Animation Training
Whether you have dreams of creating your own video game or simply want to see the doodles in your sketchbook walking and talking on your computer screen, animation training can show you how to make it happen. These days 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional animation can be seen in a number of places including video games, cartoons, major motion pictures, and on numerous websites. Nearly all of this animation is created using some type of computer software, most of which is easy to master, even if you don't have any experience with computer programming.
In the field of animation the technology is always changing. Because of this, most animation training programs focus on teaching basic principles of animation that can be applied to any software. These principles may include physics, psychology and the laws of human motion, as applied to 2D or 3D characters, life drawing and rendering techniques, and the use of audio and video in animation projects.
Just as knowing how to run a word processing program doesn't guarantee you'll write a best-selling novel, learning to operate animation software isn't enough land you a job at Disney or Dreamworks. Anyone interested in a career in animation must have artistic talent as well, and many training programs expect that students have taken some still-life drawing courses. A background in sculpture can be valuable if you intend to focus on 3-D animation.
Animation training is available in a variety of different formats. Those interested in trying animation as a hobby may want to start by taking an introductory course at a local learning centre, college, or university campus. Many introductory courses are taught for several hours on weekends or evenings and are open to anyone who has basic knowledge of the Windows platform. If you prefer to learn independently, a number of manuals, training videos and cd-roms are available that show step-by-step use of specific animation software.
If you want a career in animation it's best to seek out training programs that will offer a certificate, degree or diploma upon completion. Some programs may also ensure that you graduate with a demo reel or portfolio to show potential employers. Others assist students with making contacts in the animation industry. Programs can vary in length from as little as a few months study, to a four year Bachelor's degree program. They may be taught on campus, via correspondence, or through online learning.
Choosing the right school may be daunting. One way to make the decision a little easier is to consider what you want to do in the animation field and then talk to professionals working in that occupation or employers that interest you, to see which training programs they recommend. Consider the tuition prices at various schools and think about what you'll be getting for that price. Does the program include an internship or work experience? Will you have free access to campus computer labs or will you need to upgrade your personal computer to do the work? Is the cost of software or textbooks included in the tuition fee? What will you have when you leave the program? Examining animation schools with these questions in mind will help you see which type of training best suits your needs.