4 answers
Chris
Student
Daly City, California
1
Question
Asked
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How can I, as a junior in high school, gain experience animating to make me qualified applying to schools for animation?
Growing up surrounded by Disney and Pixar, I have always admired animation and the art and hard work that is put into these movies. This being a dream job, I want to be able to work in this field in the future, however, I don't know how to find opportunities within this field to make me more experienced and build my resume. Would you have any suggestions on what I can do before heading into college?
#animation #3d-animation #character-animation #computer-animation
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4 answers
Kid Cardona
owner at Jurassic Promos
24
Answers
Updated
Kid’s Answer
I take it the school you are in now does not offer any classes in animation? You were not clear about that. So let's say they don't and go from there.
First see if your school district offers any continuing ed class in the evenings or weekends. If not then check with the local Jr. Colleges and Universities in your area.
If not again, then you have one other option, on line courses. There are Universities that now offer animation classes on line. If you can not get in on that than there are plenty of animation courses you can take from private companies and even working animators. Look around and find what fits best for you.
Good luck.
Alice Foster McCallum
Higher Education Advisor and Communications Professional
21
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Alice Foster’s Answer
I would suggest shifting your focus from "resume" to "portfolio." Getting into a great art/animation program will give you the training you need and access to meaningful internship opportunities that can help get your foot in the professional door. Right now, you can work on building a portfolio that showcases your potential to those college programs. They want to see creative innovation--they will help you build the technical skill--so compile a portfolio of sample work that you believe shows your range and the time and talent that you invest in your work.
Alice Foster recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Chris,
Building a Career in Animation as a High School Junior
As a high school junior with a passion for animation and dreams of making it your career, there are several proactive steps you can take to amass experience and polish your skills before you start applying to college animation programs. Here are some practical tips to help you lay a robust foundation in animation:
1. Utilize Online Courses and Tutorials:
Leverage online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare. They offer an extensive array of courses covering animation techniques, software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling, and character animation. These courses can help you establish essential skills and understanding in animation.
2. Commit to Regular Practice:
Allocate time daily to practice animation using software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender. Experiment with diverse styles and techniques to expand your skill set and enhance your animation expertise.
3. Engage with Animation Clubs or Communities:
Seek out local or online animation clubs, groups, or forums. Here, you can network with fellow animation enthusiasts, share your work, get feedback, and learn from seasoned professionals in the industry. Networking within the animation community can offer valuable insights and collaboration opportunities.
4. Participate in Workshops and Conferences:
Join animation workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn from industry veterans, gain practical experience, and stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in animation. Events like CTN Animation Expo or SIGGRAPH provide valuable networking opportunities for budding animators.
5. Develop a Portfolio:
Begin assembling a portfolio that showcases your best animations, character designs, storyboards, and other creative projects. A compelling portfolio is crucial when applying to animation schools or pursuing internships/jobs in the industry. Ensure your unique style and creativity shine through in your portfolio.
6. Pursue Internship Opportunities:
Search for internship programs at animation studios or production companies. Here, you can gain real-world experience working on actual projects under the supervision of professional animators. Internships offer valuable hands-on training and a glimpse into the workflow of professional animators.
7. Experiment with Different Animation Styles:
Try your hand at various animation styles like 2D traditional animation, 3D computer animation, stop motion, motion graphics, etc., to broaden your skill set and identify your strengths and interests in animation.
By adhering to these steps and actively immersing yourself in the world of animation through learning opportunities, practice sessions, networking events, and practical experiences like internships or workshops, you'll be better prepared to apply to top-tier animation schools with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Animation Mentor: A premier online animation school offering professional mentorship programs for budding animators wishing to enhance their skills through personalized guidance from industry experts.
CTN Animation Expo: An annual event uniting professionals from the animation industry to display their work, conduct workshops/seminars, and network with fellow artists/animators.
SIGGRAPH: A prestigious conference focusing on computer graphics and interactive techniques where experts present pioneering research findings related to various aspects of digital art, including animation.
These sources were referenced to provide accurate information on gaining experience in animation as a high school junior preparing for college applications in this specialized field of study.
Stay Blessed,
James C.
Building a Career in Animation as a High School Junior
As a high school junior with a passion for animation and dreams of making it your career, there are several proactive steps you can take to amass experience and polish your skills before you start applying to college animation programs. Here are some practical tips to help you lay a robust foundation in animation:
1. Utilize Online Courses and Tutorials:
Leverage online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare. They offer an extensive array of courses covering animation techniques, software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling, and character animation. These courses can help you establish essential skills and understanding in animation.
2. Commit to Regular Practice:
Allocate time daily to practice animation using software like Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender. Experiment with diverse styles and techniques to expand your skill set and enhance your animation expertise.
3. Engage with Animation Clubs or Communities:
Seek out local or online animation clubs, groups, or forums. Here, you can network with fellow animation enthusiasts, share your work, get feedback, and learn from seasoned professionals in the industry. Networking within the animation community can offer valuable insights and collaboration opportunities.
4. Participate in Workshops and Conferences:
Join animation workshops, seminars, and conferences to learn from industry veterans, gain practical experience, and stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in animation. Events like CTN Animation Expo or SIGGRAPH provide valuable networking opportunities for budding animators.
5. Develop a Portfolio:
Begin assembling a portfolio that showcases your best animations, character designs, storyboards, and other creative projects. A compelling portfolio is crucial when applying to animation schools or pursuing internships/jobs in the industry. Ensure your unique style and creativity shine through in your portfolio.
6. Pursue Internship Opportunities:
Search for internship programs at animation studios or production companies. Here, you can gain real-world experience working on actual projects under the supervision of professional animators. Internships offer valuable hands-on training and a glimpse into the workflow of professional animators.
7. Experiment with Different Animation Styles:
Try your hand at various animation styles like 2D traditional animation, 3D computer animation, stop motion, motion graphics, etc., to broaden your skill set and identify your strengths and interests in animation.
By adhering to these steps and actively immersing yourself in the world of animation through learning opportunities, practice sessions, networking events, and practical experiences like internships or workshops, you'll be better prepared to apply to top-tier animation schools with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Animation Mentor: A premier online animation school offering professional mentorship programs for budding animators wishing to enhance their skills through personalized guidance from industry experts.
CTN Animation Expo: An annual event uniting professionals from the animation industry to display their work, conduct workshops/seminars, and network with fellow artists/animators.
SIGGRAPH: A prestigious conference focusing on computer graphics and interactive techniques where experts present pioneering research findings related to various aspects of digital art, including animation.
These sources were referenced to provide accurate information on gaining experience in animation as a high school junior preparing for college applications in this specialized field of study.
Stay Blessed,
James C.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6193
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Chris,
Response:
As a high school junior with a passion for animation and dreams of making it your career, here are several proactive steps you can take to hone your skills and gain valuable experience before applying to animation schools. These suggestions will help you establish a robust foundation in animation:
1. Utilize Online Courses and Tutorials:
Maximize the potential of online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare, offering an array of courses on animation techniques, software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling programs like Blender or Maya. YouTube is another great resource with countless tutorials on animation principles and software usage.
2. Commit to Regular Practice:
Allocate time daily to practice animation. Begin with basic exercises like animating bouncing balls or character walk cycles to grasp the fundamentals of movement and timing. Experiment with various styles and techniques to cultivate your unique artistic voice.
3. Connect with Animation Clubs or Groups:
Seek out local or online animation clubs to network with other budding animators, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on projects. Participating in group activities offers valuable feedback and networking opportunities.
4. Participate in Workshops and Conferences:
Stay alert for animation workshops, seminars, and conferences in your vicinity. These events often host industry professionals who can provide insights into the field and valuable advice. Being part of such events keeps you abreast of the latest trends and technologies in the animation industry.
5. Develop a Portfolio:
Begin assembling a portfolio that showcases your best work. Incorporate a range of animations that exhibit your skills in character design, storytelling, and motion. A compelling portfolio is crucial when applying to animation schools as it demonstrates your talent and potential as an animator.
6. Pursue Internship Opportunities:
Scout for internship opportunities at local animation studios or production companies. Even if the position is unpaid, the practical experience you acquire will be priceless. Internships provide the chance to work with industry professionals, learn new techniques, and forge connections that could assist you in the future.
By adhering to these steps and actively immersing yourself in the animation world through practice, learning, networking, and hands-on experience, you'll be well-equipped to apply to premier animation schools with a solid skillset and knowledge base.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Animation Mentor: A premier online animation school offering courses led by industry professionals. Their resources provide valuable insights into animation education.
Pixar Animation Studios: As one of the world's most esteemed animation studios, Pixar's website regularly features articles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content to inspire aspiring animators.
Animation Career Review: A credible source for information on animation careers, providing guidance on education paths, job prospects, industry trends, and more.
May God bless you, Chris!
JC.
Response:
As a high school junior with a passion for animation and dreams of making it your career, here are several proactive steps you can take to hone your skills and gain valuable experience before applying to animation schools. These suggestions will help you establish a robust foundation in animation:
1. Utilize Online Courses and Tutorials:
Maximize the potential of online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare, offering an array of courses on animation techniques, software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modeling programs like Blender or Maya. YouTube is another great resource with countless tutorials on animation principles and software usage.
2. Commit to Regular Practice:
Allocate time daily to practice animation. Begin with basic exercises like animating bouncing balls or character walk cycles to grasp the fundamentals of movement and timing. Experiment with various styles and techniques to cultivate your unique artistic voice.
3. Connect with Animation Clubs or Groups:
Seek out local or online animation clubs to network with other budding animators, exchange knowledge, and collaborate on projects. Participating in group activities offers valuable feedback and networking opportunities.
4. Participate in Workshops and Conferences:
Stay alert for animation workshops, seminars, and conferences in your vicinity. These events often host industry professionals who can provide insights into the field and valuable advice. Being part of such events keeps you abreast of the latest trends and technologies in the animation industry.
5. Develop a Portfolio:
Begin assembling a portfolio that showcases your best work. Incorporate a range of animations that exhibit your skills in character design, storytelling, and motion. A compelling portfolio is crucial when applying to animation schools as it demonstrates your talent and potential as an animator.
6. Pursue Internship Opportunities:
Scout for internship opportunities at local animation studios or production companies. Even if the position is unpaid, the practical experience you acquire will be priceless. Internships provide the chance to work with industry professionals, learn new techniques, and forge connections that could assist you in the future.
By adhering to these steps and actively immersing yourself in the animation world through practice, learning, networking, and hands-on experience, you'll be well-equipped to apply to premier animation schools with a solid skillset and knowledge base.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Animation Mentor: A premier online animation school offering courses led by industry professionals. Their resources provide valuable insights into animation education.
Pixar Animation Studios: As one of the world's most esteemed animation studios, Pixar's website regularly features articles, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content to inspire aspiring animators.
Animation Career Review: A credible source for information on animation careers, providing guidance on education paths, job prospects, industry trends, and more.
May God bless you, Chris!
JC.