5 answers
Hailee
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
711 views
what is it like to be an animator and what are some good schools to go to for being an animator
what is it like to be an animator? what are some good schools to go to for being an animator? what do you have to do to become an animator? I'm a good dolor and want to put my talents to good use
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5 answers
Garima Lajras
Illustrator, 2D animator, Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer
112
Answers
Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hi Hailee,
Great question!Being an animator is both exciting and challenging. Animators bring characters, stories, and worlds to life using their creativity and technical skills. It’s a job that combines drawing, storytelling, and problem-solving. A typical day might involve sketching ideas, creating storyboards, animating frames, or collaborating with teams. Deadlines can be intense, and revisions are common, but seeing your work come alive on screen is incredibly rewarding.
Good Schools for Animation
1. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Known for producing Disney and Pixar animators.
2. Ringling College of Art and Design – Offers a strong program in computer animation.
3. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Focused on 2D and 3D animation techniques.
4. School of Visual Arts (SVA) – Located in New York, offers excellent industry connections.
5. Sheridan College (Canada) – Famous for its animation program, ideal for aspiring animators.
If these schools feel out of reach, there are also online platforms like Animation Mentor or CG Spectrum that offer top-notch animation training.
Steps to Becoming an Animator
1. Develop Your Drawing Skills:
You already mentioned being a good drawer, which is an amazing start! Practice gesture drawing, anatomy, and character design to strengthen your foundation.
2. Learn Animation Basics:
Understand key principles of animation, like timing, squash-and-stretch, and storytelling.
3. Master Animation Software:
Tools like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender are widely used.
4. Build a Portfolio:
Create short animations or reels that showcase your skills. Focus on storytelling, movement, and expression.
5. Pursue Formal Education:
Attend a school with a strong animation program or take online courses.
6. Network:
Join animation communities, attend events like SIGGRAPH, or participate in animation challenges.
7. Start Small:
Consider internships, freelance gigs, or indie projects to gain experience.
Lastly, Animation is a career where your creativity and skills can truly shine. It takes dedication, practice, and passion, but it’s a field that offers endless opportunities to put your talents to good use. You’re already on the right track by exploring your options keep going.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
Great question!Being an animator is both exciting and challenging. Animators bring characters, stories, and worlds to life using their creativity and technical skills. It’s a job that combines drawing, storytelling, and problem-solving. A typical day might involve sketching ideas, creating storyboards, animating frames, or collaborating with teams. Deadlines can be intense, and revisions are common, but seeing your work come alive on screen is incredibly rewarding.
Good Schools for Animation
1. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Known for producing Disney and Pixar animators.
2. Ringling College of Art and Design – Offers a strong program in computer animation.
3. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Focused on 2D and 3D animation techniques.
4. School of Visual Arts (SVA) – Located in New York, offers excellent industry connections.
5. Sheridan College (Canada) – Famous for its animation program, ideal for aspiring animators.
If these schools feel out of reach, there are also online platforms like Animation Mentor or CG Spectrum that offer top-notch animation training.
Steps to Becoming an Animator
1. Develop Your Drawing Skills:
You already mentioned being a good drawer, which is an amazing start! Practice gesture drawing, anatomy, and character design to strengthen your foundation.
2. Learn Animation Basics:
Understand key principles of animation, like timing, squash-and-stretch, and storytelling.
3. Master Animation Software:
Tools like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender are widely used.
4. Build a Portfolio:
Create short animations or reels that showcase your skills. Focus on storytelling, movement, and expression.
5. Pursue Formal Education:
Attend a school with a strong animation program or take online courses.
6. Network:
Join animation communities, attend events like SIGGRAPH, or participate in animation challenges.
7. Start Small:
Consider internships, freelance gigs, or indie projects to gain experience.
Lastly, Animation is a career where your creativity and skills can truly shine. It takes dedication, practice, and passion, but it’s a field that offers endless opportunities to put your talents to good use. You’re already on the right track by exploring your options keep going.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck in your journey.
Hiral Khunt
Branch Manager
11
Answers
Surat, Gujarat, India
Updated
Hiral’s Answer
Being an animator is awesome! You get to bring characters and stories to life through art. Imagine drawing a character, then making them move and talk on screen. It's like magic!
Some top schools for animation are CalArts (California Institute of the Arts), Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
To become an animator, you'll need a strong foundation in drawing, understanding of animation principles (like how things move realistically), and likely a degree in animation or a related field.
Your drawing skills are a fantastic starting point! Keep practicing, explore animation software (like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom), and consider taking some animation classes to see if you love it.
If you found is interesting, I can guide you more in detail about what are the things include in animation.
Some top schools for animation are CalArts (California Institute of the Arts), Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Savannah College of Art and Design.
To become an animator, you'll need a strong foundation in drawing, understanding of animation principles (like how things move realistically), and likely a degree in animation or a related field.
Your drawing skills are a fantastic starting point! Keep practicing, explore animation software (like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom), and consider taking some animation classes to see if you love it.
If you found is interesting, I can guide you more in detail about what are the things include in animation.
Hwee Yeo
Digital Marketer
11
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Hwee’s Answer
Being an animator is a dynamic and creative job where you bring characters, scenes, and stories to life through visual art. Animators work in different media, such as film, TV, video games,
advertisements, or web content.
The job requires a mix of artistic skills, storytelling, technical knowledge, and patience. You'll often work closely with directors, artists, and writers to create animations that fit within a larger vision.
To become an animator, you'll typically need a strong foundation in drawing and design, as well as technical skills with animation software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or Blender. A degree in animation or a related field is common but not always necessary,
if you have a solid portfolio showcasing your skills. Some animators also learn through online courses and self-practice. Experience in 2D or 3D animation, motion graphics, or character design can be helpful.
As for schools, here are some great options for aspiring animators:
1. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Known for its renowned animation program.
2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Offers a strong curriculum in both 2D and 3D animation.
3. Ringling College of Art and Design - A leading school for animation and digital arts.
4. University of Southern California (USC) - Offers a comprehensive animation program.
5. Gobelin School of the Image (France) - A well-respected school for animation in Europe.
These schools offer strong programs, but also consider online courses and workshops to build your portfolio, especially if you're a self-motivated artist.
advertisements, or web content.
The job requires a mix of artistic skills, storytelling, technical knowledge, and patience. You'll often work closely with directors, artists, and writers to create animations that fit within a larger vision.
To become an animator, you'll typically need a strong foundation in drawing and design, as well as technical skills with animation software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, or Blender. A degree in animation or a related field is common but not always necessary,
if you have a solid portfolio showcasing your skills. Some animators also learn through online courses and self-practice. Experience in 2D or 3D animation, motion graphics, or character design can be helpful.
As for schools, here are some great options for aspiring animators:
1. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Known for its renowned animation program.
2. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Offers a strong curriculum in both 2D and 3D animation.
3. Ringling College of Art and Design - A leading school for animation and digital arts.
4. University of Southern California (USC) - Offers a comprehensive animation program.
5. Gobelin School of the Image (France) - A well-respected school for animation in Europe.
These schools offer strong programs, but also consider online courses and workshops to build your portfolio, especially if you're a self-motivated artist.
John Alston
Dishwasher
8
Answers
Kernersville, North Carolina
Updated
John’s Answer
I think in terms of schools, you should probably go to one with a graphic design degree as this is more flexible than an animation one, even though the latter is specialized.
The way I would start out, is motion graphics. There are many programs, and some of them are free, so I'll mention a few- Enve, Rive, Calvary, Synfig, After Effects. Think of keyframe/cameras as being like silly putty-you can make objects smaller, bigger, jumbled, spliced up.
You'd probably want to create your own logo and animate it- Inkscape is good for still graphic design.
Stop Motion involves a camera, so for fun experimental films, you can use your phone. Professionals generally use DSLR type cameras, though I'm satisfied with the webcam from StopMotion Explosion https://stopmotionexplosion.com/collections/stopmotion-cameras
There is dedicated StopMotion software- Boats3D, CatEater's Stop Motion Pro... I use Zu3D as it has great variables that can be changed.
Don't worry about story, you can have a dinosaur morph into a bird, With wirecutters and armature wire, you can create skeletons to put clay on. https://stopmotionstore.com/products/aluminum-armature-wire-annealed-1-16-inch-24-foot
https://stopmotionstore.com/products/sargent-art-clay-1-lb
When in doubt, do it slow. Rome wasn't built in a day, so it's better to have a short where you're spending 30 minutes for every film second, than 2 minutes for one second of final footage.
Frame by frame drawing is another beast. First, if you have a personal computer, you probably want a usb drawing tablet and stylus- XP-Pen makes affordable ones. Great cheap software is Pencil 2D (free) and RoughAnimator (8 dollars)- Pro Software is Adobe Animate, TV Paint, Toon Boom Harmony, OpenToonz (free) and Digicel Flipbook (I use this, 20 USD)
CGI is frustrating in that it generally gets pretty expensive for software quickly. Blender is Free. I like BlenderForArtists, which basically has an eaasier UI. https://www.bforartists.de/
Maya/Houdini/Cinema 4D aren't particularly cheap, but those are the professional software applications.
Akeytsu is something I like, though if you have a Mac computer, you might want to look at Cheetah3D. I'm not too great with polygons, so the last two are more ease of use than "powerful" in the traditional sense of the word.
Thanks for asking.
The way I would start out, is motion graphics. There are many programs, and some of them are free, so I'll mention a few- Enve, Rive, Calvary, Synfig, After Effects. Think of keyframe/cameras as being like silly putty-you can make objects smaller, bigger, jumbled, spliced up.
You'd probably want to create your own logo and animate it- Inkscape is good for still graphic design.
Stop Motion involves a camera, so for fun experimental films, you can use your phone. Professionals generally use DSLR type cameras, though I'm satisfied with the webcam from StopMotion Explosion https://stopmotionexplosion.com/collections/stopmotion-cameras
There is dedicated StopMotion software- Boats3D, CatEater's Stop Motion Pro... I use Zu3D as it has great variables that can be changed.
Don't worry about story, you can have a dinosaur morph into a bird, With wirecutters and armature wire, you can create skeletons to put clay on. https://stopmotionstore.com/products/aluminum-armature-wire-annealed-1-16-inch-24-foot
https://stopmotionstore.com/products/sargent-art-clay-1-lb
When in doubt, do it slow. Rome wasn't built in a day, so it's better to have a short where you're spending 30 minutes for every film second, than 2 minutes for one second of final footage.
Frame by frame drawing is another beast. First, if you have a personal computer, you probably want a usb drawing tablet and stylus- XP-Pen makes affordable ones. Great cheap software is Pencil 2D (free) and RoughAnimator (8 dollars)- Pro Software is Adobe Animate, TV Paint, Toon Boom Harmony, OpenToonz (free) and Digicel Flipbook (I use this, 20 USD)
CGI is frustrating in that it generally gets pretty expensive for software quickly. Blender is Free. I like BlenderForArtists, which basically has an eaasier UI. https://www.bforartists.de/
Maya/Houdini/Cinema 4D aren't particularly cheap, but those are the professional software applications.
Akeytsu is something I like, though if you have a Mac computer, you might want to look at Cheetah3D. I'm not too great with polygons, so the last two are more ease of use than "powerful" in the traditional sense of the word.
Thanks for asking.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7219
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Hailee!
What is it like to be an animator?
Being an animator involves creating visual images that are brought to life through movement. Animators work in various fields, including film, television, video games, and web content. The job can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some key aspects of what it’s like to be an animator:
Creative Process: Animators need a strong creative vision. They often start with storyboarding, which involves sketching out scenes and sequences to visualize the narrative flow. This requires not only artistic skills but also an understanding of storytelling.
Technical Skills: Modern animation relies heavily on technology. Animators must be proficient in various software programs such as Adobe Animate, Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom Harmony. Learning these tools is essential for creating high-quality animations.
Collaboration: Animation is rarely a solo endeavor. Animators typically work in teams alongside directors, writers, sound designers, and other artists. Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for bringing a project together.
Attention to Detail: Animators must pay close attention to details such as timing, movement fluidity, and character expressions to create believable animations. This often involves revising and refining their work multiple times based on feedback.
Variety of Work: Depending on their specialization (2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion), animators may find themselves working on different types of projects ranging from short films to full-length feature films or even commercials.
Job Market: The demand for skilled animators continues to grow due to the expansion of digital media platforms and the entertainment industry’s reliance on animated content.
Work Environment: Many animators work in studios or offices but there is also a growing trend towards remote work opportunities in the industry.
What do you have to do to become an animator?
To become an animator, follow these steps:
Education: While formal education isn’t strictly necessary, obtaining a degree in animation or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills that are highly regarded by employers.
Build Skills: Focus on developing both your artistic abilities (drawing, color theory) and technical skills (software proficiency). Taking courses in traditional art forms can also enhance your foundational skills.
Create a Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing your best work is essential when applying for jobs or internships in animation. Include a variety of styles and techniques that demonstrate your range as an artist.
Gain Experience: Look for internships or entry-level positions that allow you to gain practical experience in the field. Networking with professionals can also lead to opportunities.
Stay Updated: The animation industry evolves rapidly with new technologies and trends emerging frequently; staying informed about industry developments is important for career growth.
What are some good schools to go to for being an animator?
Several reputable schools offer strong programs in animation:
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Known for its rigorous curriculum focused on character animation.
Ringling College of Art and Design - Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a strong emphasis on 3D animation.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Provides comprehensive programs covering various aspects of animation including 2D and 3D techniques.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) - Located in New York City, SVA offers specialized degrees in animation with access to industry professionals.
University of Southern California (USC) - Their School of Cinematic Arts has a well-regarded program that combines storytelling with technical training in animation.
These institutions provide not only education but also networking opportunities within the industry which can be invaluable as you begin your career as an animator.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Animation Career Review: A comprehensive resource providing information about schools offering degrees in animation along with career advice.
The Animation Guild: An organization representing animators that offers insights into the profession’s requirements and job market trends.
ArtStation Magazine: A platform showcasing artists’ portfolios which includes articles about career paths in art-related fields including animation.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
What is it like to be an animator?
Being an animator involves creating visual images that are brought to life through movement. Animators work in various fields, including film, television, video games, and web content. The job can be both rewarding and challenging. Here are some key aspects of what it’s like to be an animator:
Creative Process: Animators need a strong creative vision. They often start with storyboarding, which involves sketching out scenes and sequences to visualize the narrative flow. This requires not only artistic skills but also an understanding of storytelling.
Technical Skills: Modern animation relies heavily on technology. Animators must be proficient in various software programs such as Adobe Animate, Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom Harmony. Learning these tools is essential for creating high-quality animations.
Collaboration: Animation is rarely a solo endeavor. Animators typically work in teams alongside directors, writers, sound designers, and other artists. Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial for bringing a project together.
Attention to Detail: Animators must pay close attention to details such as timing, movement fluidity, and character expressions to create believable animations. This often involves revising and refining their work multiple times based on feedback.
Variety of Work: Depending on their specialization (2D animation, 3D animation, stop-motion), animators may find themselves working on different types of projects ranging from short films to full-length feature films or even commercials.
Job Market: The demand for skilled animators continues to grow due to the expansion of digital media platforms and the entertainment industry’s reliance on animated content.
Work Environment: Many animators work in studios or offices but there is also a growing trend towards remote work opportunities in the industry.
What do you have to do to become an animator?
To become an animator, follow these steps:
Education: While formal education isn’t strictly necessary, obtaining a degree in animation or a related field can provide valuable knowledge and skills that are highly regarded by employers.
Build Skills: Focus on developing both your artistic abilities (drawing, color theory) and technical skills (software proficiency). Taking courses in traditional art forms can also enhance your foundational skills.
Create a Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing your best work is essential when applying for jobs or internships in animation. Include a variety of styles and techniques that demonstrate your range as an artist.
Gain Experience: Look for internships or entry-level positions that allow you to gain practical experience in the field. Networking with professionals can also lead to opportunities.
Stay Updated: The animation industry evolves rapidly with new technologies and trends emerging frequently; staying informed about industry developments is important for career growth.
What are some good schools to go to for being an animator?
Several reputable schools offer strong programs in animation:
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Known for its rigorous curriculum focused on character animation.
Ringling College of Art and Design - Offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a strong emphasis on 3D animation.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) - Provides comprehensive programs covering various aspects of animation including 2D and 3D techniques.
School of Visual Arts (SVA) - Located in New York City, SVA offers specialized degrees in animation with access to industry professionals.
University of Southern California (USC) - Their School of Cinematic Arts has a well-regarded program that combines storytelling with technical training in animation.
These institutions provide not only education but also networking opportunities within the industry which can be invaluable as you begin your career as an animator.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Animation Career Review: A comprehensive resource providing information about schools offering degrees in animation along with career advice.
The Animation Guild: An organization representing animators that offers insights into the profession’s requirements and job market trends.
ArtStation Magazine: A platform showcasing artists’ portfolios which includes articles about career paths in art-related fields including animation.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|==============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Thank you for the advice.
Hailee
Thank You For Using Career Village, Hailee! GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos