4 answers
Mariana
Student
Malta, Montana
1
Question
Asked
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What are some things i should know about a getting a degree in Animation/Art? #Spring25?
What are some things I should know before starting the first day at Digipen University of Technology as a high school senior recently accepted for the degree in Digital Art and Animation #Spring25?
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4 answers
Patricia Sostizzo
Animation Student
3
Answers
High Point, North Carolina
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Dear Mason, here's a friendly guide to help you understand what to expect when pursuing a degree in animation. This will prepare you for the journey ahead.
1. Types of Animation Degrees
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Focuses on art, drawing, design, and storytelling.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA): Includes more technical courses like software and programming.
- Specialized Degrees: Some schools offer paths in 3D modeling, visual effects, game animation, or motion graphics.
2. Skills You'll Learn
- Core Animation Principles: Timing, squash & stretch, anticipation, and more.
- Art Fundamentals: Drawing, anatomy, perspective, and color theory.
- Software Proficiency: Learn tools like Maya, Blender, Toon Boom, and others.
- Storytelling & Storyboarding: Writing for animation and visual storytelling.
- Production Pipelines: Understand how projects go from concept to final render.
3. Time Commitment
- A bachelor's degree usually takes 3-4 years full-time.
- Be ready for long project hours, sometimes all night, to finish films or portfolio pieces.
- Collaboration is key, working with classmates in various roles.
4. Equipment & Software Costs
- Schools often provide student licenses, but you might need:
- A powerful computer with a good GPU and at least 16-32GB RAM.
- A drawing tablet for 2D work.
- External storage, as animations require a lot of space.
5. Portfolio Matters More Than the Degree
- Studios focus on your portfolio/demo reel, not just your diploma.
- The degree offers structure and networking, but you need to build your own projects and style.
6. Job Market Reality
- Entry-level jobs are competitive.
- You might start as a junior artist, production assistant, or intern before advancing.
- Networking and showcasing your work online are essential.
7. Specializations You Might Choose
- Options include 3D modeling, 2D animation, rigging, lighting & rendering, compositing & VFX, and game animation.
8. Soft Skills Are Key
- Teamwork: Animation is a collaborative effort.
- Communication: Be open to giving and receiving feedback.
- Time Management: Meet deadlines without burning out.
9. International Opportunities
- Countries like Canada, Japan, France, and Brazil have thriving animation industries.
- A strong portfolio can open doors abroad, but consider visas and language skills.
10. Passion & Persistence
- Animation requires patience; moving a character for 2 seconds can take hours.
- If you love storytelling and design, it's worth it.
- If you're unsure about the detailed work, it might feel challenging.
Enjoy the journey ahead!
1. Types of Animation Degrees
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Focuses on art, drawing, design, and storytelling.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA): Includes more technical courses like software and programming.
- Specialized Degrees: Some schools offer paths in 3D modeling, visual effects, game animation, or motion graphics.
2. Skills You'll Learn
- Core Animation Principles: Timing, squash & stretch, anticipation, and more.
- Art Fundamentals: Drawing, anatomy, perspective, and color theory.
- Software Proficiency: Learn tools like Maya, Blender, Toon Boom, and others.
- Storytelling & Storyboarding: Writing for animation and visual storytelling.
- Production Pipelines: Understand how projects go from concept to final render.
3. Time Commitment
- A bachelor's degree usually takes 3-4 years full-time.
- Be ready for long project hours, sometimes all night, to finish films or portfolio pieces.
- Collaboration is key, working with classmates in various roles.
4. Equipment & Software Costs
- Schools often provide student licenses, but you might need:
- A powerful computer with a good GPU and at least 16-32GB RAM.
- A drawing tablet for 2D work.
- External storage, as animations require a lot of space.
5. Portfolio Matters More Than the Degree
- Studios focus on your portfolio/demo reel, not just your diploma.
- The degree offers structure and networking, but you need to build your own projects and style.
6. Job Market Reality
- Entry-level jobs are competitive.
- You might start as a junior artist, production assistant, or intern before advancing.
- Networking and showcasing your work online are essential.
7. Specializations You Might Choose
- Options include 3D modeling, 2D animation, rigging, lighting & rendering, compositing & VFX, and game animation.
8. Soft Skills Are Key
- Teamwork: Animation is a collaborative effort.
- Communication: Be open to giving and receiving feedback.
- Time Management: Meet deadlines without burning out.
9. International Opportunities
- Countries like Canada, Japan, France, and Brazil have thriving animation industries.
- A strong portfolio can open doors abroad, but consider visas and language skills.
10. Passion & Persistence
- Animation requires patience; moving a character for 2 seconds can take hours.
- If you love storytelling and design, it's worth it.
- If you're unsure about the detailed work, it might feel challenging.
Enjoy the journey ahead!
Wyatt s Miles
Animator
32
Answers
Dayton, ID
Updated
Wyatt s’s Answer
Dear Mariana,
I think one thing you should know is that just like any other job, working as an Artist/Animator is typically pretty non-glamorous. You may get less notice and attention than the friendly neighborhood garbage collectors. I'm not complaining; I've learned to love and embrace becoming transparent. Unless you can somehow get a huge thrill from seeing your name in a long list of credits, you're most likely to find joy in simply learning to be amazed with life and studying how incredible both motion and emotion truly are. I do have to say that one of the things I haven't loved about being an Animator, is being stuck inside at a computer screen for so much of my life. I would urge anyone pursuing Art/Animation to make efforts to break from the current mold and find ways to do Animation that don't involve so much time staring at screens. Stop Motion for instance; working a lot more with tangible materials and raw creativity and just using the tech tools to assist in the process.
My favorite part of being an Animator is just being able to learn and work with amazing students, peers, and teachers. Enjoy the relationships and the learning process and realize that it’s a lifelong journey and you will be so happy. Try to be humble and teachable and be willing to share your learning and experience with others and you will go far.
Sincerely, Your Bro,
Wyatt s Miles
I think one thing you should know is that just like any other job, working as an Artist/Animator is typically pretty non-glamorous. You may get less notice and attention than the friendly neighborhood garbage collectors. I'm not complaining; I've learned to love and embrace becoming transparent. Unless you can somehow get a huge thrill from seeing your name in a long list of credits, you're most likely to find joy in simply learning to be amazed with life and studying how incredible both motion and emotion truly are. I do have to say that one of the things I haven't loved about being an Animator, is being stuck inside at a computer screen for so much of my life. I would urge anyone pursuing Art/Animation to make efforts to break from the current mold and find ways to do Animation that don't involve so much time staring at screens. Stop Motion for instance; working a lot more with tangible materials and raw creativity and just using the tech tools to assist in the process.
My favorite part of being an Animator is just being able to learn and work with amazing students, peers, and teachers. Enjoy the relationships and the learning process and realize that it’s a lifelong journey and you will be so happy. Try to be humble and teachable and be willing to share your learning and experience with others and you will go far.
Sincerely, Your Bro,
Wyatt s Miles
Nivedha Anand
Sr. Experience Designer II
8
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Nivedha’s Answer
Hello,
Here are the key things you should know, in a nutshell:
- Your Portfolio is Everything. The most crucial part of your application and future job search will be your portfolio. It should showcase your fundamental skills in drawing, observation, and design. Don't just show finished pieces; include your sketchbook pages, life drawings, and process work to show how you think and create.
- Fundamentals over Software. A degree will teach you industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, and the Adobe Suite, but the core skills are what truly matter. Focus on the basics: anatomy, perspective, color theory, and the 12 principles of animation. These timeless skills will make you adaptable to any new technology.
- Specialization is Key. The industry is vast, from animated films to video games and visual effects (VFX). Your degree program will let you explore these, but start thinking about what interests you. Do you want to be a character designer, a storyboard artist, a 3D modeler, or a VFX artist?
- Soft Skills Matter. You'll be working in a team. Communication, problem-solving, and the ability to take and give constructive feedback are just as important as your artistic ability. A degree program is an ideal place to develop these skills through collaborative projects.
Begin building your portfolio now. Websites like ArtCenter and Ringling College often have detailed portfolio guides.
Look up the specific requirements for schools you're interested in, as they often have different requests.
Also, start exploring free software like Blender to get a feel for 3D animation, and check out some YouTube tutorials on the 12 Principles of Animation.
Here are the key things you should know, in a nutshell:
- Your Portfolio is Everything. The most crucial part of your application and future job search will be your portfolio. It should showcase your fundamental skills in drawing, observation, and design. Don't just show finished pieces; include your sketchbook pages, life drawings, and process work to show how you think and create.
- Fundamentals over Software. A degree will teach you industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, and the Adobe Suite, but the core skills are what truly matter. Focus on the basics: anatomy, perspective, color theory, and the 12 principles of animation. These timeless skills will make you adaptable to any new technology.
- Specialization is Key. The industry is vast, from animated films to video games and visual effects (VFX). Your degree program will let you explore these, but start thinking about what interests you. Do you want to be a character designer, a storyboard artist, a 3D modeler, or a VFX artist?
- Soft Skills Matter. You'll be working in a team. Communication, problem-solving, and the ability to take and give constructive feedback are just as important as your artistic ability. A degree program is an ideal place to develop these skills through collaborative projects.
Nivedha recommends the following next steps:
mason kay
1
Answer
South Brisbane, QLD
Updated
mason’s Answer
you need to make as many connections with people as possible while taking your degree. i met the lead animator of bluey and ended up contributing to the show. you will need to make a amzing portfollio to get in so start now. it can take up to 4 years and you have like a 50 50 chance of getting in unless your insane at drawing