7 answers
Pearl
Student
12
Questions
Updated
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Best college for arts?
I'm looking to animate a series one day, so I plan to learn voice acting, story writing, and animation (3D.) I'm mostly looking for quality in the college over price, but I just need help finding one that helps you in self-employment because I'm gonna need to put myself out there and work independently till I can hire people.
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7 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Pearl !
Good to see you here again !
Well, if money is no object, I would suggest that you look into The American Film Institute in Hollywood, California. You would be exploring film schools (not art schools) for what you want to do. The American Film Institute is located in Hollywood, CA and is expensive. You will have the ultimate experience, proximity to most of the motion picture and television production work and special opportunities over any other academic experience.
If you wouldn't be able to make this move, look into film schools nearby where you live and explore state universities that have a strong film department. You need a school or university that will teach you how to freelance (have your own business) and a good program would teach you how to start your career. It's also good to be in a city that has the most opportunity for you, such as Los Angeles, CA or New York City, New York. There are opportunities all over but not as much as in L.A. or NYC. It's something to consider and plan for.
You can learn Script Writing at the film schools or at a Film Department in a University. You can practice writing online, too, but you'll find in person at school is better because you'll be advised and critiqued so that you can progress. Write every day in all forms, not just script writing.
Just to clarify a bit, it's not a show Producer that you're aiming to be, that is something completely different than what you want to do. Animation is a type of film and video. Writing scripts is an aspect of film and video. Doing voice overs is performance talent. You can do it all but they are three separate things.
You may or may not be able to learn Voice Over at a University or film school unless they specifically offer a course in it. I'm not sure if you could find a good voice over class online if you live in a small town. I took a class in person in Hollywood many decades ago. There may be courses in Broadcasting at some colleges in their Communications Studies Department. By all means, it is worth exploring. It is a broad field in which one can do commercials, voice cartoons, dub foreign films into English, do narration, read audio books, so be open to any number of opportunities like these. You can also do voice over work from home in a home studio or in a professional company's studio.
If you indicated your town or city, I could refer you to some specific places to do volunteer work until you start college.
If you find that The American Film Institute is way over your budget, start out locally at a State University or the nearest Film School. For this career (all three) you really are going to need to work around people so that you can relate to your progress.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Good to see you here again !
Well, if money is no object, I would suggest that you look into The American Film Institute in Hollywood, California. You would be exploring film schools (not art schools) for what you want to do. The American Film Institute is located in Hollywood, CA and is expensive. You will have the ultimate experience, proximity to most of the motion picture and television production work and special opportunities over any other academic experience.
If you wouldn't be able to make this move, look into film schools nearby where you live and explore state universities that have a strong film department. You need a school or university that will teach you how to freelance (have your own business) and a good program would teach you how to start your career. It's also good to be in a city that has the most opportunity for you, such as Los Angeles, CA or New York City, New York. There are opportunities all over but not as much as in L.A. or NYC. It's something to consider and plan for.
You can learn Script Writing at the film schools or at a Film Department in a University. You can practice writing online, too, but you'll find in person at school is better because you'll be advised and critiqued so that you can progress. Write every day in all forms, not just script writing.
Just to clarify a bit, it's not a show Producer that you're aiming to be, that is something completely different than what you want to do. Animation is a type of film and video. Writing scripts is an aspect of film and video. Doing voice overs is performance talent. You can do it all but they are three separate things.
You may or may not be able to learn Voice Over at a University or film school unless they specifically offer a course in it. I'm not sure if you could find a good voice over class online if you live in a small town. I took a class in person in Hollywood many decades ago. There may be courses in Broadcasting at some colleges in their Communications Studies Department. By all means, it is worth exploring. It is a broad field in which one can do commercials, voice cartoons, dub foreign films into English, do narration, read audio books, so be open to any number of opportunities like these. You can also do voice over work from home in a home studio or in a professional company's studio.
If you indicated your town or city, I could refer you to some specific places to do volunteer work until you start college.
If you find that The American Film Institute is way over your budget, start out locally at a State University or the nearest Film School. For this career (all three) you really are going to need to work around people so that you can relate to your progress.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Pearl,
It is great to hear that you were looking to study your passion at a great school while also considering financial commitments. There are many things to consider when going to college, but it is important to do something that you would be happy to do whenever you get paid or not.
When it comes to which college you go to, you can consider going to one of the best art schools and you can also consider going to a very good film school. It is important to get a large range of schools and look into how their program is ran. It would be good to consider reaching out to staff and students that go to schools you are highly considering as it can give you a better idea of how it is ran. make sure the school you choose has the program, equipment, and entrepreneurial aspects you are looking for.
If you are looking to go to the best art school, the Royal College of Art in London, UK has been rated the number one art and design school in the world for numerous years. I went there for industrial design and it met my expectations.
Regardless of which school you go to make sure it has what you need for your specific interests. Also, regardless, of which school you go to what matters is what you do with those skills after you graduate.
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you were looking to study your passion at a great school while also considering financial commitments. There are many things to consider when going to college, but it is important to do something that you would be happy to do whenever you get paid or not.
When it comes to which college you go to, you can consider going to one of the best art schools and you can also consider going to a very good film school. It is important to get a large range of schools and look into how their program is ran. It would be good to consider reaching out to staff and students that go to schools you are highly considering as it can give you a better idea of how it is ran. make sure the school you choose has the program, equipment, and entrepreneurial aspects you are looking for.
If you are looking to go to the best art school, the Royal College of Art in London, UK has been rated the number one art and design school in the world for numerous years. I went there for industrial design and it met my expectations.
Regardless of which school you go to make sure it has what you need for your specific interests. Also, regardless, of which school you go to what matters is what you do with those skills after you graduate.
Best of luck on your journey!
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Pearl
Andria Jackson
Art Education
11
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Andria’s Answer
I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design for animation. Their program is one of the best in the country. Definitely check them out, along with researching resources online, such as famous Disney or Pixar animators. Many animations have released books and have online presence where you can see their process easily.
I appreciate your support, Andria
Pearl
Nalena Kumar
Motion Design, Animation
3
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Nalena’s Answer
Hi Pearl, I studied character animation at CalArts and now work as a motion designer and animator. If you want to make your own series one day, look for a program that gives you a strong foundation in animation and storytelling, but also lets you explore voice, writing, and 3D. Schools like CalArts, Ringling, SCAD, or Sheridan are good options, but the most important thing is building a portfolio and finishing your own projects. Even outside of college, you can start small, keep creating, and learn to manage your own ideas, that’s what really prepares you for self-employment.
Thank you, Nalena for the advice.
Pearl
David Robkin
Consulting
10
Answers
Monrovia, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Do you want to be an animator and tell stories with your characters or do you want to tell stories with your show through animation, story, theme, and non-visual character elements? The answer to this question will help you chose your school and learning. Cal Arts is the "mother school" for character animation and probably has both the best program and, MORE IMPORTANTLY, the best placement connections for graduates, but there are other options these days. If your goal is to create your own series, start with storytelling. This can be Theatre, Comic Books, Writing, Directing, or other fields, but the key is learning to tell a good, engaging story first, then fill it with characters and images.
Irene Caduhada
Graphic Artist, Photographer, Content Creator
6
Answers
Philippines
Updated
Irene’s Answer
Hi Pearl,
It’s inspiring that you want to become a show producer. Since your path blends voice acting, story writing, and 3D animation, I’d suggest looking for schools that are project-based, let you combine disciplines, and also teach business/freelance skills so you can build your own brand.
While studying, focus on creating a strong portfolio: a short film you produce, sample 3D spots, and a voice demo reel. At the same time, start small freelance projects, learn basic contracts/invoicing, and share your work online to attract clients. This way, you’ll be laying the foundation for self-employment before graduation.
If you want to move faster, you can mix formal study with online programs (animation, writing, or VO) while setting up a simple home recording kit. Think of school as a place to sharpen skills, but your independent projects will be what truly open doors.
Wishing you the best as you build both your craft and your producer identity!
I hope this advice helps, and best of luck on your adventure!
It’s inspiring that you want to become a show producer. Since your path blends voice acting, story writing, and 3D animation, I’d suggest looking for schools that are project-based, let you combine disciplines, and also teach business/freelance skills so you can build your own brand.
While studying, focus on creating a strong portfolio: a short film you produce, sample 3D spots, and a voice demo reel. At the same time, start small freelance projects, learn basic contracts/invoicing, and share your work online to attract clients. This way, you’ll be laying the foundation for self-employment before graduation.
If you want to move faster, you can mix formal study with online programs (animation, writing, or VO) while setting up a simple home recording kit. Think of school as a place to sharpen skills, but your independent projects will be what truly open doors.
Wishing you the best as you build both your craft and your producer identity!
I hope this advice helps, and best of luck on your adventure!
Thank you for the advice, Irene.
Pearl
Malvena Nwakanma, MBA, BA
Payroll Specialist
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Malvena’s Answer
Hi Pearl,
I love this for you.. Maybe try The New School - Parsons School of Design and Art if you're staying in California, FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) if you would like to go to NYC, they have many programs for fine art and design. There may also be some certificate programs if you are looking to just focus on your craft versus a full degree program. Wishing you all the best!
I love this for you.. Maybe try The New School - Parsons School of Design and Art if you're staying in California, FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) if you would like to go to NYC, they have many programs for fine art and design. There may also be some certificate programs if you are looking to just focus on your craft versus a full degree program. Wishing you all the best!