Elizabeth
Do you need a Master Degree in Animation
Is it really necessary to get a Master Degree in Animation to get your dream job? #animation #college #3d-animation #character-animation #higher-education
4 answers
Gates Callanan
Gates’s Answer
Hi,
A Master's Degree is not essential to be in the industry. A lot of it depends on what you want to do. If you want to have the option to teach, especially full time, having a masters degree will be helpful. Another reason to get a Master's in Animation would be for some contacts in the industry/ animation community, and to get into the experimental animation realm. If you are interested in becoming an independent animator, a Master's can give you time to work on creating your own animations from start to finish. You can learn aspects of story boarding, character design, directing, lighting, sound, etc. However you may also get a chance to do this in your Bachelor's program during your senior year as I did.
What you learn in a Bachelor's program for Animation depends on the school you go to. If you end up going somewhere like the Rhode Island School of Design, or the Royal College of Art in the U.K. , you will be focusing on elements of fine art and design. Whereas if you attend somewhere like Savannah College of Art and Design, you will learn more technical aspects of what you need to be able to work in the industry. There are other schools that show this divide as well. If you want one type of program over another, you should research each school and try to talk to a student from each of those schools as well. Each program type has its strengths and weaknesses.
So, if you want to teach or need more time to explore animation, or are looking to be an independent animator and submit your work to festivals like, Animation Block Party, Sundance, Ottawa etc. consider a fine art Bachelors degree or a Master's. If you want to learn technical skills to fill a specific role in a feature film, perhaps try a more technical Bachelor's in animation and you will be able to work you way up in the field.
Kid Cardona
Kid’s Answer
Depends, you trying to be in upper managment?
If not then you can get by on a two year course from a smaller college.
Good luck
Cameron Keffer
Cameron’s Answer
No, not unless your dream job is being a professor, or getting in to the super technical end of things. For a really good job in animation, all you really need is a strong portfolio & demo reel, as well as a way to make your portfolio stand out so that prospective employers will actually look at said reel & portfolio. Now, this said, a degree certainly isn't going to hurt your chances of getting employed, but it's also not at all required.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
While securing a job in the animation industry doesn't strictly demand a Master's Degree in Animation, having one can significantly bolster your chances and open up a myriad of opportunities.
The animation realm is a fiercely competitive one. Possessing a Master's Degree can give you an edge over other applicants who might only have a Bachelor’s Degree or no degree at all. A Master’s Degree in Animation endows students with a deep understanding and proficiency in diverse animation domains such as 3D modeling, character animation, visual effects, and storytelling. This specialized training arms graduates with the necessary expertise to thrive in their chosen field and handle intricate projects effectively.
Furthermore, many employers have a preference for candidates with advanced degrees, as they bring a heightened level of knowledge and experience to the organization. A Master’s Degree is also a testament to your dedication and commitment to the animation field.
However, it's crucial to remember that there are successful animators who have carved their niche without a Master’s Degree. They may have acquired their skills through self-learning, internships, or hands-on experience in the industry. In some scenarios, extensive work experience or a robust portfolio can make up for the lack of an advanced degree.
To sum up, while a Master Degree in Animation isn't a prerequisite for landing a job in the industry, it can offer numerous advantages like advanced knowledge, augmented opportunities, and heightened credibility among employers. Ultimately, the choice to pursue higher education hinges on individual circumstances, career aspirations, and personal inclinations.
Referenced Authorities:
“Animation Careers: Education & Training.” National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), nasad.org/publications-research/art-and-design-education-statistics/animation-careers-education-training.
“Master’s Degrees in Animation.” Top Universities, topuniversities.com/subject-rankings/art-design/masters-animation#:~:text=A%20Master’s%20degree%20in%20Animation%20is%20a%20postgraduate%20degree%20that%20provides%20advanced%20knowledge%2C%20skills%2C%20and%20expertise%20in%20the %E2%80%9Cart%E2%80%9Dof animation%.
“Animation Industry Trends: Education & Skills.” Animation World Network (AWF), awfxrds.com/industry_trends/education_skills/.
Stay Blessed,
JC.