Animation, Anime and Cartoon Schools
For decades, animated cartoons and films have featured prominently on television and in the movies, and more recently in video games and on the web. As the craft has evolved over the years, there have been significant changes in style and the use of technology. There are now hundreds of styles of animation from 2D and 3D animation to claymation to anime.
Advances in computer software now offer alternatives to traditional cel animation, and faster processors and ingenious engineering have brought 3D animation to an ever more lifelike state, making game animation look more and more like real video. New tools like Adobe’s Flash have given animators a relatively simple means of extending their ideas to the web, where there is a ready and growing audience for animated shorts, cartoons and anime.
So what does it take to master modern animation techniques and succeed as an animator? In addition to a solid foundation in drawing, including an understanding of design, composition, texture and color theory, the animator needs to receive specialized instruction and training in 2D and 3D animation as it applies to their preferred means of delivery: video, film, web, and/or video game.
What to Expect from Animation School
An animation school will cover various styles of cartoons, anime, and other forms of animation that will broaden the animator’s understanding of the craft. Students in animation schools will receive instruction from animation professionals who have their fingers on the pulse of the industry.
Many programs include building traditional art skills including drawing, layout animation, fundamental drawing studies, character design, storyboarding and storytelling. Programs that are geared towards animating for film and television often will focus on these traditional skills as well as film knowledge such as cinematography and composition.
Similarly, programs directed towards multimedia and game development will also focus on the traditional skills. They will also, however, address the constraints and requirements of using digital animation through programs such as Flash to produce animation for the web, CD-ROM, and other electronic media.
Potential Animation Opportunities
After an education at a 2D or 3D animation school the animator will have acquired the versatility and the training to move from pencil and paper to mouse and computer – skills necessary to succeed in the modern animation industry. The student will also have learned the ability to bring characters to life, develop video games that engage, and create film and visual effects that dazzle the senses. Possible job opportunities for the animator include: 2D or 3D animator, Flash artist, storyboard artist, layout artist, or in-betweener.