A career in animation needs one crucial piece before beginning and that is training. People do not just waltz in to the Human Resources office at a major studio and say, “I want to draw, hire me” and expect to get the job. By going online and looking over computer animation colleges, you will be well on your way to that new and exciting career.
There are many computer animation colleges that have websites outlining their entire course curriculum. Be sure that the schools that you are looking in to are actually animation schools and not simply a standard college with animation as an elective. This type of course only touches briefly on the different aspects of animation and is not normally sufficient background to assist in landing a job.
Be sure to look for computer animation colleges that offer a well rounded course selection. The varying aspects of animation are very wide ranging and the last thing you need is to be pigeon holed after spending money on an education. You should want to learn about each aspect in its entirety and then choose the specific area that interests you most as a career choice.
Many of the computer animation colleges available today are an accredited school, which means that federal financial aid will most likely be made available. Be very careful when choosing a school as the one education you pay for may almost assuredly be the only one you can afford. For most people, after completing one college degree, more than likely will not be able to afford another back to back.
Recruiters and Human Resource personnel alike know what is being taught at which schools and will look for that in an applicant long before the interview process ever takes place. There are some short term courses in computer animation available but these are quick and very vague, leaving you with basic knowledge and a poorly made demo. This will not get you on your way to working for one of the big boys in films, television or video games.
The odds are great that you will not reside close to one of the existing accredited schools and will have to pay an out of state tuition fee. With the different financial aid programs available, this should not be an issue and many of the schools will assist you in procuring that. Each school will have course and financial aid information available on their websites and normally only require that a brief online form be filled out.
Computer animations colleges are the training ground for the next generation of great animators. Whether your career path leads you to major motion pictures or down the road to video game animation and design, this is the starting point. Take the time to do some research online and if you are fortunate to be able to visit the school that interests you in person, do so. There is nothing like seeing it firsthand to assist you in making the right decision.
