7 answers
Asterio
Student
Clovis, California
1
Question
Asked
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If I would like to do professional animation for work, should I major in art or film?
So for context, I've always been stuck between going to school for art or going to school for film, because I love the both of them and animation requires knowledge of both skills. I'm always asked about college & I just don't know which one is best for my goals.
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7 answers
Jeff McLaughlin
Set Designer/ Production Designer
3
Answers
Solon, Ohio
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
If you really want to work in animation, you should very much consider animation schools. Animation is an absolutely viable major. Probably the best known animation program is Cal Arts, but SCAD, RISD and USC have very well-known animation programs as well. Many other schools also have programs, a quick Google search can get you a list.
One thing to think about when it comes to college is that the experience and contacts you make are perhaps just as important as the program itself. Watch any documentary about animators and you will find that success often begins with a group of college friends. In college, you find your people who become your closest friends, colleagues and cheerleaders throughout your professional career.
Your line of thought is spot-on about knowing both however. Acting classes are great for animators. Filmmaking techniques are great for animators. Film history is great for animators. All of those things can be pursued outside the actual animation program. And remember, there is nothing saying you can't start now! Draw every day, write stories, discover your style, study other styles, read anything and everything you can...related and unrelated.
You're on the right track, good luck!
One thing to think about when it comes to college is that the experience and contacts you make are perhaps just as important as the program itself. Watch any documentary about animators and you will find that success often begins with a group of college friends. In college, you find your people who become your closest friends, colleagues and cheerleaders throughout your professional career.
Your line of thought is spot-on about knowing both however. Acting classes are great for animators. Filmmaking techniques are great for animators. Film history is great for animators. All of those things can be pursued outside the actual animation program. And remember, there is nothing saying you can't start now! Draw every day, write stories, discover your style, study other styles, read anything and everything you can...related and unrelated.
You're on the right track, good luck!
Viviane BulkaGiusti
Creative & Design Director | Development & Production | Director of Creative Svc
5
Answers
Redondo Beach, California
Updated
Viviane’s Answer
Hi!
Here is my advise! If you are serious about animation and sure this is what you want to do, then find animation schools, majors. You can go to school, you will have some cinematographic/film classes, as well as art but you will get hands on animation. Now... if you are not sure if you are 100% invested in animation, then going to film school and/or art can open a bigger spectrum for you, and you can still find animation classes in those programs, they may, or may not be that much deep, hands on.
Just know that what you study will give you lots of knowledge and learning and you will keep this as a base for any direction you go after school. You will also keep investing time and learning on field/off field after you graduate and your knowledge from school will be a base for many different opportunities and line of work.
Sharing a bit of my experience, I have a bachelor in 3D Computer Animation. I loved the classes and the school and the major. Guess what, after graduation I started working for major entertainment and sports tv channels and developed my skills as a 2D Animator and broadcast designer. I wasn't hands on 3D animation anymore but my knowledge of animation from school gave me the possibility to move to other design/animation fields and I loved that too!
Research eh schools, go to their websites, see the classes/programs, that may help you get more insight from what you will be studying! Good luck!
Here is my advise! If you are serious about animation and sure this is what you want to do, then find animation schools, majors. You can go to school, you will have some cinematographic/film classes, as well as art but you will get hands on animation. Now... if you are not sure if you are 100% invested in animation, then going to film school and/or art can open a bigger spectrum for you, and you can still find animation classes in those programs, they may, or may not be that much deep, hands on.
Just know that what you study will give you lots of knowledge and learning and you will keep this as a base for any direction you go after school. You will also keep investing time and learning on field/off field after you graduate and your knowledge from school will be a base for many different opportunities and line of work.
Sharing a bit of my experience, I have a bachelor in 3D Computer Animation. I loved the classes and the school and the major. Guess what, after graduation I started working for major entertainment and sports tv channels and developed my skills as a 2D Animator and broadcast designer. I wasn't hands on 3D animation anymore but my knowledge of animation from school gave me the possibility to move to other design/animation fields and I loved that too!
Research eh schools, go to their websites, see the classes/programs, that may help you get more insight from what you will be studying! Good luck!
Jeff McLaughlin
Set Designer/ Production Designer
3
Answers
Solon, Ohio
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
If you really want to work in animation, you should very much consider animation schools. Animation is an absolutely viable major. Probably the best known animation program is Cal Arts, but SCAD, RISD and USC have very well-known animation programs as well. Many other schools also have programs, a quick Google search can get you a list.
One thing to think about when it comes to college is that the experience and contacts you make are perhaps just as important as the program itself. Watch any documentary about animators and you will find that success often begins with a group of college friends. In college, you find your people who become your closest friends, colleagues and cheerleaders throughout your professional career.
Your line of thought is spot-on about knowing both however. Acting classes are great for animators. Filmmaking techniques are great for animators. Film history is great for animators. All of those things can be pursued outside the actual animation program.
You're on the right track, good luck!
One thing to think about when it comes to college is that the experience and contacts you make are perhaps just as important as the program itself. Watch any documentary about animators and you will find that success often begins with a group of college friends. In college, you find your people who become your closest friends, colleagues and cheerleaders throughout your professional career.
Your line of thought is spot-on about knowing both however. Acting classes are great for animators. Filmmaking techniques are great for animators. Film history is great for animators. All of those things can be pursued outside the actual animation program.
You're on the right track, good luck!
Marshall Main
Director, Manager, Videographer
75
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Marshall’s Answer
Asterio-
I would recommend you focus on the art and technology around that. You will not need to understand the filmmaking processes to be an animator.
I would recommend you focus on the art and technology around that. You will not need to understand the filmmaking processes to be an animator.
Lindley Taylor
Sr. Producer/Motion Designer
7
Answers
Reston, Virginia
Updated
Lindley’s Answer
Echoing Makana's insights - there's no hard and fast rule that you must have an arts/film degree to become an animator. Some of the most talented animators I've met didn't attend school specifically for animation. When it comes to hiring, most companies prioritize your portfolio over your academic qualifications. They're not particularly interested in whether you hold a specific degree. You have the freedom to build your portfolio through small projects, freelance work, or even projects driven by your own passion. Art school can be an excellent platform for connecting and networking with fellow artists, but it's not necessary for breaking into the field!
Makana Wrightington
Freelancer
8
Answers
Fall River, Massachusetts
Updated
Makana’s Answer
NO! You absolutely don't have to major in arts or film to be an animator for work! Youtube and payed online courses offer all of the information that art school does with a fraction of the cost!
You will not have the resources, materials or networks that art college offers you but that is also absolutely not necessary.
If you can keep and up to date portfolio or your best and latest work, have an online gallery or social media to show off your latest stuff and interests and network with your fans/followers other artist and studios then there is absolutely no need for art school. An art degree will not get you a job, your work and the people you know do.
If you'd still like to go to college though then you could go for whatever you like, but art college or art school on not necessary to get a job in the field. (sometimes it can help, but its not needed.)
get a degree in whatever you like, art or otherwise
having a back-up degree in a different field is also a smart idea
getting into the industry is hard, so be sure to network and have active art social media
You will not have the resources, materials or networks that art college offers you but that is also absolutely not necessary.
If you can keep and up to date portfolio or your best and latest work, have an online gallery or social media to show off your latest stuff and interests and network with your fans/followers other artist and studios then there is absolutely no need for art school. An art degree will not get you a job, your work and the people you know do.
If you'd still like to go to college though then you could go for whatever you like, but art college or art school on not necessary to get a job in the field. (sometimes it can help, but its not needed.)
Makana recommends the following next steps:
Billl Riling
Story Artist
4
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Billl’s Answer
By going to a school that focuses on animation you will simultaneously learn about film making. The other thing is find as many free resources as you can on YouTube that cover these subjects extensively. Never stop learning and try to keep up with the ever changing technology. Good luck!