GABRIELLE
What college degree or career path do I need to take to become computer animator?
This is my ultimate career goal but I not sure of the best school path to follow. I want to have a professional certification so that it will be recognized by any potential employer. I want to fulfill this goal by going to a four year college. #computer-animation
3 answers
Jimmy Mullins
Jimmy’s Answer
That's a great question Gabrielle. Getting the Necessary Education and Experience is key as you will need to have strong visual art skills like drawing, sculpture, and design. Focus on these skills in your art classes in high school and try to immerse yourself in art history through books, films, and visits to your local museum. You should also try to take classes in computer-aided drafting (CAD) if they are offered at your high school or research CAD online. Most employers require applicants to have a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Animation from an accredited university or college. You will learn the necessary skills in digital art, drawing, and storyboarding, as well as the computer software needed to be a qualified computer animator. You should also be open to learning new software and able to adapt to the changing software demands of computer animation. Some bachelor programs in computer animation have an internship component where you can gain practical experience at an animation studio. Many internships are available during your junior year of school and have a basic level of technical knowledge. Hope this helps.
WOW! Thank you. I will try to follow this plan!
WESTRY
Shawn Recinto
Shawn’s Answer
Most universities and community colleges have computer art and animation courses / programs and you will most likely need to get a degree / formal education for Animation/Illustration/Art techniques in addition to the Computer applications/tools for animation (3D Studio Max, Maya, Z-Brush, Photoshop, Blender, etc.). I have also found that practical experience and building out your own portfolio outside of academia is a huge factor when looking to land a contract/job in the computer animation industry. There are also many industries with in you could focus on from traditional animation (cartoons, commercials, short vignettes etc) to full blown 3D animated films, video games etc. I recommend you try a bunch of projects that interest you first, then get involved in community project as well as any indie groups to work on. This will help you build up your portfolio and give you a taste of what a larger project/commercial organization/marketing first/studio would want from a professional. Also look to find a mentor program in these industries to really have a senior person show you the ropes.
Hope this helps!
Raashid Ahmed
Raashid’s Answer
The best way to take up a career in animation is getting a diploma in animation or graduate degree in animation. However, only a few institutes in India offer a graduate degree course in Animation. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) offers a good career in animation.