Should i study animation

In some cases, having a masters degree may give you more earning potential, depending on where you work. A bachelors, though, is the required degree for most animator positions. Animators can work in a variety of industries. Many animators may work as freelancers or contract workers, taking on various projects for different clients. The top companies to work for are in television, film, and gaming. This is where many of the animation jobs are with some of the most lucrative salaries.

Animators are also needed in the fields of advertising and public relations. They might work in advertising firms and mobile companies, either as contract workers or in-house staff.

Depending on the position and employer, an animator might be able to work remotely. With a degree in animation, you may work in several different industries. Television and film are some of the most popular and commonly thought of industries when it comes to animation, but you may work in gaming and advertising as well. With an animation degree, you may also pursue work as a web developer or a graphic designer.

With experience, you may also obtain the lucrative position of an art director. Yes, an animation degree is worth it for many students. Common animation careers include art director, animation artist, craft or fine artist, graphic designer, and web developer.

Getting a bachelors degree in animation may allow you to work in a creative field with a variety of career options. You may earn accredited online multimedia degrees or animation degrees online as well. Online programs allow you to take courses from the comfort of your own home and to decide your own timing for your course schedule. Ready to start your journey? John's University. If you want to become an animator, games designer, graphic designer, VFX artist or illustrator, an animation degree would be highly suitable.

Animation involves drawing and designing still images which are then transformed into moving sequences, often using computer technology. Famous shows like Wallace and Gromit or Chicken Run use a process called Claymation where characters are made out of modelling clay.

This is also known as stop motion where objects are manipulated to create the illusion of natural movement.

Different types of animation include:. A lot of animation also involves storytelling to bring these static characters to life and connect with an audience. Well-known animation studios include Pixar , DreamWorks , Disney and Aardman which are large organisations that dominate the animation industry producing internationally acclaimed films such as Toy Story , Snow White , Frozen , The Incredibles , Shrek and more.

With the emergence of sophisticated computer technology and software, animators must also possess excellent IT skills to master the quality of animation that is expected within the industry. Most undergraduate animation courses will be either bachelor of arts BA or a bachelor of fine arts BFA degrees. The same goes for postgraduate degrees which are classed as master of arts MA or master of fine arts MFA. A BA in animation will last between three to four years while a master's degree will typically take one year on a full-time basis.

During a degree in animation you will gain the following skills which are transferrable for other creative digital professions:. Find out more about making the move from undergraduate to postgraduate study. Some programs may offer animation as a concentration within a graphic design, fine arts, or related degree track. Others may offer standalone animation programs that feature specializations like mobile game development and character animation. Four common career focuses related to animation are outlined below.

To pursue a career in animation, individuals usually need a sizable portfolio and a bachelor's or master's degree. Most colleges do not offer an associate degree in this field, but they may offer individual courses that help learners prepare for a four-year university animation program. Creative individuals who possess a bachelor's degree can secure most entry-level animation jobs. However, most employers require some type of industry experience, which is why many programs assist students by providing internship opportunities.

Internships often give students a competitive advantage over their peers, allowing them to strengthen their portfolio work ahead of graduation. Although some high-level roles may require a master's degree, the main advantage of these programs is the ability to specialize. Master's students can advance their skills in areas like 3D character animation, special effects, and stop-motion. Outside of positions that require highly specialized animators, a bachelor's degree generally suffices in this field.

Colleges generally do not offer an associate degree in animation. Instead, students may pursue an associate degree in art and design, fine arts, or graphic arts; these programs may offer students the option to take some animation courses. An associate degree can also provide an entryway into a bachelor's in animation program, allowing students to complete general education requirements for a four-year degree at a significantly lower cost.

While an associate degree provides few job prospects in animation, graduates can work in related fields to gain experience and prepare for a bachelor's program. Production assistants work behind the scenes to support the producers and senior staff of television and radio productions. They may manage a catalog of digital images, answer phones, work with guests, distribute scripts, and check production schedules.

Bigger productions may require these workers to hold a bachelor's, but graduates with an associate degree can find opportunities with smaller productions.

Web developers focus on the design, creation, and maintenance of websites. They work with organizations to ensure sites work at full speed and can handle projected traffic. Many web developers work as self-employed contractors, although others work full time for larger organizations that employ in-house web designers and developers.

Many of these workers hold bachelor's degrees, but an associate degree can provide entry into the field. Animators and other multimedia artists typically hold a bachelor's degree in animation. This degree may qualify graduates for work as video game designers, art directors, and film and video directors. Students can earn a bachelor's degree online on a part-time or full-time basis. The following table describes a few common careers for an animation major.

Video game designers develop video games for computers and gaming systems. Some bachelor's in animation programs offer a concentration in gaming that teaches students how to conceptualize and implement game mechanics and develop characters, narrative, sound, and effects.

Students may receive practical experience in a gaming lab or through a practicum. Animators create images and special effects for video games, television, movies, mobile devices, and other media. A bachelor's degree in animation develops students' drawing, painting, and scripting skills. Students also learn how to use specialized software to animate their creations in 2D or 3D.

Film and video editors work at studios, broadcasting companies, advertising agencies, and similar organizations. These editors use specialized software to splice together frames from digital footage as they determine story pacing, sound effects, visual effects, and other characteristics. Students can cultivate artistic talents and learn related technical skills by earning a bachelor's in animation or a bachelor's in film and video with an animation specialization. Art directors oversee the work of animators, illustrators, graphic designers, and multimedia professionals in television, film, advertising, and related areas.

They need at least a bachelor's degree and a few years of experience. While many art directors possess art degrees, some begin their careers by majoring in graphic design or animation. A master's program teaches animators advanced skill sets, giving them additional experience that can open the door to senior roles in animation.

A major advantage of a master's degree is the opportunity to specialize. The field of animation offers diverse opportunities for animators with specialized skills in areas such as stop-motion and effects animation. The following table lists career options for animators with a master's degree. Although students can enter many of these roles with a bachelor's degree and experience, a graduate-level degree can help workers stand out from their peers.

Some animators may choose to pursue an online animation master's degree on a part-time basis so they can continue to work while studying. These workers recruit and oversee teams of animators who work in-house or as contractors.

They work as key facilitators in the production process, overseeing schedules, budgets, and deliverables. These positions typically require at least years of animation experience.

A master's degree in animation gives animation directors and producers the theoretical and practical expertise needed to succeed in this role. These animators specialize in creating 2D and 3D characters for film, video games, mobile applications, and advertising.

They ensure that characters act realistically within these digital environments. Character animators create models and design environments in which animated characters reside. This senior-level position typically requires at least years of experience. Key animators direct other animators and manage the flow of work. They work with riggers and model makers as part of the preproduction process and collaborate with directors to manage the production lifecycle.

These specialists concentrate on special effects in different types of animation. They work with VFX supervisors, art directors, and other animators to translate conceptual ideas into realistic special effects using their expertise in software tools and interfaces, such as Houdini and Mantra.

While some effects animators work for big companies, like Disney and DreamWorks, many others find work in smaller enterprises. A few master's programs allow students to specialize in this area of animation. Stop-motion animators set up special rigs that involve puppets, miniatures, clay figures, and similar props. The Wallace and Gromit films provide examples of the labor-intensive work of stop-motion animators.

Some schools offer master's programs in stop-motion puppet animation. Once you earn a postsecondary degree in animation, there are a few different ways that you can further develop your skills. While most entry-level roles typically do not require a graduate-level degree, highly specialized roles can lead to higher salary prospects. If you find that the characteristics described above resonate with you, you may be destined for work in animation.

Animation might be the perfect career to let you leverage some of your natural qualities in a creative career you can enjoy. But animation is not a job made of purely soft skills. Technical ability is a must, which means possessing these traits is only the start.

It has since been updated to include information that is relevant to There are some errors in the form. Please correct the errors and submit again. By selecting "Submit," I authorize Rasmussen University to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided.

There is no obligation to enroll. Brianna is a content writer for Collegis Education who writes student focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen University. She earned her MFA in poetry and teaches as an adjunct English instructor. She loves to write, teach and talk about the power of effective communication. Posted in General Design. Carrie Mesrobian Will Erstad Callie Malvik This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content.

Please visit www. External links provided on rasmussen. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.