Illustration Academy

This is from a post I made to the Illustration Academy blog, just wanted to share it here also:
{you can read the original post and responses here}
I just saw this post so brace yourself, here it goes:

From my experience, there is NOTHING like the Illustration Academy. I went to a good art school for 4 years and I feel I've learned at least as much from the Academy during the brief seven week program as I did during my tenure in college. It pretty much changed my artistic life. I was floored by the amazing talent of not only the instructors but my fellow students as well. The sense of community at the Academy is so real and engaging that, even though it was hard work (and it is VERY hard work) I was very sad when the seven weeks were up. Second, the way the information is broken down and taught has a lasting effect. You'll remember things you learned at the Academy years later, and then it will just click - "Oh that's what Brent was talking about, I get it now!"
I have been very blessed to have been a part of the Academy and haven't been able to completely pull myself away from it. I look forward to it every year and if I could quit my job and be a bigger part of it, I'd do it in a second. Sterling said something during the initial introduction of the Academy to Sarasota that has always stuck with me - "I would come to clean the floors at night, just to be near these guys and the Academy." It is one thing to hear about it, another to read about it, but to experience it is a whole different ballgame.
Sorry to have gone on for so long, but to anyone who might read this and be considering taking the Academy, I would highly recommend this amazing program. It will be one of the greatest investments you'll ever make (especially in yourself).

In closing, go to the Academy if it's even remotely possible. Take advantage of the instructors AND the students. Become a better artist and picture maker. Continue learning and keep making art. Finally, work smart and have fun (that's really what it's all about anyway, right?).

Thanks to all you guys and gals, you really have had a huge impact on my life (especially Brent, John, Sterling, George, Mark, and "Lucky" Jon).

Tom