Is A Degree Vital For Working In Animation? (2024)

Many people associate working as an animator with a job in film, but the actual scope of jobs in this industry is vast and ranges from work as a concept artist to one in games development, graphic design, or even VFX art. Whether or not you will need formal qualifications to find the job of your dreams essentially depends onwhere you want to work. Some studios – including Whiteboard Animation – assert that they “only care about your demo reel.” Others – think Disney – stipulate that they only hire people with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Animation or equivalent work experience. Take note of that – even Disney could be interested in hiring you if you can showyou have worked with Mayaor similar programs for at least two years.

Why Do Some Companies Prefer Candidates With Degrees?

Companies like Disney mention the importance of a degree because a Bachelor’s course covers the full gamut of subjects you are likely to need to rely on when working as an animator. These include everything from 2D and 3D animation, right through to character design and creations, compositing, geometry, physics, and special effects. You may mainly work on one program when you’re hired for a job, but extending the range of programs you are accustomed to will increase your chances of being an interesting recruit for more than one studio.

Is A Degree Vital For Working In Animation? (1)

Cultivating Your Mind At University

The richer your cultural and artistic knowledge is, the better, since an animated filmmay be set in another eraor involve cultures that are distinct to your own. Some students find that Art History is so important that (while working) they opt to complete adoctorate without dissertationprogram to hone their knowledge in vital artistic, musical and architectural works that can help lend depth and richness to their animation ideas. If you’re already working in animation, then furthering your education online is an excellent way to enrich your knowledge. Your university may also offer a chance to work part-time in collaborating studios, so make the most of your online network if you go this route.

Related Degrees

If you have already produced a fantastic demo reel and you wish to specialize in another area, other degrees may be of use when it comes to future employment. These include a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, design, computer graphics, or art and illustration. Indeed, many fine arts degrees place a strong emphasis on 3D graphics and animation. Students learn techniques like traditional animation, puppet animation, clay, and computer animation. Part of their course usually involves designing, animation, lighting, rendering, and other techniques. Specific projects enable students to work under the guiding hand of professors, who are an excellent source of ideas and can help students learn to troubleshoot as problems arise.

Strictly speaking, a degree in animation isn’t always necessary in the industry. Some studios demand one; others don’t. However, students who wish to extend the range of possible employers often opt to complete a degree. Not only do they learn a wide array of useful techniques, but they also have a chance to pick up knowledge in areas that may not seem directly useful, but which are vital when it comes to cultural and historical enrichment.

By Jane Evans

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Is A Degree Vital For Working In Animation? (2024)

FAQs

Is A Degree Vital For Working In Animation? ›

Although you don't always need a degree to become an animator, gaining one will give you hands-on experience with industry technology and a competitive advantage when you head into the world of work. Many companies require you to have a degree.

Is a degree necessary for animation? ›

Although you don't always need a degree to become an animator, gaining one will give you hands-on experience with industry technology and a competitive advantage when you head into the world of work. Many companies require you to have a degree.

What qualifications are required to work in animation? ›

An HND (higher national diploma) or degree in a relevant subject such as animation, film, television, photography, illustration, 3D/graphic design or computer/computer-aided engineering will prepare you for entry into the profession. A postgraduate qualification in animation may also be advantageous.

Why is it so hard to get a job in animation? ›

The animation industry is a relatively small industry, and as such, there are only a limited number of job openings available at any given time. This means that there is a lot of competition for each job opening, and employers can afford to be very selective when it comes to hiring.

Does college matter for animation? ›

At the Academy of Animated Art, we offer a range of online animation courses to help you get the best start in the industry. Build your portfolio: Not all studios require a degree when hiring an animator, but they will require a portfolio and demo reel.

Where do most Disney animators go to college? ›

California Institute of the Arts

Can I be a cartoonist without a degree? ›

Cartoonists may not necessarily require formal education to practise, but earning a bachelor's degree related to art may benefit you if you intend to search for a job. A degree can also equip you with technical skills and provide industry-related knowledge.

How do animators get hired? ›

How to find jobs as an animator
  • Gain experience in different animation styles. ...
  • Build your portfolio. ...
  • Consider additional education. ...
  • Build your network. ...
  • Seek internships or work experience. ...
  • Begin your job application process.

Is animation a high demand job? ›

Yes, 3D animators are in demand, with many industries looking for talented animators. Animation jobs are expected to grow by 5% every year until 2031. Many job opportunities are in the entertainment industry, but there are also plenty of jobs in corporate fields.

How do I start working in the animation industry? ›

How to Break into the Animation Industry: A Guide for Aspiring Animators
  1. Develop Your Skills: Begin by mastering the fundamentals of animation. ...
  2. Create a Portfolio: ...
  3. Educate Yourself: ...
  4. Networking and Connections: ...
  5. Internships and Entry-Level Jobs: ...
  6. Collaborate on Projects: ...
  7. Personal Projects: ...
  8. Be Open to Feedback:
Nov 2, 2023

Why are animators paid so low? ›

Animation is a highly competitive field

It is a profession that often stems from a passion for art and the desire to obtain a dream job in the field. This means that many people are trying to become professional animators. And that means that, with a higher supply of potential workers, employers can pay lower wages.

How hard is it to get hired as an animator? ›

Animation jobs are highly competitive, so you may find yourself limited to small jobs until you gain more experience. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of an entry-level animation job requires a creative mind, communication skills, and the ability to translate verbal feedback into animation goals.

Is animation a realistic career? ›

For many, turning their hobby into a lucrative profession can be an exciting prospect. In the United States, animators can expect to make an average salary of $42,006 per year .

What degree do most animators have? ›

Education. Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field. Bachelor's degree programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art.

Which college degree is best for animation? ›

The most common degrees for aspiring animators are Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. Some animation schools offer Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degrees that focus on the technical side of animation.

Which degree is best for animation? ›

Popular animation degrees include BSc Animation, BA in Animation and Multimedia, BDes Animation, Diploma in 2D/3D Animation, and Diploma in Animation and Filmmaking.

Do 3D animators need a degree? ›

Your career as a 3-D animator will require a bachelor's degree in fine arts. You might consider earning a fine arts degree through a university program in digital or 3-D computer animation. Bachelor's programs in computer animation are also available through schools that specialize in art and design.

Which degree is best for animator? ›

To become an animator, it's beneficial to gain a bachelor's degree in animation or graphic design, create a portfolio of the work you create and gain experience by completing an internship or working as a freelance animator.

What degree goes well with animation? ›

The most common degrees for aspiring animators are Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. Some animation schools offer Bachelor of Science or Master of Science degrees that focus on the technical side of animation.

Do you need a degree to be an 2D animator? ›

While many 2D Animators hold a degree in fields like computer animation or media arts, it's not a strict requirement. Various career-focused skills development programs, like those offered by Noble Desktop, can provide comprehensive training for aspiring 2D Animators.

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