Were you or are you still a big fan of animated movies, video games or shows? Remember how you used to (or still do) spend hours and hours glued to the screen watching Snow White or Frozen? If you do, great! Now, how do you think these characters or animations came into being? Yes, through animation. Typically, Animation is the field of study that focuses on transforming written words into entertaining characters to create the illusion of emotion, thought and personality.
If you wish to transform your love for animation into a lucrative career, then a degree in animation is exactly what you may be looking for. Read on for more information about the course, possible career paths and specializations.
Generally, animation deals with the experimentation of content, medium, and form in the process of storytelling. It involves the use of character animation, interactive animation and computer animation to develop various aspects of animation such as perspective and composition, character gestures, stop motion and more.
Students cover storytelling techniques using hand-drawn methods, electronic tools, and 3D modeling to create visual images, special effects, and animations.
Generally, Animation degrees are offered by universities as part of other general courses such as Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts. Find the best universities for animation degrees here.
Generally, applicants should have a strong background in computers, animation, and editing software to qualify for an Animation program. However, there are some universities which require a background in general arts, computer animation or graphic arts, because these subjects lay the foundation for drawing or sculpting skills along with cutting-edge technologies.
Generally, Animation majors are required to study a wide range of programs in addition to animation and 3-D modeling. However, at the start of this program, students generally learn the basics of 3-D character animation and computer software programs.
Animations is a broad field, so figuring out where your talent lies and the area of animation youu2019d like to specialize in is essential. However, during the first year of the program, students will learn the foundation and general overview of animation topics. Below is a list of these topics that you are most likely to cover:
Below are some of the specializations:
Fine arts
In this course, youu2019ll learn about the standard application of color theory, composition and lighting, character movement, architecture and layout.
Modeling
This program studies the creation and development of u201crealistic and believableu201d characters that can be used in game development, CGI effects, television, and movie animation. Additionally, students will learn expert skills of creating surfaces and anatomy using 3-D modeling techniques.
Computer animation
In this program, students will learn about 2-D and 3-D animation techniques and how to use related software. Additionally, students will learn how to create successful illusions of movements in film as well as video game design and the interactive aspects of animation that are associated with video gaming.
Special effects
In this program, students will learn how to create photo grade effects for environments and characters within games, films, television and movies.
Storyboard artist
This program studies how to transform scripts into visual stories from the creation of character poses, backgrounds, facial expressions, perspective and composition, among others.
Forensic animation
This program studies the processes involved in the recreation of crime scenes or accidents to assist investigators in obtaining proof and solving crimes.
Animation professionals are not limited to one career choice. They can venture into various fields, including multimedia, game development, production design, among others. Animation majors can work in the following areas or roles:
1. Filmmaking
Animators can work in the filmmaking industry to produce visual effects and images for different forms of media, including movies, television, video games, among others.
2. Animator
Animators generally create multiple digital or hand-drawn images, referred to as frames, and sequences them to create animations. Additionally, they create computer-generated animation features which are used to create special effects in motion pictures, the internet, television and the gaming industry.
3. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers are responsible for creating visual brands for companies or organizations through websites, posters, advertising, magazines, books, product packaging, computer games, exhibitions and displays, among others.
4. Illustrator
Illustrators are responsible for creating still images and drawings to convey a message, idea, or story. These are then used in advertisements, newspapers, books, packaging, magazines, greeting cards and so on. As an illustrator, you can work in various fields including advertising, publishing, editorial, fashion, corporate, multimedia and merchandising.
5. Web Designer
These professionals plan, develop and code web pages. Web designers are responsible for handling the technical and graphical aspects of web pages as well as ensuring that they are operating efficiently.
6. Games Developer
Games developers are responsible for the creation and production of video games for PCs, social or online platforms, gaming consoles, arcade games, mobile phone games, among other devices.
7. VFX Artists
VFX artists are responsible for developing computer-generated stunt doubles, crowds and creatures. Their main job is to provide the illusion that these computer-generated objects such as dragons, spaceships, aliens, superheroes, are real. In this field, you can either work as a multimedia artist, compositing artist, FX animator, FX technical director or supervisor, among other roles.
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