Animation Schools?

[Fr0gdude]

I need help choosing a good animation school. Any suggestions?

[Bendragon]

Prefered location?

[Meloncov]

Also, traditional or 3d?

[Maxine Schacker]

Most people need classical animation training to do their best work in 3D or 2D computer animation, and most top companies want applicants who can draw, and have classical background.

You'll find threads here for many quality programs. I'm from Max the Mutt Animation School in Toronto. If you want to find out more about us, check the website, www.maxthemutt.com, and/or our thread. You'll find posts by students at the various schools on their threads. You can always send private messages to some of them.

I hope this gives you a start!

[Storyboard Dave]

For your choice of undergrad programs, scope these folks out here...

http://www.aicad.org/undergrad.htm

[P.Cat]

Most people need classical animation training to do their best work in 3D or 2D computer animation, and most top companies want applicants who can draw, and have classical background.


Actually, I hear that since 3D is no longer a 'new' thing, companies just prefer people who can animate in 3D and just base it on how well that goes. Blue Sky only wants to see demo reels of animated skeletons, nothing else- they actually said to just download a figure from the internet, and animate that...

[Maxine Schacker]

Without classical animation background it's very difficult to animate well in 3D. There are always exceptions, but all the top people we've spoken with - including the recruiter for Blue Sky, will recommend lots of drawing and classical animation.

Actually, when 3D was new and less user friendly the computer guys were the only ones who could deal with the programs. Now that the software is easier, companies can put more emphasis on better quality animation. It's simply easier to learn the basic principles in classical animation first.

[x_xinsomnia]

How do you know if a school is traditional?
I'm applying to SCAD for their animation program.
I love 3D but I also wanna learn 2D animation too.

[Meloncov]

How do you know if a school is traditional?
I'm applying to SCAD for their animation program.
I love 3D but I also wanna learn 2D animation too.

I'm pretty sure every BFA in computer animation has at least a few traditional animation classes. Some will have more than others; if it doesn't list the required classes for the major, as well as available electives, on the website, contact one of there recruiters.

[Fr0gdude]

Im going for the 3D animation thinking that they will teach 2D along with it.

[Storyboard Dave]

Im going for the 3D animation thinking that they will teach 2D along with it.

More than likely you're going to learn 2D first long before they're going to expect you to do anything three dimensionally. If you can't see it in 2D, you're really not going to be able to visualize it properly in 3D. Sure the computer helps you in this regard BUT it's only as good as the operator.

[Jeremiah_Bigley]

I am currently going to the Art Institute of Dallas for a bachelor's in Media Arts and Animation, and here they strongly believe in traditional 2d skills before 3d.

As Storyboard Dave said, "If you can't see it in 2D, you're really not going to be able to visualize it properly in 3D." And it is true because anyone can learn a program...

but as to answering your question... I like the Dallas Art Institute :D I am in my first quarter and have already learned alot. We won't touch 3d until the second year of school.

[nemomarlin]

I heard San Jose state university has a good art department. Anybody?

[Fr0gdude]

well my question was for if there were any suggestions for good animation schools. I am leaning toward SVA.

[Meloncov]

well my question was for if there were any suggestions for good animation schools. I am leaning toward SVA.

SVA is a good school in general, but I haven't heard anything specific about their animation program (which doesn't mean it's bad; it just hasn't gotten as much good press as Ringling or CalArts).

[Olof]

Gobelins!

[Maxine Schacker]

It seems to me that Gobelins is for developed artists who are way beyond needing basic training. We visited several years ago and found the orgainization of the school very much like Max the Mutt, but with a student body whose basic skill level was higher than other schools. Many students seemed to have already had work experience in animation! Of course thousands apply, but my guess is that many who don't make it would or will turn out to be good animators once they've been able to develop traditional drawing, cartooning, and classical animation skills. Am I correct?

[Olof]

Actually I have no idea. I want to study traditional animation because I believe that will teach me the kind of technical art I want to learn. The only thing I know about gobelins is that they've made the most impressive student work I've ever seen, which has made me plan a year of french studies and work for tuition fees. Even though I still haven't been able to read anything about them.

I just wanted to put the name in here, now I'll get back to lurking and googling the schoolnames already mentioned. ;)

.cheers