Computer Animation Schools

Researching computer animations schools to find the one you want to attend can be time-consuming. You may be wondering if it really matters. Isn’t one computer animation degree the same as any other? The answer is, probably not. As the industry booms, it is a sure bet that computer animation schools will spring up right and left to take advantage of the demand. Some computer animation universities will offer far better instruction than others. So clearly it is to your benefit to do as much research into computer animation schools as possible. But even starting the process can be a daunting task. How to begin?

It is always useful to begin with the end in sight. What does this mean? When looking at computer animation schools, first identify what aspect of the industry you want to work in. Animation is a booming and complex field, with many different areas. By choosing which direction you think you want to go, you be able to find the best computer animation degree for your needs. Here’s a brief overview of computer animation career areas:

• 2-D Animator. The classical artist will be drawn to this aspect of the computer animation field. Good 2-D skills are the basis for the more high-profile 3-D productions, and animators with good 2-D skills are always in high demand. You'll need to find computer animation schools that teach good drawing fundamentals as well as technical skills.
• 3-D Animator. The next step up in computer animation. You’ll need to look for computer animation universities that focus on giving you a good grounding in the basics of both the creative and the technical sides.
• Storyboard Artist. As a storyboard artist, you’ll take written scripts and turn them into storyboards, planning camera shots, and visualizing the story. Most animators start out as assistants on this career path. Make certain your computer animation degree gives you experience in storyboarding if this is the direction you want to go.
• Layout Artist. This animator creates backgrounds for the characters to move on in each scene. Because these backgrounds will not appear in the final film, it is much like setting the stage for all that is to come. This specialized position is vital to the finished product.
• Inbetweener. This computer animation term refers to an inbetween stage of animation drawings. Many animators get their starts as inbetweeners, assisting the chief animator on the project. Choose computer animation schools that will give you a good grounding in the basics to take this path.

Bear in mind that these are the primary career areas for film and television computer animators. You might also choose to work in other industries, such as interior design, architecture, product design, or website animation. You can see how varied the opportunities the field has become, and why it is so important to spend time researching computer animation schools. Spent time on the internet looking at the various offerings of computer animation schools and you’ll find the perfect one for you with ease.