Getting the Most out of Animation School
By Joe Cooper
Animation School Review Columnist
A career in animation is not limited to any one medium or location. Animation is now a global industry with strong players across many continents. Going to animation school will help you learn as much as you can about the industry before you enter it, improving your chances for a great career in animation.
Animation School Tips
Here are some tips for getting the most out of animation school:
- Learn as much as you can about the industry before you graduate. Animation school offers a rare opportunity to ask industry questions and receive tailored information.
- Understand the international playing field of animation. The U.S. and Canada are the leading players, developing characters and deciding the course of many animated productions. But the production itself involves several other major players, including India at the top of the list. India’s $9 billion animation industry is expanding rapidly, and new education programs are popping up there to support the high demand for U.S. animation outsourcing. China, Korea, and Japan also play an important role in animation.
- Keep in mind that there are many jobs in animation. As you gain experience in the industry, you will learn that there are many positions available aside from animating. Project managers, storyboard managers, production managers, communications directors, international liaisons, media liaisons, and more help animation studios run. You may decide you’d like to move into one of these roles after you gain some animation experience.
Before you enter the job market, take advantage of your animation school resources to learn more about the industry. The focus will help you develop a game plan for career success.
