More animation study questions

[Zaphkiel]

Hello again!

I just got back from visiting the Art Institute of Seattle, which I mentioned in my other thread.. I also sent off for info from the Academy of Arts University in San Fran, and I was comparing their two curriculums. From what I can tell from their catalogues, it seems like AiS's program covers a lot more area (but in less time I think, since they're on the quarter system) and AAU does not seem to, and their 2D and 3D majors are apparently separate. (I can't really tell because their catalog is a little confusing to me :^^;: and I'm definitely planning on calling the school like, tomorrow, to get more information, but if someone here goes there or knows more about it, please correct me if I'm wrong!)

Also, both schools eventually encourage their students to concentrate in one area, ie. backgrounds, character animation, storyboards, etc. Is this the norm for all animation programs?

I'm also kind of interested in Sheridan, but I have two friends who are telling me that their animation program was in the dumps for awhile, but also that it's currently getting better. Does anyone have any insight on that?

[dguy]

All animation schools separate their 2D and 3D programs. Because they work with vastly different tools, and those tools take years to master. You might have overlaping courses, but in general, 2D people will never touch Maya, and 3D people will never have to make cell animations.

And they will generally ask you to specialize in a field. Because that is how people work in the real world. Some people will paint the backgrounds, other will animate, other will storyboard, etc. Rarely will one person do 2 jobs. Plus there isn't enough time to learn everything. In 3D programs, you will be ask to concerntrate either in Visual FX, or Character animation.

Lastly, your friends are doing you a diservice, because Sheriden has the most respected Animation program in Canada. It is extremely difficult to get accepted there. And those who are lucky enough to get in are like best of the best.

I suggest you apply there if it is a possibility for you, because the tuition is like 10,000. And you will get an animation program that is comparable to Calarts for half the price.

[Zaphkiel]

Thanks for the reply! :rendered:

That clears up a lot of stuff for me. About Sheridan, the reason I thought I'd ask around here is because even though I know it's a GREAT school, one of the two friends in question is an illustration student there (though she was also interested in animation and has a lot of friends who major in it) and the other has a friend who graduated from there.

I actually wasn't really considering going there before, because of things like distance and sorting out international affairs, but I figure if I'm interested in going to Seattle or Cali, I might as well try!

[CaptainInsano]

AAU is vastly superior to AIS. Do not waste your money at the art institutes.

[alxcote]

All animation schools separate their 2D and 3D programs.

Wrong. Sheridan uses both in one single program. I'm in my 3rd year.

You may be sick of hearing this but which school you go to won't make much difference once you graduate. It'll mostly be how much guts you put into your films/work and the time you spent on the side. All you'll get from school is some technical insides and perhaps some outter influence/motivation but that's really it. (that's my opinion)

Good luck!

alx

[Zarett]

And if you're interested in filmmaking, as in producing your own short (animating, storyboarding, writing, backgrounds - basically doing everythign for it), take another look at Sheridan. Having a complete short film to put on your reel is invaluable when you get out and are looking for jobs, because you're more versatile like that. If you're able to do backgrounds, storyboards and animation all at roughly the same level, you'll have more opportunity to work (and better understanding of the various steps an animated project goes through throughout its production), not being restricted to one particular area of expertise.