Guide for Animation Majors

What Does it Mean to Study Animation?

Ever since Walt Disney spearheaded the first animated feature film, “Snow White,” in 1938, the fine art of animation has been a staple of visual media, storytelling and entertainment. As the medium continues to blossom and evolve, animation majors focus their studies on the skills, techniques and passion it takes to create moving, sequential images, whether it is hand-drawn or computer-generated, whether it is used to tell stories or sell products.

While animation degree programs vary almost as much as animation itself does, most students in this field take courses in multimedia design, character design, 3D modeling and career-specific software programs. Graduates with an animation degree can go on to create entire worlds using their artistic talents, and may work in fields such as marketing, advertising, gaming or film. Inherent creativity is a plus for students considering this field, but there is plenty of room for animators who can apply their technical and artistic skills to other people’s creative visions as well.

Types of Online Animation Degrees

While you can certainly earn an animation degree from a brick-and-mortar school campus, it might be worth considering the fact that many animation degree programs can be taken and completed online as well. An online animation program gives students much more freedom and flexibility in where and when you can complete your studies — even out of state, if you so desire!

Before you sign up for an animation degree program, however, it’s important to consider what kind of program can help you to achieve your goals. People can have all kinds of different goals, and degree programs are not “one size fits all,” so it’s important to know how each different type of animation degree program might be useful for you.

What Can You Do With a College Degree in Animation?

For a field with as many options as animation, it’s important to think about where you might want to take your animation degree once you have finished earning it. Here are some of the more common career paths available for animators. Keep in mind that the education requirements we list are a rough guideline only; education requirements can vary between different employers, so if you have a specific company in mind you want to work at, be sure to check their requirements personally.

Multimedia Artists and Animators

Perhaps the most commonly pursued job among animation graduates is that of a multimedia artist and animator. These professionals use their artistic skill and computer software programs to create two- and three-dimensional models, animations, and visual effects for a wide range of industries: movies, video games, TV shows, internet media and more.

While some animators work alone in a freelance manner, many work in a team of artists and creative directors. Different forms of media approach their animation and their animators in different ways, lending extra variety to the positions.

• Most animators and multimedia artists need a bachelor’s degree and a portfolio of creative samples in order to find entry-level work in this field.
• Multimedia artists and animators do not need certification to work in this field.

Art Directors

Art directors are responsible for the artistic vision of a project from beginning to end, from the initial concept through the development and production right up to the final product’s release. They may also work with clients to change and adjust designs and animations as needed, with the ultimate goal of delivering a specific vision, be it theirs or their client’s. These professionals direct the process of projects across many industries, but an art director specializing in animation is likely to focus on projects for movies, video games and other products that involve 3D animation and digital storytelling.

• Art directors need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree along with years of on-the-job experience.
• Art directors do not need to become licensed or certified.

Graphic Designers

Graphic designers create visual concepts that are meant to convey a specific message to the viewer. These workers typically find employment in marketing, advertising or public relations, where they use art and design to help brands accurately portray their products or services. They may create logos, brochures, advertisements, presentations and more, using hand-drawn art and/or computer software to create the look their clients desire.

• Graphic designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, although degrees in related fields like animation are also common.
• Certification for graphic designers is typically offered via career-specific software programs.

Web Developers

Web developers use their artistic skill and creativity to build websites, integrating video, graphics and/or audio into their designs. They are responsible for the look of the websites they create, but they must also consider the functionality of their projects. For example, it is important for a website to be able to handle large amounts of traffic without freezing up or slowing down. Web developers must consider and account for this as they build their projects.

While web developers often create websites for individuals, they may also build sites or individual pages for businesses that need additional functionality such as sales pages or e-commerce.

• Web developers may not need a college degree to get started, but experience in computer programming, animation and web development is necessary.
• Web developers do not need to become licensed to work in this field.

Associations and Organizations

Regardless of your major, it’s a good idea to stay on top of changes and innovations within your field. The following associations and organizations can help connect animation majors with opportunities for news, continuing education and conferences.

• Society for Animation Studies — The Society for Animation Studies is an international organization devoted to furthering the study of animation and preserving its history. This society offers membership opportunities, conferences, and resources for animation students and professionals.
• The International Animated Film Society — The ASIFA is a nonprofit organization created to boost animation as an art form. This organization makes it possible to connect with a community of like-minded professionals learning about new developments within the industry.
• Women in Animation — WIA is an organization devoted to promoting women in creative professions such as animation and multimedia. This association offers networking events, mentorship opportunities, scholarships for female animators and more.
• Animation World Network — The AWN helps animation students by supplying a variety of resources, including job boards, events and forums. Check out their website for news and information on both the AWN and the animation industry as a whole.
• CG Society — The CG Society is an institution aimed at furthering the goals of creative digital artists. This organization offers workshops, forums and job boards, as well as interviews with digital artists working in the field.