I am posting this looking for honest opinions. I am considering a career in computer animation. I am really good with computers but I cant draw very well on paper. do you think I have a chance of doing well in computer animation? Or should I consider a different career? I spoke to a few schools and they told me I didn't need any experience and they would teach me every thing.
There are plenty of things to do in the field of computer graphics without the ability to draw. Lighting and technical TD's for instance typically need to know something about programming and lighting. There's also dynamics, compositing, and rigging to name a few. Drawing will help with any of these, but isn't entirely necessary. Animation isn't the only job in the animation industry.
And you could always start taking classes in drawing now if you're set on animating something.
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Basicly i would like to get a bfa in computer animation. i just wanted to make sure i could go through the program with out having any experence in animation or drawing. just making sure i am qualified befor i spend the money on a school.
It is possible to get something out of a computer animation program without drawing experience. It probably isn't the best way to go through it, but it is possible. I had modest drawing ability at best, but was able to go through the program (and I'm now out working using those skills). I did have a degree in film and had worked as an editor before doing it, so I did have skills that helped make up for my drawing (or lack of) abilities. Basically, I knew how to tell a story visually and that helped quite a bit, something that knowing how to draw doesn't even guarantee.
I would suggest that as soon as possible you start taking drawing classes, whether you're still in high school, or as soon as you get to college. Things would have been much easier (and rewarding) had I taken more drawing classes from the start, if only for easier storyboarding, and thumbnails of characters and poses. And it really is never too late to start.
Good luck!
If you don't mind me asking, where are you going to school?
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wel i am not in school now i graduated from college a few years ago but was thinking of going back for the animation program but i am not sure what school yet
Your drawing skills become a factor depending on the school you want to go to. If it's more of a tech school then your drawing skills probably won't have any factor but if you want to go to an art school to learn computer animation then they will be much more of a factor.
A tech school will teach you how to use the software but not so much what to do with it where as an art school might not teach you every single thing about the software you will learn more about how to create content with the software. These are generalizations but true in most cases.
It's been my experience that recruiters want to see what you are able to do with the software, can you create entertaining characters, do they think, show weight and force, can you tell a story. And not so much do you know what happens when you have a vertex selected, hold down the control button and the right mouse button.
You can teach a monkey the software; it's about the art of animation.
ed
Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida
Absolutely. I've used Maya everywhere I went, but I've also used proprietary stuff on top of it. I had to be retrained (or relearn) everywhere I've been so far. I know plenty of people who know Maya that don't understand the process or aesthetics. I've been hired for my expertise, not my button pushing abilities.
Basically, if you want to be an animator or modeler you will need drawing. If you want to do one of the more technical aspects of CG, it will help out, but won't necessarily hold you back. But then you should be thinking about some sort of programming. Kind of broad statements, but it's a place to start.
In any event, you can start learning to draw now. Reguardless of what you decide to do, knowing how to communicate visually will always be an asset (not to mention an enjoyable passtime).
Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
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Thanks for the help I guess i will starting looking at a different career. here is a discreption of one of the programs i was thinking of taking
It is the objective of the School of Animation and Visual Effects to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the field of Animation.
Students attain strong traditional skills and storytelling abilities that can then be applied to digital technology. By advisement of the department directors, the student is guided to take classes focusing on one of the main areas of the Industry which includes: Visual Effects, Games, 3D Modeling, Character Animation, Storyboarding, Visual Development, and 2D Layout and Background Painting. Emphasis is placed on creating a professional quality demo reel and/or portfolio following industry standards. Upon graduation the student is ready to enter the workforce in a number of positions.
Sounds like drawing is what you'll need then. Never too late to start though.
Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
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Now with more doodling!
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I agree this point.
Jim -
If you take any animation course that involves some degree of 2D training, even as a prerequisite for the 3D component, I can pretty much guarantee that your drawing skills will improve simply by the sheer volume of practice, even if you know ahead of time that's not the side of the animation industry that attracts you. It really takes all kinds.
You may not like to draw, but learning how to draw will make it way easier for you to communicate your ideas.
I would take with a grain of salt any statements made by a school that they can teach you "everything." The reason why I say this is because some of the greatest animators have attested that you never stop learning about animation. So school really is only the initial thrust into a lifestyle of learning and experimenting. And most schools can get you pointed in the right direction, but the rest is up to you.
Best regards in your endeavors.
Absolutely. Especially considering that any software that a school "sells" itself as being an expert on it likely to be outdated or not used by the first company you work at anyway.
Art fundamentals don't change, and the best thing I ever learned at school was how to learn.
Producing solidily ok animation since 2001.
www.galaxy12.com
Now with more doodling!
www.galaxy12.com/latenight