How to Make Animation Classes Count for You
by Kelly Richardson
Animation School Review Columnist
Before you begin any career training, you’ll need a plan of action in order to maximize your learning and earning potential. If you know exactly how to make animation classes work for you, the computerized world can be your creative, dynamic way to a living.
Getting Yourself Ready to Learn
Although the animation curriculum is a fairly specialized area of study, the rules of being a good student still apply. Academic preparation in high school can be helpful, especially if your stick with subjects that provide a rich technological base. Once you hit animation school, you can follow these sensible tips on how to make your animation classes work for you.
- Expand your creativity—Sketching, drawing, and cartooning classes can get your creative juices flowing.
- Get comfortable with technology—Taking as many basic computer classes before the onset of your program can help decrease your learning curve once you begin your studies.
- Learn the business side of animation—Classes in marketing and advertising can help prepare you to market yourself to computer animation employers once you’ve graduated.
What to Do After Class
The next goal is understanding how to make animation training work for you when you get out in the career field. Here’s what to do after class to increase your chances of employment.
- Portfolio. Create a portfolio of your best work to show to potential employers (your animation coursework may include a portfolio).
- Network. Make valuable professional connections throughout your training.
- Interview. Begin the interview process with employers that interest you.
About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.
Posted on June 12, 2007 at 2:29 PM
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