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What do I need to become an animator?

I am currently a senior in high school, what courses will I need in college in order to be an animator?

Thank you comment icon Hello Yili! What type of animation do you want to do? 2D (digital flat drawing for animation), or 3D (building models for animation)? T.J. Worthy

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Bhavna’s Answer

Hello Yili,

To become an animator, you will typically need a combination of education, experience, and technical skills. Here are some steps you can take to pursue a career in animation:

1. Pursue a relevant degree: A degree in animation, graphic design, or computer graphics can provide the foundation and technical skills needed for a career in animation.

2. Develop your artistic skills: Developing your drawing, painting, and design skills can help you create visually compelling animations.

3. Build a portfolio: A portfolio showcases your best work and helps you demonstrate your skills and creativity to potential employers.

4. Gain experience through internships or freelance work: Internships or freelance work can help you gain practical experience and build a network in the industry.

5. Learn industry-standard software: Familiarizing yourself with software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, and Maya can help you create high-quality animations.

When it comes to college courses, you may want to focus on courses in drawing, painting, computer graphics, animation, and storytelling.

Overall, pursuing a career in animation requires a lot of practice, patience, and dedication. With hard work and a solid education, you can develop the skills needed to succeed in this exciting field.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is really helpful. Yili
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Renea’s Answer

Hello there, I am not an animator so I do not know the WHOLE correct answer to your question. In other words you can go this course but you still may need a degree. There is the LA school of animation or you can Google ..... schools of animation and take your pick. Another course would be to get an arts degree then go to a school of animation but its YOUR choice. Maybe you could go to a school that has an art degree with animation classes, but I do not know what's available. YOU have to find out! Godspeed. Sincerely, Si'van
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to help. Yili
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Ach’s Answer

Hello ! It really depends animation is a big industry with a lot of different jobs here and there , from 2D cell animation (frame by frame ) to 3D character animation for advertising and movies to Motion Design!

And every one of these has sub sections and speciality. Before selecting a school I suggest you watch the animation pipeline video by DreamWorks this gonna give you an Idea then try doing few animation exercises on Krita (free tool for 2D animation) and blender (free 3D tool) and see if this is something you like.

There's a ton of free tutorials on the web, but when you find something you like, that's when school and university comes in

Ach recommends the following next steps:

Watch the pipeline video by DreamWorks
Try different animation tools like Krita & Blender
Watch tutorials
Select a school that is in like with what you like
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice. Yili
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Nelson’s Answer

Hi Yili! If you're interested in becoming an animator, there are a few courses you should consider taking in college. Here are some recommendations:

Animation Courses: Look for courses that specifically focus on animation, such as 2D animation, 3D animation, character animation, or motion graphics. These courses will give you a strong foundation in the technical skills and techniques used in the industry.

Drawing and Design Courses: Animators must have a strong understanding of drawing and design principles, so courses in life drawing, figure drawing, sketching, color theory, and graphic design can be very helpful.

Film and Video Courses: Courses in film and video production can help you develop skills in storytelling, cinematography, and visual effects, which are all important aspects of animation.

Computer Science Courses: Many animators use software programs like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects to create their work, so courses in computer science or programming can be helpful in understanding how to use these tools.

Business and Marketing Courses: Depending on your career goals, it can be beneficial to take courses in business or marketing to learn how to promote your work and navigate the industry.

It's important to note that different animation programs or career paths may have specific requirements or recommendations for courses, so be sure to research the schools or companies you're interested in to see what they are looking for in their candidates.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Yili
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Murat’s Answer

Discover the basics of animation by watching an excellent YouTube video titled "The 12 Fundamentals of Animation." Demonstrate a variety of styles to prove your adaptability for any project you undertake.

Visit creatureartteacher.com for an outstanding course on traditional animation techniques.

Don't miss the fantastic Animation podcast available at https://bancroftbros.libsyn.com/ for valuable insights.

Gain knowledge from professionals by listening to and watching their interviews, learning from their experiences.
Check out Rise Up Animation's Instagram, where they host engaging Zoom guest speaker events featuring industry professionals that might pique your interest.
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