialogue shot from planning to polish, plus focused lessons on acting and the face.
- Dialogue shot with Michael Lewis
- 7 lessons with Brittney Owens
- Lip-sync and facial animation
- Acting workflow, posing, moving holds
- Optional recorded critiques
- 60-day money-back guarantee
From 4 × $89· about 60 days · currently closed
Flagship · Live mentoring
Rusty Animator School
Live critiques from pro mentors, fellow students to team up with, and exercises tailored to your goals and progress, week to week.
- 4 students per live class
- 2 hours live each week
- 3-month terms
- 30+ min of critique per class
- Character rig included
- 60-day guarantee
$1,197or 3 × $429 · 6 × $223 · Fall 2026 sold out
Self-paced programs
Lifetime access, learn at your own schedule.
BMM and CAM are closed for now: join a waitlist to hear first when they reopen, with optional recorded critiques from pro mentors.
21 Day Beyond Beginner Challenge
Bite-size daily challenges with ready-made Maya scenes, from ball bounce to a 180° turn, plus 7 bonus days.
$29
Maya for Animators
Only the parts of Maya animators use: navigation, the graph editor, workflow scripts and scene setup, until Maya feels as natural as a pencil.
$27
Body Mechanics Mastery
Six shots animated frame by frame with Rusty, from sit-to-stand to a cinematic demo reel shot. Say goodbye to floaty moves, pops and wall smacks.
From 4 × $89
Character Animation Mastery
A dialogue shot from planning to polish with Michael Lewis, plus lessons on lip-sync, facial animation, acting, posing and moving holds.
From 4 × $89
Not sure where to start?
Never opened Maya?
Start with Maya for Animators.
New to animation?
Do Day 1 of the 21 Day Challenge free.
Your shots feel floaty or weightless?
Take Body Mechanics Mastery.
Mechanics solid, ready to act?
Take Character Animation Mastery.
Want live feedback and a studio-ready reel?
Join Rusty Animator School.
Still unsure?
Ask in the Discord community.
Start with one day
Animate the ball bounce most beginners skip, and feel the difference real weight makes. Free.
