Yes, I couldn't agree with everything posted more... I admit, I am one of those "talented" artists who for a long time thought, "gee, I can draw, and I've always loved cartoons, so I should be an animator!".  But recently I've gotten into an animation internship and realized, "wow.  There's a heck of a lot more involved with this then I'm really capable of-- and I haven't even really scratched the surface yet!".  Not to mention I'm a bit of a dunce when it comes to computers.  Sure, I can type and send e-mail-- but a five year old can do that, I'm sure.  For years I was on the fence about getting into animation, and of course everyone around me (while they meant well, didn't try to persuade me to think differently) had comments like, "you're so good at drawing! You should go work for Disney!" I can't tell you how many times in my life I've heard that one, like Disney will take any starry eyed Joe Schmoe or Jane Schmane just because they can twirl a pencil around with a degree of grace. 

Then of course, let's not forget all the money it would take to get into animation school, especially hard to swallow for someone who is as I put, 'on the fence'.  Ugh.  Times like these I wish I could just win the lottery and have my problems solved...

At the end of the day, colleges need to start getting honest about what the animation industry is: SMALL.
When you go to animation school, you learn a very specific set of skills for a very specific industry.

The animation industry is not a typical one. It's highly specialized and competitive. And unless you're very passionate about what you're doing, you're going to have a very hard time finding work or keeping it.

It's not like completing a science or engineering degree where the skills you learn are quite broad and entitle you to a very large range of positions.

Colleges need to pull back the veil and make students extra aware of the industry they're pursuing. There's a reason why creative careers are often difficult, and that reason is not being touted enough in our animation schools.. because animation programs have become very profitable for colleges.. but as someone else pointed out, the ethics of admission into these programs has gone down the toilet. And I'm referring to the big name schools.

Don't be fooled. Do your research.

Agreed. Extra naughty points go to the colleges who assure every single student that sure, you'll get a job somewhere in the industry! The admissions officer at my school seriously told applicants that 100% of grads got a job within 6 months. Guess how honest he turned out to be.

The entire time I was in school, my teachers swore I could get a job upon graduation. I was talented! I was a hard worker! Surely I'll get a job soon, I just had to have faith!

These days they don't return my calls. They have my money and all I have to show for it is intense self-loathing and deep shame because I will never dig myself out of this financial rut. Thanks animation school!

The problem is that many students enroll into animation programs because they have a passing interest in movies/cartoons. They figure "Hey! I like to draw, and animation is all the rage." Much of the time, these people are quite talented, but not really passionate nor skilled in the ways they need to be to succeed as an animator. This is largely the fault of the college admission process no longer being as strict. Basically, if you have artistic talent, you're in. However, the result is a lot of kids who want to be hired because they're talented, as opposed to possessing a strong desire to improve in the art of animation.

College can't give you something you don't already possess.

COLLEGES need to bring back ETHICS and begin making classes smaller. There are too many artists masquerading as animation professionals.

How do you instruct 30-40 people per class? In a year of 120 or more? In the past, animation was an taught in more of an apprenticeship style. Now, a few gifted people squeak through to the limelight, and colleges claim they had something to do with it.

In a 4 year program, you have approximately what? 500 animation students? And how many jobs in the industry? Not to mention all other colleges offering animation programs? It's becoming a joke.

^ i totally agree with you.

besides think of all the saturation.

Dear Santa,

Why do colleges enroll so many students knowing there's no industry to sustain them? Isn't that unethical?

Colleges should go on the naughty list. They're greedy.

Love,
Unemployed and trying to build a life in a recession, but more likely to change life view to compensate for
feelings of inadequacy and lack of independence.