I'm starting to look into animation as a new career. I'm in my mid 20's with a bachelor's degree in journalism. I've been looking at different schools and programs for a few days now, and I was wondering if anyone could offer a little guidance.
I was going to post this as a "how much education" do I need message, but I realized that's kind of like putting the cart in front of the horse.
Instead, I'll just say that what I'm looking to do is along the lines of character animation, not so much special effects or computer graphics.
My question is, what kind of program should I be looking at? Does anyone have any recommendations for someone living in the Mid-Atlantic? (specifically the Art Institutes of Philadelphia or York, PA)
Thanks for your help.
The question is how much of an art background do you have? If you are just starting out you will want to learn more about the fundamentals of drawing and composition before you venture out into animation. If you are just starting out and if a school is offering all you need to know about drawing and animation in a few years it's not likely you will be able to compete with others that already have the art side down.
ed
Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida
I am in a similar boat as the poster that started thread and I have the same questions (didn't want to start a new thread) I am in my early 20's with a Communication degree as well, mine is in Advertising. I have an art background both computer (desktop programs IE Quark, Illustrator etc and traditional (lots of drawing/painting, although its mostly animals not humans).
I have been looking at schools as well but don't know the extent of the education you really need. Every place tells you something different. There are community colleges with Associate degrees, BFA programs, and others. I am in Texas and was hoping to find a school that wouldnt' require an extreme relocation for the time being. I want to do the smart thing. I have seriously considered the Art Institute in Houston, but don't know if thats best route or not.
I am largely interested in character animation, but I would like to be a very well rounded individual.
Though I have never been to any Art Institutes of Anywhere I have heard a wide range of opinions about the schools; some good and some not so very good but that could be said for any school.
The best thing to do before you sign up for a school is the do a little research of your own and find out what each place can offer you, what type of student they produce and is that student wanted by the industry. It doesn't make sense to go to a school that doesn't give you the necessary tools to be productive in the work force. Compare student work, where they end up after the graduate and alway look at the websites of the companies you want to work at some day and see what schools they recruit from; if it's not listed call them and ask.
ed
Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida
I guess I'm part of this club too!
I'm in my mid 20's, and graduated as an illustrator, but made the switch a few months ago to animation. It was always in my heart, and I got into it by taking a Flash course.
Recently, I've been looking into alot of local schools to increase my education, but many of them that say they teach animation, only teach the animation programs (Maya, etc..). Big difference. ANY institution can teach you a program. Always ask to see student work. Education depends alot on the individual, but the student work is also a reflection of the school. If you are not impressed by the work, don't waste your time (and money). I also discoverd that degrees mean little in the art business. People want to see a good portfolio. Nobody ever asks me about my degree. What you can get out of a program is far more important.
I graduated from Ringling, a school I loved and enjoyed, and if I had the money, I'd go back and take their animation program. But with my education as an illustrator, I feel I have enough building blocks to learn on my own. I now work animating children's video games, and am fortunate enough to be surrounded by talented people who are always willing to share their knowledge, and answer my questions. I'm also working on some personal projects that I have the luxury of time on, rather than the three-four day time limits like the ecards on my site.
Evaluate your situation, and ask yourself what you need to get where you want to go, and surround yourself with talented people who know more than you do. =) Good luck!
-S
-S
http://www.suetheartist.com
I'm not sure how well-received it is on a global scale, but I go to school at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. We have a graduate program here called ACCAD, which deals with all things technological in entertainment and medicine as well, I believe. Many grad students in ACCAD count Dreamworks and Pixar among their next career stops, as these studios often recruit directly from our graduate program. Hope that example is helpful to you.
This is a long shot reply, (pay little regard) you already seem to have good prospects, but as far as I see it, you would have a flourishing career in the literary aspect of animation, if you do take my advice, test your skills, send your work to an agent for representation and from there, take the industry by storm, you have me as an ally ;)
He who seeks the truth, must first empty his heart of a false pursuit.
Diemeras Dark Angel