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Do art careers require the need of advance science and math course ?
I really want to work in the animation or art industry in general. I’ve taken a lot of advance placement courses and don’t know withered they are worth taking. I maintain all A’s in my classes so is it better just to take normal courses.
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
I would review the requirements for your major.
Each college is usually different regarding core or general university requirements, and I have seen many art students stay with lower level math and science courses in order to meet the requirements for their major.
But, if the major requires upper level math and STEM courses for pre-requisite entry into the major courses, then you will most likely have to take those upper level math and science courses.
Some art careers might require some experience in civil engineering, like in making large scale figures and sculptures as found on Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Earthworks projects, or Stone Mountain in Georgia. In this case higher level math courses would be needed because of the surveying, measuring and other skills needed to perform accurate assessments for completing such large scale projects.
Each college is usually different regarding core or general university requirements, and I have seen many art students stay with lower level math and science courses in order to meet the requirements for their major.
But, if the major requires upper level math and STEM courses for pre-requisite entry into the major courses, then you will most likely have to take those upper level math and science courses.
Some art careers might require some experience in civil engineering, like in making large scale figures and sculptures as found on Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Earthworks projects, or Stone Mountain in Georgia. In this case higher level math courses would be needed because of the surveying, measuring and other skills needed to perform accurate assessments for completing such large scale projects.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Aaron
Updated
David’s Answer
Advanced science and math courses are not necessary for a career purely in the animation industry. However, I caution against not taking any STEM classes just because you think you might not need them now. If you are a student, and can manage getting As and Bs in your classes, I highly recommend taking courses that challenge you intellectually. Chances are that your life will take many different turns and you will probably not stay in the same field longer than five years or so. If for whatever reason, you decide to change fields, having knowledge in STEM gives you extra options to turn to in the event you need to look for another line of work. It is also fulfilling to overcome challenges and it can give you a great sense of pride to accomplish more than what you set out to do. In general, I recommend everyone try to learn as much as they can and not skip out on opportunities when they present themselves.
Thank you so much, David!
Aaron
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
The curriculum for each school is vastly different. Most degrees require a general college math or science. Statistics and Human Biology usually fill those pre-requisites... But as an artist AND scientist, I can offer the advice that Anatomy and Physiology is a GREAT course for studying how the human body works (it also really helps to learn the different systems by drawing them.)
Definitely meet up with a school advisor to take a look at the curriculum requirements. 😊
Definitely meet up with a school advisor to take a look at the curriculum requirements. 😊
Charlie Crenshaw IV
Senior Business Manager - Communications Specialist
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Charlie’s Answer
Hi Aaron, there is no one path to success my friend! I recommend finding three mentors in the animation or art industry and getting their advice on how to achieve success. Then, you go with the path that makes the most sense or is most comfortable to yourself. Modeling after someone with a proven track record of artistic success can be beneficial.
Google "San Jose art" or "San Jose animation"
Connect with the company that you find and ask them for a one day internship
Ask strong questions to help you on the path
Be confident! The world is yours
Charlie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Edison’s Answer
Hi Aaron;
My S.O worked on the movie industry President a major filmed and entertainment studio, from acquired knowledge and being an artist myself, I say you go ahead and take a tour in a studio animation department, make an appointment, connect with someone, they will love to have you, they have also the major studios, Disney, Pixar, Fox Animation, Universal Studios Animation, Warner Brothers Animation, they have career day, figure out which studio will be hosting such and get to visit, also contact the animation department and ask if you can be their guest and watch first hand how animation is done.
Generally speaking - Art is a very creative field- it doesn’t require major studies but it is helpful to have knowledge of anatomy- design- architecture- drafting and drawing before you can actually start doing major artistic renderings of design either digital or live drawings.
I hope this helps- the best schools I visited was Cal-Arts in California that has the best animation studio in the world- also is funded by Disney. The next one I am alumni is Art Center in Pasadena California highly recommend you visit both of these
Cheers and best wishes! I’m looking forward to reading your name in the films credits
My S.O worked on the movie industry President a major filmed and entertainment studio, from acquired knowledge and being an artist myself, I say you go ahead and take a tour in a studio animation department, make an appointment, connect with someone, they will love to have you, they have also the major studios, Disney, Pixar, Fox Animation, Universal Studios Animation, Warner Brothers Animation, they have career day, figure out which studio will be hosting such and get to visit, also contact the animation department and ask if you can be their guest and watch first hand how animation is done.
Generally speaking - Art is a very creative field- it doesn’t require major studies but it is helpful to have knowledge of anatomy- design- architecture- drafting and drawing before you can actually start doing major artistic renderings of design either digital or live drawings.
I hope this helps- the best schools I visited was Cal-Arts in California that has the best animation studio in the world- also is funded by Disney. The next one I am alumni is Art Center in Pasadena California highly recommend you visit both of these
Cheers and best wishes! I’m looking forward to reading your name in the films credits
Updated
Heather’s Answer
Short answer is no, but depends on the college requirements for your degree
But the major bonus for taking your advance placement courses is that you will get accepted into college easier and have a larger volume of colleges will accept you. It's a huge benefit to take AP courses in general. Some colleges will give you credit for taking those courses which lessens the amount of time you have to go to college to get your degree and also saves you a bunch of money. The other bonus is when applying for scholarships AP courses will help you too.
I encourage all students to take AP courses if they are able.
But the major bonus for taking your advance placement courses is that you will get accepted into college easier and have a larger volume of colleges will accept you. It's a huge benefit to take AP courses in general. Some colleges will give you credit for taking those courses which lessens the amount of time you have to go to college to get your degree and also saves you a bunch of money. The other bonus is when applying for scholarships AP courses will help you too.
I encourage all students to take AP courses if they are able.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Some career options in the design field (such as Human Computer Interactions) could require some science classes, but it really depends on the requirements of the major.