What to Expect from an Animation Degree or Animation Certificate Program
While the ability to sketch a cartoon by hand still signals artistic talent, computer generated animation means serious competition for the art of traditional animation. Computer generated animation and 3D animation art are the current trends.
Pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, a Master of Fine Arts, or a certificate program in computer animation, 3D animation art, video game design, or graphics and multimedia can help you build the skills required to keep up with today's fast-paced field of computer animation. Some certificate programs take only 12 weeks. Bachelor's degrees require four years of study. MFAs generally require three years of graduate school beyond the bachelor's degree. Animation degree programs generally cover the following core topics:
- 3D modeling
- Computer programming
- Interface design and usability
- Instructional design
- Media production
Animation degree programs should also provide a foundation in software programs like: Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Flash, Apple Motion, Apple Final Cut Pro, 2d3Boujou, Autodesk Maya and Autodesk Motion Builder.
Computer Animation Salaries and Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14 percent job growth in computer generated animation through 2018. An increased demand for animation and multimedia artists will come from audience expectations for realistic video games and motion picture special effects, as well as more intricate visual effects and animation on mobile device technologies.
Recent wage statistics for animators and multimedia artists showed an average salary of $62,380. Half of all earners in this field made about $56,330, and the top 10 percent made $100,390. Wages can vary greatly based on time in the field and where an animation artist lives.