What college and how many years should I go to for a job in animation

Hello! I studied animation in school, so I hope I can provide some insight!

There are plenty of private art schools and public colleges that offer animation degrees. Most of the time, you'll be involved in a 4-year program. While many of the popular choices are private art schools in California because a lot of the industry work is also there, (Laguna College of Art and Design, CalArts, Otis College of Art and Design, Art Center, Academy of Art University, California College of the Arts, etc.), there are state schools that offer degrees in animation as well (CSU Fullerton and CSU San Jose), and there are plenty more around the country (Savannah College of Art and Design, Columbus College of Art and Design, and others).

The important thing is when you're getting ready to choose a college, do plenty of reading and research about the schools that interest you. If you can, find school alumni or their work to see if you like it, ask questions from each school's admissions department, visit National Portfolio Day events, and look into whether or not schools offer scholarships. I also recommend touring the campuses you're interested in if possible, because you want to like the place where you'll spend so much time. Even if you want to go into the animation art field, it's important to keep your grades up to help you in the admission process. Practice drawing now so that you can get into any school that you choose with a good portfolio as well. Study what we call "foundations" in the art industry. Try to understand the basics of perspective, value (light and shadow), figure drawing, color theory, and composition. There are plenty of resources available online to help you get started in art studies early.

Best of luck to you!

Richard,

CALIFORNIA COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

California College of the Arts offers 21 undergraduate and 13 graduate degree programs, balancing innovation with tradition and integrating theory with practice. Additionally, the college offers public adult and youth programs that are specifically geared toward professional and academic advancement.

https://www.cca.edu/academics

Best!

Hello Richard,

In the digital age, visual storytelling and communication are accomplished through the use of computers to create animated characters, interesting graphics and realistic special effects. Graduates of degree programs in animation, video graphics and special effects often go on create digital worlds and interactive media as animators, graphic designers or art directors.

Careers Options:

There are a multitude of career opportunities available to graduates of degree programs in animation, video graphics and special effects. They may work in advertising, publishing, web design or the movie industry. Many go on to become animators, graphic designers and art directors.

• Animators

Animators work in a wide range of industries to express stories or marketing concepts through visual media, animation, digital graphics or special effects. They are generally expected to have freehand art skills as well as the ability to use computers and other technology to create storyboards, 3D models and computer simulations. Animators who work outside the entertainment industry are typically employed by advertising firms or related businesses to communicate promotional messages.

• Graphic Designers

Graphic designers use a combination of artistic skill and technical abilities to communicate messages through visual media. These workers design advertisements, magazine layouts, fliers, posters, brochures and many other products used by companies and organizations to express messages or reach potential customers. Graphic designers combine knowledge of color, composition, graphics and type to arrange design elements in a variety of print, visual and digital media.

• Art Directors

Art directors are usually experienced artists, graphic designers or animators who manage art staff and guide the direction of visual media projects. They work in motion picture or television production companies, advertising agencies, commercial design firms and print media, overseeing the planning, budgeting and production of creative work. Art directors also manage accounts, approve layouts, communicate with creative services staff and work closely with clients during project development.

Overview of a Degree in Animation, Video Graphics and Special Effects

Degree programs in animation, video graphics and special effects include instruction in a multimedia design, editing and digital communications. These programs may be housed in schools' communications departments, and many offer concentrations or tracks that allow students to choose media specialties.

Students learn about subjects like 3D modeling, web programming, character design, animation and multimedia design. Many programs entail completion of final projects or portfolios, which many graduates use to demonstrate proficiency to potential employers.

In: http://study.com/articles/Career_Information_for_a_Degree_in_Animation_Video_Graphics_and_Special_Effects.html

Good luck in your studies!