Mild state of emergency

[Krakler]

Okay this is very very VERY very important. I need to attend a school in the fall. The plan was, to attend a 2D animation college, as that was the most in line with what I wanted to do. But as I researched I realized more and more that the industry is kind of crumbling, and all the jobs are being found in other countries, mainly India. Not that I hate 3D, it's just not my cup of tea in my opinon. What I'm asking though is if you know anything about where this is headed, and if you have any insight onto how things will be looking for job opportunities within the next couple years. I need to make a decision soon, and if not animation I will probably go into concept art or something more to that effect. I'm just looking for opinions and thoughts as to how I should go about it, sticking with what I really want to do, despite the chance of not getting work, or going with something more lucrative. Thanks in advance :)

[Lurchus_Orilios]

Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. 3D not being my cup of tea either, I got into 2D. I live in Toronto, and after Disney closing it's doors, Corus buying Nelvana (creating a production/distribution monopoly), and Alliance Atlantis closing all production, it's become increasingly hard to get a job in the 2D animation field.(NTM the whole overseas thing) But on the flip side, if you talk to anyone hiring in the 3D world, they always prefer if animators have a 2D background, so even if it is your intention is to get in to 3D it might be good to take an extra couple years learning 2D. Also, a good 2D background will allow access to different areas of preproduction, not just animating.( eg. storyboarding, character design, set/costume design, matte painting, layout, etc.) So even though most 2D animating is done overseas, a lot of the conceptual stuff, and key framing is done here. Then, the only problem is trying to convince companies they need to add you to their design team. :nohope:
Just be prepared to work for contracts, and be constantly applying. Also it's good to do stuff in your realm but not necessarily your field. (eg. I also do illustrations for books, and tattoos.)
Hope this helps you decide,
Brad
P.S. If you're getting into concept work, it's good to have an animation background, as it allows you to make 'animator friendly' characters (especially if you have to design characters for 2D shows)

[Krakler]

Ok awesome thanks! I've had a discouraging past week or so here, just learning about how bleak everything is, so this helps me persue 2D even if the end result is me doing other things. If I only had a diploma in classical animation would they still hire me for concept art etc. or would I need a BFA or MFA or anything like that?

[Lurchus_Orilios]

Well, all I have is a classical animation diploma, and I got hired onto this company: http://rmproductions.dyndns.tv/
( I worked on the designs for 'demon chasers', and 'defenders of the scroll')
I think the only reason to really need a more major degree is if you want to teach. Otherwise just prepare a well balanced portfolio, and apply,apply,apply. 'Throw-away' portfolios are good to have. These are mini-books of copies of your work that you can leave with the employer, or send to them, then if they are interested they can set up a meeting to see the originals and the rest of your portfolio.
The reason I landed that job was actually due to one character in my portfolio, who my teachers would have rather I left out ( Shadow Master from 'Defenders', was based on a design I did for the sun god Ra), if I had left it out I wouldn't have gotten the job. So there is no accounting for tastes. Prepare a variety, show diversity and that's your best bet.

[AndrewAnimation.com]

you're right! 2d animation IS bleak! :bashful:

[Krakler]

Haha, I know you're opinion of 2D animation Andrew, do not patronize me ;) . But I need some direction, because right now I have no real end goal, now that 2D animation is dead or dying.

[Gilead]

If animation is what you want to do and you have the chance to get the education then go for it. You can't predict what the industry will do in the future so just make sure you have the skills to offer whenever opportunities come your way. Some day in the distant future Indian animation companies may start outsourcing work to the U.S. Or the work may just come back here on it's own you never know.
One side note though. Look into your local community college and see how much of the same classes you can take there. You may be very surprised to find that you can get the same education or better for a fraction of the price of a specialty school.
Good luck

[Krakler]

Thank you sir, and it's true, you really can't predict anything. I've actually recently been really interested in the Capilano College though, it looks very much like something that would suit my tastes perfectly, only it's a tad expensive.