Best Animation and Illustration school?

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

I'm absolutely dumbfounded by the options one has when choosing a school. Every school says they're the best, and I'm really reluctant to commit to one.

My goal: I want to be able to animate my own cartoon.

I want to learn 2-D Animation, I want to learn to draw the human figure with remarkable accuracy, and I want to learn to paint backgrounds and landscapes.

My credentials: I can sketch anime/cartoons fast and efficiently. My anatomy is rudimentary at best, however I'm very good at sketching hands specifically, and action poses. I have a bit of experience with animating 2-D drawings, by scanning them into my computer and stringing them together with Image Ready (Photoshop), a skill I picked up in an animation class in high school. I have absolutely no experience in painting, however I have a bit of color theory training from high school art classes. My high school grades were average, and I scored high on both my ACT and my SATs.

So, in a nutshell, I need a school which will:

1) Teach me the human figure, preferably with live models.

2) Teach me to paint landscapes and backgrounds. I'm not aiming to be Leonardo Di Vinci, but I need to be at a professional level.

3) Continue my studies in animation.

4) Get a masters in animation.

4) Help me complete my goal of creating my own cartoon with 100% artistic freedom.


Based on all this, what school would be the best for me? I don't care how expensive the school is, I want to go to the best one, preferably a school in America.

Thanks for your time =d

[NoSeRider]

I wish people that ask these questions would just put up examples of how they draw.

Personally, I don't think there's a best, but a how.
You have to look at 'how' they teach and what the students learn.
All artists draw differently.

http://www.wattsatelier.com/home.html
http://academy.smc.edu/
I'm going there, and I want to learn environmental design as well.

http://www.marshallart.com/seminars/index.html
Probably should go to a few Marshall Vandruff Seminars first.

Being an artist shouldn't be a sudden conundrum. A lot of people have been drawing before they were teenagers.

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

I've been drawing since I was a toddler. I've had the dream of being an animator for over a decade.

How I draw, and what I draw, have what relevance? All I want to know is where I can go to learn to animate 2-d drawings on a professional level, be able to draw the human figure, and learn to paint backgrounds.

I don't understand your concern?

[NoSeRider]

Level of drawing determines what you should learn.....and what you should be taught.

If I see you know anatomy, then what's the point in taking classes in it?

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

Good point, but I already said my anatomy was basic at best. I'll post some drawings in a bit.

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

Alright, I did 2 sketches the last half hour.

I want to say that I've never kept a sketch book. Ever. I know it's not good to not have a history of your work, however growing up, I felt it was concieted to keep a sketchbook of your own work. Don't ask me why, I just felt that art was personal and the only art I needed was in my head, lol.

With that being said, here's my limited abilities in 20 minutes:

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/1518/scan0qe.jpg

And my hand work:

http://img399.imageshack.us/img399/2993/scan00010wh.jpg


I'm still a rookie, no doubt. I have no landscape/background abilities at all, so when I sketch like this, I just throw in basics.

Anyways, what school do you think would be appropriate?

[sula_nebouxi]

Best 2d animation school in the US is CalArts, hands down. The Character Animation program a 4 year program that offers a BFA. However it is extremely competitive since it's so well known. It won't teach you everything you want because the main focus is character animation. You will get lessons in figure drawing and you can probably get some painting electives.

I'm with NoSeRider here...if you want to get better at figure and landscapes, definetly check out an atelier. The most well known around these parts is the Watts Atelier like NoSeRider mentioned. I definetly suggest going to one. If you're planning on doing 2d animation, you need that traditional drawing background. Find an atelier near you at artrenewal.org. You can probably teach yourself animation in the meantime. Pick up Richard William's Animator's Survival Kit and practice using that.

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

Elaborate on the Character Animation program for me a bit.

It concerns me when you say that it's competitive. Exactly how can you compete for schooling, when you haven't been taught anything yet? I mean, how would someone who's never animated before compete for an animation program?

Can you show me something I would have to compete against to gain access to this program? I can animate 2-D a bit, but obviously nothing professional.

[_Mario]

Elaborate on the Character Animation program for me a bit.

It concerns me when you say that it's competitive. Exactly how can you compete for schooling, when you haven't been taught anything yet? I mean, how would someone who's never animated before compete for an animation program?

Can you show me something I would have to compete against to gain access to this program? I can animate 2-D a bit, but obviously nothing professional.

Competitive: They don't have unlimited space and can pick the best from the people who apply. So you need to be good or at least know the basics.

For some info try:
http://ninae.com/calarts.html
especially:
http://ninae.com/calarts_faq.html

She has links to other calarts students:
http://www.animatedbuzz.com/
http://www.elizafrye.com/

look through these for some info.

[NoSeRider]

This isn't a program that will teach you how to draw. They're looking for people who can already draw. This is a program that will teach you how to take your drawing skills and animate with them.

Impression of CalArts
http://ninae.com/calarts_faq.html

That's the same impression I got with this place too:
http://academy.smc.edu/
Except they'll take anybody. Should be noted it's a Community College taught by people who work[ed] at Disney and Dreamworks as well, and some that teach at CalArts. So if you're not certain you're commited, good place to try first.

I'm having problems forcing myself to spend $100,000 for art school.

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

That sounds like a fine school...for someone who knows the human figure. I don't. While I could 'fake' my portfolio and show a bunch of figure drawings I carefully copied, it wouldn't help me really learn the figure. I want a school that will focus on animation, and on drawing the human figure.

I've read into Scad a bit. I've heard arguments that they're accredited and they're not accredited. I'm looking to earn a masters in animation, which means I will need accreditation on a national level. What's the deal with Scad?

[WhizBang]

That sounds like a fine school...for someone who knows the human figure. I don't. While I could 'fake' my portfolio and show a bunch of figure drawings I carefully copied, it wouldn't help me really learn the figure. I want a school that will focus on animation, and on drawing the human figure.

I've read into Scad a bit. I've heard arguments that they're accredited and they're not accredited. I'm looking to earn a masters in animation, which means I will need accreditation on a national level. What's the deal with Scad?


First off, don't you think that people can't tell that you faked a portfolio? I think that to trained professionals, it's obvious. There's a huge difference between tracing and knowing how to draw.

Last I heard SCAD was un-accredited which pretty much from what I hear, once you go there, you'd better finish there because their credits can't transfer anywhere else hardly (somebody please confirm or deny this for me please!). That's not to say the education you can get from there is lousy but part of the accreditation thing does give you some flexibility to transfer and study at other schools.

And a master's degree?? WHY? Who needs it? In this line of work, your book counts for more than anything else. What's the reason behind getting a master's degree?

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

I'm not sure really...

Wouldn't a masters help me be a better animator?

If not, why do they offer masters programs for animation?

[Icelandic Norm]

I'm not sure really...

Wouldn't a masters help me be a better animator?

If not, why do they offer masters programs for animation?

Experience makes you a better animator, not some paperwork offered up by a school for attending there. Some of my best instructors in school didn't have a BFA but they had practical experience that they brought into the classroom. Technically if you're good enough now, you could jump into the field with a sweet portfolio and land a gig (doubtful but true). Remember you want to be taught by someone who isn't just re-hashing out of a book or on hearsay- you want that instructor's experience & knowledge.

Schools are businesses too. Master's programs are just another way for them to make money. They do let you get hired on at a collegiate level but then you have to ask yourself, do you want to be a teacher or an animator?

[sula_nebouxi]

Masters degrees mean nothing in the animation industry. Honestly, employers rarely look at where you came from or what degree you have. It's how good you are at what you do that gets you hired. Technically that means you don't even need to go to school. But some people can learn from books by themselves and some can't. I'm a person that learns much more easily from a live person giving 1-on-1 advice.

Most 4 year schools will *not* let you in unless you are skilled in drawing the figure or from life. Art schools are not about teaching you how to draw, you have to realize that. They are about taking what you have and pushing you further. The people coming into art schools are not people who can only draw stick figures. Many are people who can draw damned well from being self taught or just have a knack for it. The only exceptions are ateliers which will teach anyone the basics of drawing.

You cannot, and I will repeat for emphasis, *cannot* be good at 2d animation without studying life and being good at it. You are, after all, drawing characters that need to move believably. My advice: take a few years to learn how to draw traditionally. Learn about the human form and then you can learn about animation.

[Storyboard Dave]

You cannot, and I will repeat for emphasis, *cannot* be good at 2d animation without studying life and being good at it. You are, after all, drawing characters that need to move believably. My advice: take a few years to learn how to draw traditionally. Learn about the human form and then you can learn about animation.

Even the best 3D animators start off learning the traditional skills first! I agree wholeheartedly with this idea. Learn the traditional skills first- learn to draw from observation first and foremost. Understand what makes an object look real and how it fits within an illustration.

To offer a critique of what you've drawn here, I think you still need some help with the figures. Ask yourself- do they look real? Are they believable? Do hands really bend & twist like that? Does the drapery look right sitting on the figure? What about light & shadow??

Sure, you need some work but we all start somewhere. Start drawing now and don't ever stop. This career/ profession is more about your passion to draw more so than degrees.

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

I basically have to pick a school to attend within a week or two, and try to enroll before the January semester starts. I don't have the option to put it off, or continue living where I am now. I need to be attending a school pretty soon.

So, yes, I will continue to draw and learn the human figure, but I need to do it in a school setting.

[Elwell]

You won't be able to apply, be accepted, and enroll in any major animation/illustration program in that time frame :rolleyes:.
Your best shot is to take as many basic humanities classes as you can at your local community college, along with some life drawing if possible, while you properly research schools.

[Storyboard Dave]

I basically have to pick a school to attend within a week or two, and try to enroll before the January semester starts. I don't have the option to put it off, or continue living where I am now. I need to be attending a school pretty soon.

So, yes, I will continue to draw and learn the human figure, but I need to do it in a school setting.

Whoa! Such the time crunch! I'm inclined to agree with Elwell on this one. Getting accepted into an art school isn't a one-stop shopping kind of process now. It's an important decision on your part as well as the school's. It's not like you can show up on a school's doorstep on day one and toss them a handful of money to let you in.

[Cloak 'n Dagger]

I've been in contact with Scad for a little while, but I have one question:

If I just wanted to take specific classes they offered, could I do that? I mean, would I have to only take a set course of classes aimed at a specific major, or could I pick and choose the ones I'd like to take?

[Storyboard Dave]

I've been in contact with Scad for a little while, but I have one question:

If I just wanted to take specific classes they offered, could I do that? I mean, would I have to only take a set course of classes aimed at a specific major, or could I pick and choose the ones I'd like to take?

Obviously depending on the class there could be pre-requisites to take. There's no way they would let you (a relative novice) into a senior level studio. That's the reason why schools have curriculums set up so that there is a logical progression of learning. With most art schools you have to at least decalre a major and possibly take these other classes as elective credit.

I don't know of any schools that let you just flutter around their individual departments without any guidance or logic. I'm sure there are Independent Study tracts but that's usually reserved for upperclassmen who have written clearly defined goals they want to obtain from certain instructors.

[WhizBang]

It concerns me when you say that it's competitive. Exactly how can you compete for schooling, when you haven't been taught anything yet? I mean, how would someone who's never animated before compete for an animation program?

The competition is all too real. It has to do with you and your expectations. You'll know when you put your work up on the wall for critique and the guy next to you just blows you away. It'll make you feel mighty inadequate and insecure, so you'd better bring your best shit to the table.

And guess what, it's even more true in the working world. Bring it or get left behind. Is it fair if an instructor just hates your piece even though in your opinion it was da bomb? No, but then life isn't fair.

Art school is not a place for the weak & timid. If you want to graduate and do something with your skills you'd better be real serious about your choices. Upon graduating, not only will you have to jock out your classmates for the few jobs out there but every other art school in the nation as well. Oh yeah, did I mention you'll have to compete with your instructors and people with tons of experience as well?

[Mirana]

SCAD is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (http://www.sacscoc.org/) (which is recognized by the US Dept of Education (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/accreditation-associations.htm)). All of it's credits are fully transferrable, etc.etc.

Where do these silly rumors get started? Hmm.

Anyhoo, as Dave said: You can take any basic classes in any majors, but that's it until you've built up some pre-reqs. The advisors won't force you to stick to a certain curriculum.

Also, it's too late to be accepted to SCAD for the next quarter (if that's where you're wanting to attend on such short notice). You'll have to sit out until Spring.

[WhizBang]

SCAD is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (http://www.sacscoc.org/) (which is recognized by the US Dept of Education (http://www.worldwidelearn.com/accreditation/accreditation-associations.htm)). All of it's credits are fully transferrable, etc.etc.

I'm not doubting the credibility of SCAD's accreditation or transferability of credits, but what other art schools can you transfer credit for credit hour to??

I don't exactly see SCAD being listed along with other art school programs in the antion as far as transferability. I guess I see the AICAD schools offering to swap back & forth with other schools but where does SCAD stand with other prominent art schools?? I think SCAD needs to calrify what's up with that. Again, it's not a knock on the level of education but I just wanted to know about its relationship with other art schools in case someone wanted to transfer out.

[Mirana]

I'm not doubting the credibility of SCAD's accreditation or transferability of credits, but what other art schools can you transfer credit for credit hour to??

Uhhhhh....

Last I heard SCAD was un-accredited which pretty much from what I hear, once you go there, you'd better finish there because their credits can't transfer anywhere else hardly (somebody please confirm or deny this for me please!).

O....kay. Moving on.

I don't exactly see SCAD being listed along with other art school programs in the antion as far as transferability.

How? Where? Is this your own idea, or have you actually seen it written about in somewhere of repute?

[WhizBang]

Uhhhhh....

O....kay. Moving on.

How? Where? Is this your own idea, or have you actually seen it written about in somewhere of repute?

Well, the schools affilaited with AICAD have an agreement for mobility amongst their schools. Look here

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

Part of this group's mission is to "overseeing student exchanges and mobility among the member schools and international affiliates"

I just don't see anywhere in the SCAD website talking about mobility or transferability to other affiliated art schools. Is there something that says you have other schools to go to from SCAD??? And why isn't SCAD a part of AICAD???

I'm not knocking the school, your experience or anything. I just want to know these answers.

[NoSeRider]

Probably should be arguing about what you'd learn rather then transferring credits.

Right now I'm more impressed with the animations coming from Ringling:
http://www.rsad.edu/portfolio/ca.php#

As opposed to CalArts:
http://film.calarts.edu/main/streaming/2005/charanim.html

Or I'm more impressed with the Ringling website, because I always have problems playing the quicktime videos on the CalArts portfolio website.

But to me some of the best character design seems to be coming out of ArtCenter.

So one school does not teach all things.

[Mirana]

So, it's not that you've seen evidence of SCAD credits being non-transferrable, but that they're not affiliated with this private group? Clarification=good.

SCAD just bought ACA which is part of that group, does that count? (just kidding ;) )

I'd be wary if I'd actually heard about kids having issues with credits, but I haven't. I'm not surprised that SCAD isn't promoting the transfer of credits out of the school anyway, what with them being a business and all.

[CaptainInsano]

Go to a fine art school. Learn how to draw the human figure. Learn how to draw still life's. Learn how to use the oil paints. Trust me, that is the best route no matter how skilled or unskilled someone at your age might be. It dosen't matter. Gaining a solid ground on the FOUNDATIONS... life drawing, still life painting, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect in becoming an artist.

Just go to a fine art school. I don't mean some shitty community college. Or a shitty 4 year university. GO TO A FINE ART SCHOOL.

[darth massacre]

Gaining a solid ground on the FOUNDATIONS... life drawing, still life painting, IS THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect in becoming an artist.
ParkerD said it. The reputation of the school is not unimportant.....but you want a school that is well reputed because of the way they teach.

No offense cloak....When a person asks what school is the best school to learn this and that and so on....I tend to get the feeling he or she isn't really serious in getting into the career they want to. Because the general feeling I get is they want to be on the fast track to become an artist. Being an artist isn't about the schools you graduate from. Some of the best, internationally recognised, artists on this forum are self taught.

[-ThePenciler-]

I'm currently attending the Art Institute for a Bachelor's in 2d and 3d animation. So far it has been great. However, i picked this school quickly cuz it was close by. I realised that come internship time there are no animation companies in this area. So i'm thinking of tranfering to California. The Art Institute alone has several there as well as the other schools. I'm curious what you guys may have heard about the Art Institute.

[WhizBang]

So, it's not that you've seen evidence of SCAD credits being non-transferrable, but that they're not affiliated with this private group? Clarification=good.

SCAD just bought ACA which is part of that group, does that count? (just kidding ;) )

I'd be wary if I'd actually heard about kids having issues with credits, but I haven't. I'm not surprised that SCAD isn't promoting the transfer of credits out of the school anyway, what with them being a business and all.

I understand that SCAD is a business and all, but what surprises me is that they don't seem to promote or even want to be a part of studying abroad. It seems the AICAD people want mobility or at least the opportunity of mobility amongst its members. I've always thought that studying abroad would be a phenomenal experience for an artist.

[Senira]

I understand that SCAD is a business and all, but what surprises me is that they don't seem to promote or even want to be a part of studying abroad. It seems the AICAD people want mobility or at least the opportunity of mobility amongst its members. I've always thought that studying abroad would be a phenomenal experience for an artist.

Eh? SCAD has about 5 study abroad programs. This year they're going to China, London, Australia and NYC, and then there's the Fine Arts campus in Lacoste, France. Trust me, they've been announcing them all quarter.

[Mirana]

Senira: I think WhizBang might be referring to "abroad" as in taking classes in other art colleges. (Though I admit my first thought was also "abroad"-- meaning travel.)

[Liquidashes]

Probably should be arguing about what you'd learn rather then transferring credits.

Right now I'm more impressed with the animations coming from Ringling:
http://www.rsad.edu/portfolio/ca.php#

As opposed to CalArts:
http://film.calarts.edu/main/streaming/2005/charanim.html

Or I'm more impressed with the Ringling website, because I always have problems playing the quicktime videos on the CalArts portfolio website.

But to me some of the best character design seems to be coming out of ArtCenter.

So one school does not teach all things.

What is everyone's impression of Ringling School of Art? My brother was helping me look up good animation colleges and it seemed to be a very impressive school with a lot of big companies recruiters http://www.rsad.edu/apply/fastfacts.php

I'm applying there and I'm wondering if this is the choice for me. I'm not sure if i want to go into animation,because i want to do something that will show how good i am at drawing, rather than sits at a computer. but i love the though of creating characters, camera angles, scripts,story boards, ect. I have the pacients and the dedication, but i'm not sure if it is for me. I figured i would know if i do or do not want to go into animation after i go to an animation college. :blahblah:

[Mirana]

Animation is a LOT of work. Not just in art work load (which is enormous), but in getting a job as well. You almost have to live anywhere but the US, nowadays unless you're 3D animation AND you have tons of competition.

You might consider concept art (creating the characters/props/environments) sequential art (storyboards), or illustration.

I couldn't tell you too much about Ringling (read the thread on it). I didn't want to apply there when I was in HS, but I'm not as impressed with it nowadays. Also, pay no attention to that "we bring big company names to the school!" BS. A lot of schools say that. It does happen, but it's very selective and in the end...how good YOU are is what will really make you get a job (whether the company came to you, or you went to them).