ANIMATION WORLD MAGAZINE - ISSUE 5.02 - MAY 2000

Choosing An Animation School
(continued from page 1)

If inquiries into curriculum are answered by statements such as: "Oh, you can pick up the drawing with electives"...Beware! This often means the school does not place an emphasis on drawing. Also remember: studios like well-rounded people, so a healthy dose of academic classes will also be desirable.

The Faculty:
Another important element to look for in an animation school is the faculty. Good animation instructors are a commodity. The lure of the industry (and pay) far surpasses what most schools can offer. The faculty should have experience in instruction as well as experience at a desirable level of animation in the industry. Some of the best instructors are animators who work at their craft and teach part-time; or conversely, who teach full-time and pick-up freelance work on the side. Such arrangements allow teachers to offer students the most up-to-date information, expertise and insights into the field. Beware of classes taught by grad students and instructors who have never really worked in the industry, or who have been out of the industry for some time.
© ArtToday.
© ArtToday.

When evaluating a program, try to look at the instructors' work; it will give an indication of their depth of knowledge. If you are able to observe classes, keep in mind that animation instructors who demonstrate and not just explain and oversee, are the most desirable. Ask some questions: How many instructors teach how many students? How large are the classes? Do students receive the individual attention necessary to develop? Ask the questions before committing to a program. It’s your money and future.

The Facility:
The third ingredient is the facility. Though the curriculum and faculty are more important, it is an important aspect. When it comes to facilities, the following questions should be asked: How old or new is the equipment and building? What is the size of the facility? What is the ratio of equipment to students? What will be your access to the equipment? Are there designated areas for animation and for drawing? Are the pencil test systems in the studios up to date? How many pencil test systems are there? Do the studios have demo systems for the instructors? What kinds of hardware and software are in use? Is there an equipment update plan in the budget? Does the school have animation camera stands; digital ink and paint systems; editing and sound facilities (or an arrangement with a professional facility)? The answers to these questions will provide insight into the quality and direction of the program.

© ArtToday.

The curriculum, the faculty and the facility are the main elements to consider when choosing a school. Another factor influencing your choice might be the hiring of graduates by the industry (what percentage and at what levels). Is there job placement assistance at graduation and beyond? How do the current students and recent graduates feel about the education they have received? How is the school rated by the industry? "The Bigs" know which schools produce results. Look for partnerships between the industry and schools. Finally, ask to see the school's "student reel"...what does the reel present? Does it have substance and display thinking, breathing characters that spark emotion and tell stories? Or does it resemble a rock video gone badly with loud music and a mish-mash of unrelated images?

Remember, you are searching for the school that will help you toward your professional goals. Don't be distracted by slick, flashy brochures and Web sites. Examine and investigate the curriculum, faculty and facility: these will help you make an informed decision and a satisfactory choice.

Don't miss AWN's Winter 2000 Animation School Directory, which is available for download free of charge. Our school directory is your complete, indispensable reference guide to over 440 animation related schools and educational institutions from 37 different countries. This is a must have resource for anyone considering a future in animation.

Larry Lauria is an animator/educator with 25 years in the industry. When not working on his current millennium animation project, 2KJ, Larry keeps himself busy working as a freelance animator and classical animation instructor. He can also be found designing animation curricula, or traveling around the world giving animation workshops and master classes. His Web site "The Toon Institute" is part of the AWN family.
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Note: Readers may contact any Animation World Magazine contributor by sending an e-mail to editor@awn.com.

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