Animation is the art of moving drawings to create the illusion of life. Combining your passion for storytelling with your drawing ability, at an online animation school, you can receive training in variety of animation topics including classical animation, storyboarding, 3D animation modeling, and special effects. Online programs allow students the flexibility to pursue their coursework from the comfort of their own homes as their schedule allows. If you are looking to obtain innovative skills that prepare you for a creative and fulfilling career in animation while balancing your other responsibilities, then pursuing an online animation degree may be the right choice for you.
Requirements for Enrolling in Animation School Online
Degree Type
Animation degrees are offered at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level. It takes around two years to complete an associate’s degree in animation and four years to complete a bachelor’s degree in the field. Master’s degrees are two years beyond the bachelor’s degree. Some master’s programs are available for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field, while other master’s programs build upon the foundation of the undergraduate animation curriculum.
Prerequisites
The prerequisites for admission to an animation school are typically a high school diploma or GED and a strong portfolio. Some schools may also require applicants to take a drawing test.
Curriculum of Animation Classes Online
Overview
Undergraduate animation classes guide students in developing a portfolio that attracts the attention of employers. Students typically master the fundamentals, cultivate their unique style, and use cutting-edge animation technology in their work. Those in undergraduate programs may also be required to fulfill general education requirements in addition to their animation coursework.
Online Animation Classes
Online animation classes that students might take include the following:
- Character design
- 2D animation
- 3D animation
- Animation modeling
- Background painting
- Visual effects
- Traditional animation
- Computer animation
- Stop motion animation
Career Opportunities in the Field of Animation
Duties
Animators often work with a specific form of media, such as video games, special effects or animated movies. The duties of an animator may include creating graphics and animation using computer programs; developing storyboards to map out key scenes; editing animations and effects; working with a team of animators and artists; and meeting with clients, directors, and staff to review deadlines and development timelines.
Requirements and Preferred Qualities
Employers typically require animators to have a bachelor’s degree in the field, a good portfolio of work, and strong technical skills. If you want to become an animator, it is important to have strong artistic ability, good communication and computer skills, and the ability to think creatively. Animators must be capable of developing original ideas and bringing them to life. It is also crucial to be able to manage your time wisely since the required hours are often long and the deadlines are tight. As an animator, you also have to respond well to criticism and feedback, because you will be working as part of a demanding team.
Job Types
Potential career opportunities that animators can pursue include:
- 3D modeler
- 2D and 3D animator
- Compositor
- Concept artist
- Character designer
- Visual effects artist
- Multimedia artist
Employment Outlook
The employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 6% from 2012 to 2022. The projected growth for animators will be driven by an increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, television, and movies. However, jobs will be competitive due to the outsourcing of work oversees in order to cut costs.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for multimedia artists and animators was $64,470 in May 2013. The bottom 10% earned $35,010, and the top 10% earned $118,890. The top paying industries were the motion picture and video industries; information services; independent artists, writers, and performers; and software publishers. The top paying states were California, Washington, DC, New York, and New Mexico.
Earning Your Online Animation Degree
Animation is an exciting and creative career that allows you to use your imagination every day. A degree in animation provides you with the foundation you need to become a successful professional in the animation industry. Explore online animation schools on our site today to prepare for your future.
