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Animator Degrees: Overview of Degree Programs for Aspiring Animators

Published Oct 29, 2009

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Pencil sketches, computer-aided drawings and digital illustrations come alive each day for animators. Animation plays a large part in blockbuster films, television series, gaming software and multimedia applications. Aspiring animators hone their professional skills by completing a degree program in animation, visual effects or media arts.

Animator Associate's Degree Program Overview

An associate's degree program in animation prepares artists for entry-level employment with production companies, multimedia businesses, gaming software developers and graphic design firms. Students gain a solid foundation in basic animation principles, such as manual drawing, 2-D and 3-D design, digital animation and special effects concepts. Students are exposed to state-of-the-art animation technologies, such as Autodesk 3Ds Max, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Graduates find positions as storyboard artists, gaming software animators and special effects animators.

Animator Bachelor's Degree Program Overview

Students in an animation bachelor's degree program utilize creative, technical and digital animation techniques. They study graphic design fundamentals, the business of animation, animated drawing, and life drawing. Animator movement technologies, storyboarding, and script development may also be included in this bachelor's degree program. Students also utilize animation technologies, such as Adobe Photoshop and Autodesk 3Ds Max. Graduates may find employment as creative directors, technical artists, concept artists and animators.

Animator Master's Degree Program Overview

Master's degree programs in animation often encourage students to specialize in one area of expertise, such as 2-D animation, 3-D animation or animation production. These specializations fine-tune one's knowledge and skill of the animation business. Students specializing in 2-D animation study manual drawings and single-frame filmmaking. The 3-D animation concentration utilizes advanced technology to bring stories to life. Graduate students who study animation production are exposed to filmmaking and screenwriting. A master's degree program in animation prepares students to find directorial positions in production companies, game development firms and multimedia outlets.

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