Hi all!
I'm an animation student with some questions regarding education. For a little background, I live in a city where there are no animation schools. The closest thing to an animation education is at my local state university in the graphic design department where there's an option for a motion arts minor. I've been enrolled in the program for two years and have taken all the courses they have to offer in the way of animation -- one flash class, one traditional 2D and one class in Maya (I know, that's pretty much nothing). My plan has always really been to use the graphic design degree to get as much education I can in an artistic field in order to build up a portfolio and apply to a full-fledged animation program out of state.
I'm now at a crossroads, however. My father passed away a little over a month ago. It now looks unlikely that I'll be heading out of state any time soon. In order to help my mom, I'm looking at a full-time job opportunity in graphic design (not animation... but it's at the very least somewhat creative). The job actually requires I remain a student, but I have two possible paths to follow. First, I could continue with the graphic design degree at the state college (a bit costly). Second, I could pursue an associate degree in "multimedia" at our local community college (cheaper). The multimedia program is a broad program specializing in video and the moving arts. They teach web design, flash and additional classes in 3D
I guess my question boils down to this: from a field perspective, is an associate degree in multimedia, which is in some ways more directly related to animation than graphic design, more valuable than a bachelor's degree in graphic design? Or, on the other hand, would it be better to continue to pursue a full bachelor's degree in a less directly related field?
I realize there are positives and negatives on both sides -- just hunting for some advice/ opinions beyond my own head, which has been quite foggy lately.
what about that animation mentor thing, it's an on-line course. It seems pretty pricey to me at 18K but I don't know what your other options cost.
On the pluses you don't have to move, and they will teach you better and more relevant stuff.
http://www.animationmentor.com/?gclid=CIzYn8_Mgp0CFZQA4wod9VRz1A
I guess you could always shop around, there maybe more like this.
websiteEzromation blog/doodlesDeranged Scratchings
Sorry to hear about your father Catherine. Things like that tend to take the wind out of your sails. Great that you are looking at how to continue your animation dreams.
This is a tough question. First off it's strange that a full time job requires you to still be a student. If it doesn't look like moving out of state for school is in the future, I'd look into Animationmentor.com. As an alumni, I can say that it's an incredibly rich animation program. The cost is a bit steep, but it's about equal to any class at an upper end art school, over $2000 for a 12 week class. If this is a future option for you, take all the animation and maya classes you can now. That way you'll be somewhat familiar with animation and Maya when you enroll at AM, and can focus on learning animation instead of battling with the concepts or the program or both.
I hope that helps and didn't make things even foggier.
Aloha,
the Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
Thanks to all for your advice! I'll look into animation mentor. I would likely have to save up a bit, but it's good to know it's an option for the future. I really do appreciate it. I refuse to let go of the dream -- it may just take some time to get there.
Just gives you more time to practice. Keep going Catherine.
Aloha,
the Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
Hey Catherine,
I just thought that i would post this as it's my own experience. I have heard time and time again that your degree does not matter in the field of art. It is your portfolio. I actually am doing the same as you. I am finishing up a graphic design degree purely to finish it. I also started in our animation program this year. Here is my point though. Do a little bit of research into what type of animation you want to do and then try and learn as much as you can on your own. This is my first semester in animation but last january i figured out some of the tools to use such as 3ds Max and Zbrush and have been learning them all summer. I know them well enough to use them now and am already well past the 1st year animation students in terms of software skill. So just put your mind to it and get learning. Sorry for the wall of text, hope this helps.
Adam
catherine you might get in animation mentor but keep in mind they get a lot of request and everyone doesnt get in for whatever reason.
death smiles Id like to see what you have done in 3d max.
Hi Catherine --
I'm one of those folks who has a Masters but doesn't have a strong portfolio.
The way I see it, I got a great education. I got the degree and now I have the rest of my life to get better, seek out workshops and tutorials and work my ass off getting better.
My vote, as a mom AND as a graphic designer transitioning into the animation world - finish up your Bachelors. I think it may yield more job opportunities than an associates. IMO, you will learn much more on the job, any job, than you will in school.
As a graphic designer in the corporate world, they paid for me to take Flash, AfterEffects, 3DStudio and Photoshop classes. They paid $5K per year toward my Masters degree. But I would never have gotten that job without my Bachelors. I'm currently working in an animation studio and I would never have gotten here if it hadn't been for my Masters.
So, IMO, always go for the higher degree. You still need to learn EVERYTHING but at least you have a little more to show for your effort.
Good luck.