Help with my Career?

[SMDante]

Hi my name is Mannan this is my 1st post on ConceptArt... so be easy on me :P
I’m too confused about my career... I wanted to share n hear something from people who belong to the field... :)

Few questions in my mind -

1. Should I do BFA before i enter Animation?

2. BFA colleges in USA/Canada?

3. Should i drop BFA and do B.Sc Degree in Animation?

4. Colleges having B.Sc Degree in USA/Canada?

5. Should I do BFA and then a diploma course in animation?

6. Or the BFA and B.Sc both?

I’m from India, just completed my High School have done 1yr Art&Design foundation :P My keen interest is in 3d Animation, Visual Effects and Game Arts...

If u wanna know more about me or can help me in any way I’ll be more than happy.... :)

[rpace]

Hi Mannan,

First, to clear something up: you don't need a degree to get a job as an animator. You need a good demo reel/portfolio and communication skills. Look at the degree as a side-effect of the career training and you'll likely make better choices in the schools you apply to.

1. BFA won't get you a better job. If you can find a BFA program that teaches strong classical drawing and painting skills it will make your animations studies somewhat easier as you'll have better fundamental skills development.

2. There are many, some are atrocious some are good. The forum search feature and Google are your friends in this. There's no right answer for what school is right for everyone; you have to do the research to find out what feels right to you and your goals.

3. That depends on the school; if the animation program is really strong and will give you the thorough education for your career the degree means nothing.

4. See #2.

5. See #1.

6. While a list of letters behind your name will impress some people, it will be the wrong people. The people you want to impress will want to see your demo reel and/or portfolio.

The school you attend is important for a number of reasons; the quality of the program, how well you can incorporate yourself into the teaching methods and school philosophy, the kind of professional social network you can grow into from the student base and the reputation the school has in the industry.

You will see many employment listings that list a animation/games degree as a requirement, but that's really to deter the hundreds of people who think they have art skills from applying. You could be fully self-taught as long as you can demonstrate the knowledge, ability and professionalism the art directors won't care where you came from.

Good luck.

~R