Free web page graphic and photoshop tutorials.

by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist

A computer animation career that serves and protects? It’s not as much of a stretch as you might think. Many technical professionals in federal, state, and local law enforcement use animation class lessons to keep the world safe for democracy.

Much of the legal process requires reconstructing a crime scene for investigators and jury members; a trick that is much easier said than done. Until recently, that is. Law enforcement organizations are seeing the value of having animation class graduates on their teams to make the process of reconstruction easier and more accurate. For a select few, what started as a computer animation career has taken on an exciting new twist.

Homicide Case-in-point

In 1992, the California Superior Court made history by being the first trial to feature a computer animation reconstruction of the crime scene. Prosecutors in the People vs. Mitchell in Marin County used ballistics evidence and animation software to show how shots fired from the gun of Jim Mitchell killed his brother. The animation clip was played for the jury during testimony and closing statements.

Despite the fact that the Mitchell camp appealed due to the new technology, he was eventually convicted and spent three years in prison. Computer animation then took a permanent place in trail processes.

What is a Reconstructionist?

Armed with a digital camera, an Electronic Distance Measuring Instrument, and Auto CAD software, reconstructionists create potential scenarios of auto accidents for investigative purposes. One part technician and one part prognosticator, these professionals typically have animation classes in their creative backgrounds.

As technologies continue to diversify, computer animation should play a larger role in homeland security, local and national law enforcement, and legal processes.

About the Author

Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

Source(s)

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Michigan.gov

by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist

For a unique fusion of art and technology, the animation industry is your road to an exciting profession. Enjoy creating diverse projects ranging from interactive web sites to movie and television features. Here’s how to make animation your career field.

One thing may be separating you from a working community of successful full-time animation professionals—formal training. While masterful artistry and computer proficiency are assets in themselves, many employers are also looking for applicants with animation degrees.

Earning an Animation Degree

So what’s your next move? Earn an animation degree from an accredited college, university, or trade school, and you can get started earning your way to success.

• Background. High school courses in sketching, art appreciation, and technology provide a solid foundation. Internships are also a good way to gain experience.
• Classes. Many successful candidates earn a Fine Arts degree or similar credential. Concentrations in animation and graphic design can help get you into a position faster.
• Technology. Dreamweaver and Creative Suite are two animation software programs that you’ll be expected to know inside and out. You may also be trained on various proprietary design programs.

Industry Profile

A 2005 report by the American Institute of Graphic Arts showed a median annual compensation of $32,000 for entry-level designers, and $42,500 for staff-level graphic designers. In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong job growth in graphic design positions through 2014.

Don’t just sit there wondering how to make animation your career choice. A fine selection of online and on campus programs are waiting for you.

About the Author

Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

Source(s)

American Institute of Graphic Arts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

By Joe Cooper
Animation School Review Columnist

A career in animation can take you in many directions. Your animation school will introduce you to the full range of options. In the meantime, here are three popular areas of animation to consider.

Cartoon Animation

Focusing on 2D animation in animation school (and maybe earning a 2D animation degree) is the best way to become a cartoon animator. If you decide to focus on cartoon animation, you’ll build a background in both sketch illustration and 2D animation software. A wide variety of media employ cartoon animators—you could draw cartoons for newspapers, magazines, online publications, blogs, and animation websites. Others career options include becoming a sketch artist and working in a variety of industries, from fashion to manufacturing to advertising.

Animated TV Series

These are still very popular all over the world, and there are many afternoon and weekend TV spots to fill with new animated series. 2D and Flash animation courses in animation school will give you the background for this specialty, as will storyboarding and animated narrative classes. This field is very competitive, so getting an internship or two under your belt before graduation is a good idea.

Animated Feature Films

Feature animation has revived itself since its decline in the early 90s and emerged as an extremely competitive area of the industry. Computer animation is a large part of feature animation, so take as many 3D and computer animation classes as you can. Learning layering, 3D modeling, and vectors will also help you develop the skills you need to eventually become a character or story artist for an animation studio.

Animation is a popular field, and competition for the top jobs can be fierce. Be sure to prepare for success by developing a thorough skill set and building a network of colleagues and instructors in animation school.

Source

IC Wales

About the Author

Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor’s in American Literature from UCLA.

by Kirk Bangstad
kirk.bangstad@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist

Japanese anime and manga are all the rage with kids these days. This interest has created a strong market for trained animators. If you’re an anime and manga fan, consider pursuing a career in animation.

Japanese anime is a style of animation that developed an underground following thirty years ago. Manga is the name of the comic book genre that incorporates the stylized drawing techniques characteristic of anime. Today anime and manga have grown into household names throughout the U.S. Kids from Baltimore to San Francisco and beyond have decided it’s pretty cool to be anime and manga fanatics.

Anime Events Nurture Artistic Side

The Baltimore Sun recently covered a costume making and drawing event at the public library centered on anime and manga. The event attracted a number of children who were all interested in learning how to draw in the style of anime. Many of these teens have submitted anime drawings to art contests and art compilations, and attribute their interest in drawing to the anime subculture. When asked what they want to do when they grow up, many wanted careers in animation.

Drawing Main Component to Successful Animation Career

Drawing is the most important skill needed to become a good animator, and kids who get into drawing at an early age can get a jumpstart on a future animation career. Animation has evolved into a lucrative career path. With more and more computer animated films being released each year, the demand for good animators has increased—as have animation salaries.

Students who can demonstrate drawing talent can gain admittance to top animation schools. This, in turn, can give them an edge in the job market upon graduation.

Source

Anime Craze in Baltimore

About the Author

Kirk Bangstad is a singer living in Chicago, IL. He received his B.A. in Government at Harvard. Kirk previously worked as a management consultant.

by Gabriel Traverso
gabriel.traverso@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist

As a result of enhancements in animation software artists are no longer required to have the level of drawing or painting skills previous generations of animators needed to succeed. Your love for cartoon animation and your love for computers can help you launch a career in motion pictures, advertising, graphic design, or cartoon animation.

Cartoon Animation—The Olden Days

How many of us were raised as latch-key kids coming home to the old standby sitter, the television? Your favorite cartoons were always on in the afternoons when you got home and certainly there for you on Saturday mornings. Perhaps for you they held a career attraction leading you to art and a desire to become an animator. In years past cartoon animation required solid artistic abilities in painting and drawing. Production was a painstaking process taking months before the finished product was released. With advances in animation software you now have the opportunity to launch a successful animation career without spending years in art school developing technical skills.

What Does It Take To Become An Animator?

You don’t need to be able to draw perfectly from sight, but it can help. Much of the work “old-timers” used to do by hand is now done using animation software. The real challenge for today’s animators is keeping pace with changes in the technology. From one year to the next your tools might change dramatically. Becoming a technological chameleon will be integral to your success in your animation career.

Getting Started in Computer Cartoon Animation

While competition in the motion picture industry is extremely high, the US Dept. of Labor predicts better job prospects for multi-media artists and animators—especially for those with 3d animation skills. If you learn new software tools quickly, then get started by absorbing as many computer animation programs possible. Take computer classes to learn the basics. Look for internship opportunities first. Those with both software skills as well as real-world animation experience will be given preference in the job market. With the proper training and experience, you too could be able to watch your own cartoons all day long!

Source

US Dept of Labor

About the Author

In addition to being a freelance writer Gabriel Traverso is also an independent musician and artist. He resides in Reno, NV.