Become an Computer Animator

For a hot career in the tech industry, look no further than Computer Animation. Animation is a unique mixture of art and computers that you just can't find in any other field. And Animation schools will give you the skills you need to succeed.

What is Animation?

Animation is the art of creating moving cartoons for television and computer media from hand drawn designs. Animation professionals use the latest software technologies and language platforms to generate captivating characters involved in imaginative story lines. The art of Animation is used heavily in movies and on the Web, giving Animation professionals a bright employment outlook.

Opportunities in the Animation Field

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of professionals with Animation degrees is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2014. And with the technological revolution still gaining steam, opportunities for Animation professionals will abound. Look for positions with advertising and marketing firms, Internet start ups, and graphic design firms. Or you can go freelance and build your own stable of clients.

Desired Skills for Animation Professionals

Technology Proficient. This means understanding how to use the computer to increase your productivity and sharpen your abilities.
Creative Minded. The left-brained candidates have the edge here. Creativity is what will make you stand out from your competition.
Effective Communication. Often you will be working with clients who must communicate their desires for the project to you.

The Road to an Animation Career

If you believe a position in Animation might be for you, the first step is to choose a campus-based or online program to begin your training. Many colleges and technical schools in your area offer accredited Animation degrees. Then use the contacts you make in school to ease your way into your first job.

Animation Colleges, Schools, & Degrees

	Who They Are: The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division What They Offer: Bachelor in Media Arts & Animation What You Learn: Advanced animation skills, including art direction, production, and technical direction. Need to Know: By the time they graduate, students have developed an extensive portfolio of work they can use to show prospective employers.
	Who They Are: Center for Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University in Waltham, Massachusetts and Washington, DC What They Offer: 3D Animation Certificate What You Learn: To create 3D models, animations and scenes using up to date WaveFront/Maya software. Both theory and practical applications are stressed. The Buzz: During the 9 month program, students create a short animated subject that can be used in a demo reel.
	Who They Are: The Career Institute of American International College in Braintree and Woburn, Massachusetts What They Offer: 3-D and Game Designer, Digital Audio/Video Production certificates What You Learn: Motion graphics, video editing, and post production techniques. Need to Know: Ideal for people with some design experience. Students learn Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects.
	Who They Are: Anthem Institute, in Cherry Hill, Jersey City, North Brunswick, and Parsippany New Jersey, Springfield, Pennsylvania and New York City, NY What They Offer: Graphic Design & Animation diploma. What You Learn: Learn to create images, graphics, sounds and video files, websites and 3D images using industry-standard software programs like Photoshop and Flash. You'll also find out how to blend these skills to produce interactive CD's and multimedia presentations. Need to Know: All programs are not available at all campuses. Please check your local campus for program offerings. The Buzz: Anthem Institute is affiliated with Anthem College Online. Anthem College Online offers graduates of Anthem Institute the opportunity to enhance their education by earning an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree-100% online.
	Who They Are: Digital Media Arts College in Boca Raton, Florida What They Offer: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Animation, and a Master of Arts in Visual Effects Animation. What You Learn: The Bachelor degree includes courses in character modeling and animation, 2D and 3D design, digital listing, and special effects. In the master's degree program, students use Maya to explore advanced three dimensional modeling and animation techniques, audio and video editing, and computer graphics programming. Need to Know: The Bachelor's degree can be completed in three years, and the Master's program can be finished in 18 months. The Buzz: DMAC is known for its state of the art computer labs and faculty with industry experience.
	Who They Are: International Academy of Design & Technology - Tampa, Florida What They Offer: Bachelor in Computer Animation What You Learn: How to use Silicon Graphics computer workstations and applications such as WaveFront and SoftImage to create 2D and 3D animations. Students learn technical and conceptual skills, including audio, video, and post-production. Need to Know: Graduates of this program can consider careers as special effects artists, bench animators, motion capture animators, or game design animator assistants. International Academy of Design and Technology does not guarantee employment or salary.
	Who They Are: American Career Institute in Baltimore, Columbia and Wheaton, Maryland; Framingham and Springfield, Massachusetts What They Offer: Digital Gaming Design certificate What You Learn: 3D Animation skills, along with real-time video and editing skills. Need to Know: Students create a portfolio of their work that can be used while interviewing for a job.
	Who They Are: Kaplan University What They Offer: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology/Web Development What You Learn: How to develop consumer websites using interactive media, along with virtual tours and games. Need to Know: Online degree program lets students keep working as they earn their degree.
	Who They Are: Pittsburgh Technical Institute in Oakdale, Pennsylvania What They Offer: Associate degree in Multimedia Technologies What You Learn: How to use advanced multimedia technologies for a variety of platforms, including the web, video, and broadcast. Courses teach server side scripting, 3D animation, and audio-video editing. Need to Know: The program includes training on software including 3D Studio Max, Adobe After Effects, and more. Students get to practice their new skills in an internship.
	Who They Are: Rasmussen College, Online and in Ft. Myers, Ocala and Holiday, Florida; Romeoville, Illinois; Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Lake Elmo, Mankato and St. Cloud, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota; and Green Bay, Wisconsin. What They Offer: Bachelor's degree in Digital Design and Animation; Associate degree in Multimedia Technologies, Digital Design and Animation Emphasis What You Learn: Web programming, including HTML and CSS, Flash, 3D Animation techniques, and how to create audio and visual projects. Need to Know: The Bachelor's degree is only offered at the school's Florida locations.
	Who They Are: Westwood College, in Los Angeles and Upland, California; Atlanta, Georgia, Calumet City, Chicago, Schiller Park, and Woodridge, Illinois, and Annandale & Arlington, Virginia. This degree is also offered online. What They Offer: Bachelor of Science in Animation What You Learn: How to use industry standard tools to create 2D and 3D animated content. Familiarity with the laws of human motion and psychology to be able to create realistic-looking animations. Ability to add audio and video production skills to animations. The Buzz : Courses in project management and team building prepare graduates to manage animation projects and work with clients.

	Animation Degrees Game Design

The Art Institutes
The Buzz: Looking for a career in game art and design, photography, broadcasting or visual effects? The Art Institutes provides you with more than just hands-on training using the latest software...