How to be an animator with a Bachelor's of digital media and animation?
Hi, my name is Yamil, I'm currently a high school senior soon going to college. I got accepted to college and the major I chose for that college is Digital Media and Animation. I'm just wondering what can I expect if I get a Bachelor's of Digital Media and Animation degree? I just want to be able to create 3D animation for a living. Would I need a Bachelor's degree of Fine Arts or a Bachelor's degree of Digital Media is good enough? #art #animation #3d-animation #computer-animation #character-animation
2 answers
Thinh’s Answer
Hey Yamil, I was in the exact place where you are right now but many many years ago. I'll be honest with you, specialize private Art schools are expensive. Trust me, I know. Ultimately, it will be your efforts that will take you to places. There are online courses you can take to learn 3D animation from the ground up that are wayyyy cheaper than a private school. These online courses are taught by professional working in the industry from feature animated films to tripple A game companies. (I wished they were available during my time). However, you will not receive a bachelor degree. You will receive certificates of completion. I am not saying that you shouldn't pursue a degree, but in the industry, it is all about your skills, your work ethic and how passionate you are. The more you are dedicated to your craft and you work hard at it, the more successful you will become.
These are some of the online courses you can look into. Each of these online school offers different type of classes, some base on your career choice (feature film or game):
http://www.animationmentor.com/
https://ianimate.net/ (I am currently learning here, I was a 2D animator but wanted to improve my 3D skills)
http://www.animschool.com/Default.aspx
http://www.animsquad.com/
Hope this help. Best of luck.
Thinh Ngo
Jan’s Answer
My advice is not to get caught up with Degree titles and that a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Media should provide what you need. What really counts in the industry is showing what you can do, which means building a strong visual portfolio, demo reel, website, etc... . If you can, while in college, take on freelance animation work and add those to your portfolio along with references. Having actual industry work in your samples is a huge advantage.
Best of luck :-)
Jan Seger