Careers/Colleges for 2D animation, Illustation

[Senira]

I'm in my junior year of HS at the moment, and much to my dismay have realized that in a few months it will be time for portfolios and applications. At the moment, my major concern is getting a good sense of what I want to do after graduating college. I've narrowed it down to 2d animation and/or illustration, particularly concept art. I realize, however, that the market for 2d animation is dropping in feature films, which is what I've always wanted to do. So now I'm back to square one, trying to feel out what my plans are after college.

So far, I've narrowed my choice of schools down to The Pratt Institute, Academy of Art College, The School of Visual Arts, and Columbus College of Art and Design. I know there are others, such as Ringling, but I'm not sure if I want to live in Florida or not. And I'm extremely sick of the west coast, so while Academy is good from what I've seen- I did the Saturday Art Experience in Animation there earlier this year- I don't know if it's the school for me.

Any advice on the schools or possible career choices would be extremely appreciated. Oh, and it's a little off topic, but if anyone has advice on completing an AP Studio Art portfolio, that would be helpful as well. I have the kind of teacher who you learn art in spite of rather than thanks to, and I keep having visions of getting a one on my portfolio because it fails to cover the depth of the requirements. Thanks in advance.

[TheYellowDart]

There is no market any more for 2d animators really. Disney has one film after Brother Bear and that's it for them. I wouldn't expect any other studios to pick up 2d for a while, hopefully it will cycle back in sometime. So don't get your hopes up for 2d. I suppose you could get a job for TV shows, but nothing major. 800 disney employee's were laid off from the feature film department, with more to come, so you're going to be competeing with those guys.

Go freelance or concepts for movies or gaming, but don't focus on 2d animation.

[bigmonkeynuts]

Forget that... you want to study traditional animation? Study it! Make your own films or start up your own studio, you don't have to work for Disney. Who would want to work for Disney?

I'm studying traditional animation... but this year the program has changed to include computer animation as well. I don't personally like it nearly as much as the traditional side (in fact I get angry in computer animation class), but it is wise to know if you're interested in finding a job.

And remember... no matter how much the animation industry changes, those traditional techniques will always be valuable. And those people who studied the basics will be ready for any new program or device that expands the artform. It's all about the basics.

If you really want to study animation, find a school that has some new elements like maya and such in the curriculum, but also focusses heavily on the basic traiditional techniques.

Would you go to school to learn how to paint if all you ever used in class was a tablet and photoshop? I hope to hell not. Why should animation be any different?

[TheYellowDart]

I assumed one would want to work for Disney Features because they produce the best 2D you'll find in most people's opinions...

Monkey Nuts, I am all for traditional animation. I studied it for around 4 years. However, the liklyhood of getting a job doing it nowadays is very slim. You have to realize that even if you go to Sheridan, Cal Arts, or wherever to learn 2d, once you get out you are going to be competeing with tons of people with lots of industry experience that have now been laid off.
Of course, knowing 2d animation is another thing to add to your "art abilities" so that is a good reason to study it. But just remember the job market is too slim for it to be an immediate course of study.
---
I do agree that if you want to do animation you should go somewhere with 3D classes offered as well. And yes, you could start your own 2D studio, but you'll be competing with those others who are being laid off now with the experience.

[Senira]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Yeah...loathe though I am to do it, I suppose it's worth it to at least dabble in 3D while I'm in college. Though I'm still much more interested in the traditional stuff. Eh. I actually wouldn't mind working on something such as an anime show, but that would most likely involve moving to Japan, which I definitely don't want to do. *sighs*