NEWS
How Animation School Can Jumpstart Your Career
Those who want to work in animation must be passionate about the creative arts. They must also be able to persevere through long periods spent refining their portfolio and showreel.
Creating animation takes longer than most people realize, whether in film or video games. Here are some ways that animation school can help jumpstart your career in the industry.
It’s a creative career.
Animation is no longer just kids’ cartoons to be watched after school or on Saturday mornings while eating breakfast. Today, animation is used in everything from advertisements to video games to special effects for movies and TV. It requires a combination of creative skill and technical ability, but it’s a great career choice for those who are both artistic and have a passion for storytelling.
You’ll need a good portfolio and showreel to get started in the industry. Take on freelance work or personal projects to build up your experience and skill set while also working on building up a sensational demo reel that showcases your best work. This will help you stand out against the competition and will also look great on your CV.
It’s also a great idea to join professional associations, as this will allow you to connect with other animators and make industry acquaintances. You can learn from these people and seek advice on how to get ahead in your career in the industry. This can give you a real leg-up over your competition when it comes to finding the next step in your career, as having the support of other experienced animators and an established network can make all the difference.
It’s a fast-paced career.
While animation may seem like something kids watch after school or on Saturday morning, it’s now one of the most in-demand and exciting careers in the creative industries. Animators work with various mediums, from film and video games to web and advertising. The job requires a diverse skill set, from strong artistic ability to computer competency and excellent attention to detail.
While at animation school, students take a broad range of courses, from general studies in drawing and life drawing to more technical subjects such as 2D and 3D art, digital painting, and modeling. They learn how to use various software programs the tools of their trade, and build a solid portfolio of their best works.
Choosing the best schools for animation can lead to a career in several fields, including graphic design and film production. Whether they continue to work in spirit or move into other areas of the entertainment industry, animators enjoy a fast-paced career requiring high creative and technological competence.
While many traits make for a successful animator, the most important is passion. Those with this passion for the craft can commit to long hours and put in the work necessary to create stunning and compelling animation.
It’s a rewarding career.
When most people think of animation, they tend to envision film and video games. However, animators also work in various industries, including marketing, advertising, and software development. This diverse range of opportunities can make finding a job that aligns with your artistic style and interests easier.
Having a sense of humor and a playful attitude is crucial when working in an artistic field. This can help you to build relationships with coworkers and enhance your overall experience in the workplace. It can also help collaborate with other artists on projects, as having a good sense of humor can lead to a smoother workflow.
While education and experience can play a significant role in landing a position at an animation studio, the most essential trait for an animator is passion. If you’re passionate about animation, you will be motivated to keep practicing and improving your skills. This will ensure you have the skills to stand out amongst a competitive pool of applicants.
While a bachelor’s degree will generally suffice for most entry-level positions, it is not uncommon for animators to earn a master’s degree to advance their careers. This additional education can allow students to specialize in a particular industry area, allowing them to secure higher-level jobs.
It’s a career that’s growing.
A career in animation isn’t just about a specific type of visual storytelling but encompasses a broad range of artistic disciplines. Animators often work with other creative professionals such as storyboard artists, concept artists, matte painters, motion designers, and 3D modelers. The credits sequence of a typical animated film highlights a long list of roles, many of which are filled by people with various degrees and expertise.
A bachelor’s degree can be sufficient for most entry-level positions in the industry, although a master’s is often required for more specialized roles such as stop-motion. Most undergraduate programs offer internship opportunities to help students gain experience before applying.
Proper education is essential to a successful career in animation, as it will provide learners with the technical knowledge and skill set they will need to create the visual effects and stories they want to tell. The best animation schools will offer theoretical and practical courses, including drawing skills, 2D and 3D digital animation, and advanced software such as Adobe Animate.
Some universities also provide unique learning opportunities, such as study abroad programs. Others will allow students to spend a semester in the heart of the industry, directly networking with professional animators and gaining a better understanding of the cultural environment of the field.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
