3 answers
Alex
Student
Hanover Park, Illinois
7
Questions
Asked
573 views
Which College has Animation classes?
So, the reason I’m asking this is because since I want to become a Cartoonist, I’m just wondering what kind of college has Animation/ Cartooning classes. #animation #college #art #cartoonist
Login to comment
3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1594
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Alex if you’re interested in animation schools, exploring open-source and free animation software is a great way to familiarize yourself with a career as an animator. Consider tools like Blender, Pencil2D, OpenToonz, Toon Boom Harmony, Animaker, and Synfig Studio, which is available on Linux, Windows, and OSX. The internet is also filled with explainer videos on all types of animation, whether you’re using Mac or Windows to make your animation dreams come true.
THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE OF CHICAGO – One of the best animation schools in the United States, offers a BA degree in both traditional and computer animation. You'll be able to choose your computer animation program concentration in either computer animation or visual effects, allowing you the flexibility with electives to tailor your education to your cartoon career. Students in the traditional animation program choose a concentration in either stop-motion animation or hand-drawn animation, where they use the best drawing tools and teach cut-out animation skills. Both concentrations provide training in 2D and 3D animation.
RHODE ISLAND OF DESIGN (RISD) – Is ranked as the top art school in the country by many different publications and organizations. The school offers a BFA in film, animation, and video. Students work with the live action, animation, or a combination of both — and can produce films in a wide range of genres. The facilities at RISD offer state-of-the-art technology with digital editing, sound mixing and puppet animation technology that is used throughout the industry. Not only are students provided training in how to use the tools common to the industry, but they are also taught how to use concepts, critical thinking, and content development. RISD is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Notable alumni include Seth MacFarlane, creator of “Family Guy,” “American Dad,” and “The Cleveland Show” also graduated from RISD as did Lance Wilder, animator for “The Simpsons” and “The Critic.”
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS (CAL ARTS) – Ooffers both a Character Animation and Experimental Animation program through the School of Film and Video. The Character Animation program is a BFA degree that provides students an understanding of the art of storytelling and character performance as it relates to animation. Students may work toward a BFA or an MFA in Experimental Animation. The degrees are designed for students who wish to develop personal visions with the ever-changing parameters of animation. The college was established by Walt and Roy Disney and was the first higher education in the country to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in visual and performing arts. The school works to help students find employment after graduation with their “Curating Your Own Life: Transitioning to a Career after CalArts.”
Hope this helpful Alex
This is probably the most obvious expense. Schools often charge thousands of dollars more for out-of-state tuition, and, in some cases, this difference can be as high as almost 20 thousand dollars. The rules about who qualifies for in-state tuition varies by state, but this difference is important to keep in mind when choosing a school. Some things you might want to consider is whether the education received at this out-of-state college is worth the price difference, and the career placement rate of the school.
Alex also, consider your financial aid options. Not all schools have the same amount of funds for financial aid for in-state and out-of-state students. Keep this cost in mind while making the decision to go to an out-of-state college. Always check your financial aid options before committing to a school.
THE COLUMBIA COLLEGE OF CHICAGO – One of the best animation schools in the United States, offers a BA degree in both traditional and computer animation. You'll be able to choose your computer animation program concentration in either computer animation or visual effects, allowing you the flexibility with electives to tailor your education to your cartoon career. Students in the traditional animation program choose a concentration in either stop-motion animation or hand-drawn animation, where they use the best drawing tools and teach cut-out animation skills. Both concentrations provide training in 2D and 3D animation.
RHODE ISLAND OF DESIGN (RISD) – Is ranked as the top art school in the country by many different publications and organizations. The school offers a BFA in film, animation, and video. Students work with the live action, animation, or a combination of both — and can produce films in a wide range of genres. The facilities at RISD offer state-of-the-art technology with digital editing, sound mixing and puppet animation technology that is used throughout the industry. Not only are students provided training in how to use the tools common to the industry, but they are also taught how to use concepts, critical thinking, and content development. RISD is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Notable alumni include Seth MacFarlane, creator of “Family Guy,” “American Dad,” and “The Cleveland Show” also graduated from RISD as did Lance Wilder, animator for “The Simpsons” and “The Critic.”
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS (CAL ARTS) – Ooffers both a Character Animation and Experimental Animation program through the School of Film and Video. The Character Animation program is a BFA degree that provides students an understanding of the art of storytelling and character performance as it relates to animation. Students may work toward a BFA or an MFA in Experimental Animation. The degrees are designed for students who wish to develop personal visions with the ever-changing parameters of animation. The college was established by Walt and Roy Disney and was the first higher education in the country to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in visual and performing arts. The school works to help students find employment after graduation with their “Curating Your Own Life: Transitioning to a Career after CalArts.”
Hope this helpful Alex
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Melissa. If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.
Doc Frick
Vivian Han
Undergraduate Researcher
15
Answers
Santa Barbara, California
Updated
Vivian’s Answer
Hi Alex! I was also very passionate in the arts field as it is my hobby and there are various schools where you can become a cartoonist. CalArts is one of the widely known institutions where you can pursue your dreams. On the other hand, a lot of colleges offer some type of arts program where you can pursue what you desire. I would say look more into schools that specialize in arts as it can help narrow down your search! Good Luck!
Joe Janca
Lead Animator
11
Answers
Redmond, Washington
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Hello Alex,
There are many animation schools both online and in person. Not sure if you mean 2d or 3d since you mentioned cartoons but Maya is one of the main animation software choices used in the industry. Autodesk used to offer a free version Maya LT for students so look into that.
https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription
As for schools...there are many to choose from depending on what you are looking for from Animation Mentor, Ringling College of Art and Design etc. and other online classes as well as physical schools such as DigiPen, University of Art (California) Take your time and do your research...you can likely reach out to graduates who post on Youtube or Vimeo about animation and ask them directly about their experience. Hope this helps!
There are many animation schools both online and in person. Not sure if you mean 2d or 3d since you mentioned cartoons but Maya is one of the main animation software choices used in the industry. Autodesk used to offer a free version Maya LT for students so look into that.
https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview?term=1-YEAR&tab=subscription
As for schools...there are many to choose from depending on what you are looking for from Animation Mentor, Ringling College of Art and Design etc. and other online classes as well as physical schools such as DigiPen, University of Art (California) Take your time and do your research...you can likely reach out to graduates who post on Youtube or Vimeo about animation and ask them directly about their experience. Hope this helps!