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by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist

You know you want to attend a computer animation school. But do you need to personal attention of the classroom setting? Or would you prefer the freedom of a distance learning format? With some programs, you can experience both styles.

Computer Animation School Options

Since the introduction of online classes in the computer animation field, colleges and business schools have taken great strides in addressing a variety of student needs. Students who prefer the classroom setting can complete their degree on campus. For those who prefer self-directed study, online options exist. And colleges are also recognizing the remaining student population who prefer a combination of the two via hybrid instruction.

Here’s an overview of the three delivery formats:

• On Campus. Animation classes are delivered by an instructor in a physical classroom setting. Onsite computers offer the latest in animation technology.
• Online. Classes are delivered via virtual classroom. You’ll log in when it’s convenient for you and submit your projects via email for critique.
• Hybrid. Combines both on campus and online delivery. Projects are completed at home. You’ll go to campus on pre-selected dates for classroom instruction.

The cost of computer animation school programs will vary by type of delivery. For example, online classes exclude a number of campus fees that you might otherwise be forced to pay (parking, housing, etc).

Decide What’s Important to You

Examine your academic history to determine what type of training is best for you. The way you performed in high school, which is campus-based, should give you some idea of how you respond to a more structured program.

If you feel confident enough to go it alone, online and hybrid computer animation schools might suit your needs.

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.

By Joe Cooper
Animation School Review Columnist

Animation is a large industry with impressive growth potential. Computer animation alone is projected to exceed $32 billion in two years. To take full advantage of the career opportunities, start planning during animation school. Explore this global industry and available jobs before you graduate, and you’ll hit the ground running.

A career in animation is not limited to any one medium or location. Animation is now a global industry with strong players across many continents. Going to animation school will help you learn as much as you can about the industry before you enter it, improving your chances for a great career in animation.

Animation School Tips

Here are some tips for getting the most out of animation school:

• Learn as much as you can about the industry before you graduate. Animation school offers a rare opportunity to ask industry questions and receive tailored information.
• Understand the international playing field of animation. The U.S. and Canada are the leading players, developing characters and deciding the course of many animated productions. But the production itself involves several other major players, including India at the top of the list. India’s $9 billion animation industry is expanding rapidly, and new education programs are popping up there to support the high demand for U.S. animation outsourcing. China, Korea, and Japan also play an important role in animation.
• Keep in mind that there are many jobs in animation. As you gain experience in the industry, you will learn that there are many positions available aside from animating. Project managers, storyboard managers, production managers, communications directors, international liaisons, media liaisons, and more help animation studios run. You may decide you’d like to move into one of these roles after you gain some animation experience.

Before you enter the job market, take advantage of your animation school resources to learn more about the industry. The focus will help you develop a game plan for career success.

Source(s):

Filmmaker South Africa

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 Sue Booth
sue.booth@theanimationschooldirectory.com
The Animation School Directory Columnist

Snoopy and Charlie Brown are two of the most recognized cartoon characters of all time. Cartooning synthesizes fine art, pop culture, biography, and fiction with hand-drawn expanded with the growth of graphic novels, imported Asian comics, and a global craze for cartoon-based animation. If you’re an aspiring animation artist with hopes of becoming the next Charles Schultz, you may want to keep the field of cartooning in mind.

Animation: A Comic Burst

The Internet boom created a demand for cartooning. According to the LATimes.com, vice president and editor-in-chief of Hyperion Books for Children Brenda Bowen claims that the graphic-novel medium is thriving in “a very visual culture, fostered by websites. Words and pictures are now so inextricably bound.”

With the explosion of the cartoon industry, animation schools are giving cartooning more attention. Animation students are taught the essentials of writing practical dialogue and proper drawing. Accredited animation schools emphasize the sensitivity of the realistic emotion so it can be parodied, making the cartoon and the cartooning industry more credible.

Animation is Not All Comics

You don’t necessarily have to be in the business of comics as a cartooning graduate. Animation schools teach students the basics of cartooning: improving stories, pacing, page composition, and anatomy, which is helpful in many animation fields. With a solid cartooning background, many animation students choose the lucrative greeting card field or the cyber commercial industry.

Due to the successful nature of the field, applications are continuing to increase for animation schools cartooning curriculums. Many cartooning students are in their mid to late 20’s and already have college degrees. An online degree in cartooning can allow you the flexibility if you are already in the workforce.

Enroll in an accredited animation school that will teach you the art of cartooning by depicting emotion and maintaining high artistic standards. You could be well on your way to creating the next classic comic.

Source

LATimes.com

About the Author

Sue Booth is an arts and education freelance writer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has experience with CAD.

by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist

In order to keep up with diverse and changing technologies, today’s computer animation schools have focused their curriculums. In addition to developing technical skills, graduates today must also master the art and the academics of these versatile programs.

Many would-be students mistakenly conclude that computer animation schools focus solely on technological principles. And while animation is a major portion of the curriculum, the programs at these schools resemble the well-rounded academics of traditional degree preparation. Technology and academics are at the core of the curriculum to help prepare you for success in all aspects of your career.

Computer Animation Concepts

Here are some courses that your animation curriculum will cover:

• Software. Computer animation schools prepare their lessons using the latest in animation software. This makes the transition from class to work a bit easier.
• Storyboards. The heart of your animation creations is in your storyboards. You’ll learn how to tell a tale and make it meaningful through your art.
• Characters. Creating a memorable character will improve your ability to capture and retain your audience. Animation characterization goes beyond drawing and movement—animate means “bring to life” and that means a history and a personality.

Choosing Between Computer Animation Schools

• It can be challenging to find the computer animation school that’s right for you. Here are some factors to consider when making your selection.
• Accredited. Your program should be professionally recognized by the industry.
• Connected. Look for connections between the school and area employers.
• Financed. Ask about financial aid options that help you pay for your training.

There’s no better way to put your artistic and technical skills into overdrive than by graduating from one of the country’s premiere computer animation schools.

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.

By Sue Booth
sue.booth@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist

Animation is quickly becoming a strong global business. As an aspiring animator, a variety of lucrative opportunities may be available to you after you graduate from animation school.

A World of Animation

The international demand for animation is continuing to grow. Animation programs are becoming “cross cultural” and are not necessarily region-specific. According to Nina Hahn, VP of International Development at Nickelodeon, based in London, “We do a tremendous amount of research (based on the pilots of programs) in the United States, and now, we’re increasingly doing so internationally. We’re here to divide and conquer the international sides of our business.”

Here’s a list of the latest significant international animation developments:

• “Planet Sketch”: a UK-based 11-minute comedy featuring wacky characters
• “Oban Star-Racers”: a sci-fi co-production with Jetix Europe and Japan
• “Pororo the Little Penguin”: an animated Korean international hit
• “Lola & Virginia”: a series for 6- to 12-year-olds that has been picked up by Nickelodeon Latin America, Nickelodeon in Asia and France, and Animania H.D. in the U.S.
• “Charlie and Lola”: a Chinese pre-schooler series.

A Collaborative Effort

Animation trends show that there is increasing collaboration between North America and Europe or Asia. In producing some animation series, full teams of European animators travel to Japan to work with the Japanese artists.

Western animators are having a difficult time breaking into the Japanese market with its unique anime style animation. Some European animators are having better luck. However, other nations such as China and India have enormous potential for Western animators. In 2006, Disney spent more than $40 million to acquire stake in India-based software communications and its children’s TV station that invests in animation. China is recognized as an important market in animation.

With so many growing opportunities internationally, the world will be your oyster when you embark on an animation career. Enroll in animation school and your animated characters may become world travelers.

Source

HollywoodReporter.com

About the Author

Sue Booth is an arts and education freelance writer with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has experience with CAD.