My Colleges and Careers Blog » animation http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com Online Education and Alternative Education Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:57:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Computer Animation Degree: 13 Animation Software Options http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/06/computer-animation-degree-13-animation-software-options/ http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/06/computer-animation-degree-13-animation-software-options/#comments Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:02:12 +0000 Brandon Buttars http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/?p=483 Animation SoftwareTechnology has really helped advance the ability to hone your animation skills in the last few years with animation software improvements and mostly hardware performance improvements. Computer animation is more of a realistic hobby now a days. The computer animation field has become very competitive because of this. There are many more schools that offer computer animation degrees now a days. It has become more and more important to develop a portfolio of your work and abilities though even with your degree. Most art schools, specifically animation departments, require some type of a “reel” which show an example of your work.

Many animation packages include a core package that you will install. You can purchase additional libraries that include textures, models, etc. to extend the core beyond the initial features and functionality. Prices range depending on features and what is included in the core packages. Many of the different software packages have communities with supporting documents and tutorials showing you have to use the software. Don’t judge the software by it’s price because there are many inexpensive options that may be exactly what you need to start. I recommend Blender because of it’s price and Blender has some impressive examples of what it can do and a community to back the software up.

The days when you needed amazing Silicon Graphics machines to run animation software are gone now.

Dave Rowntree

Software Packages

Ultimately the decision is yours when it comes to deciding what software you want to start with. Starting with any software is better than not starting at all. I recommend researching your dream position and the different companies you may find yourself working for and see what software they are using. With most industries it is just a matter of getting familiar with the available tools. Once you have used similar tools and know what tools are, it’s usually easy to adapt to the specific tools that you are given.

Good luck with your career in computer animation. Please leave us any feedback that you feel could help support this article.

]]> http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/06/computer-animation-degree-13-animation-software-options/feed/ 1 Online Computer Animation Degree http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/06/online-computer-animation-degree/ http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/06/online-computer-animation-degree/#comments Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:45:40 +0000 Brandon Buttars http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/?p=335 computer animation degreeAn online computer animation degree will help you have a better chance of landing the perfect computer animation career. If you want to work for Disney, Disney Pixar, Dreamworks, LucasFilm, Electronic Arts, Namco, or Konami, they may require some type of formal training and experience. Some companies have the need for a specialized talent within animation.

Animators can be found in local television production creating the graphics and elements used to display the weather, news, or events. Animators my find themselves creating feature films, special effects, or video games. Every animation industry has it’s specialists. A majority of animators may find themselves working directly in the entertainment industry.

Jobs in animation can be very unique and specialized. There are three main different types of animation, they are:

  • Cel Animation
  • Stop Motion Animation
  • Computer Animation

Animation is not the art of drawings that move but the art of movements that are drawn.

Norman McLaren

Most animation positions require a Bachelors in Fine Arts or equivalent experience. If you don’t have any type of connections for any jobs in animation, an animation degree becomes even more important if you want an animation career. If you don’t have an animation degree you’ll need one heck of a portfolio because the industry can be very competitive.

Animators usually have specific responsibilities. Some animators focus on texture, and things like clothing. Other animators may do nothing but lighting. Some animators are responsible for specific characters. There are animators that focus on background and perspective. I think one of the most interesting animators is the one that is in charge of the movement of the characters and keeping the physics realistic. There are many opportunities within animation. Begin now by figuring out what you’re good at.

]]> http://blog.mycollegesandcareers.com/2009/06/online-computer-animation-degree/feed/ 3