Hi,
I'm currently in the process of moving to the ol' US of A from England. I've always wanted to study animation ever since i could spell the word! so it was (I thought) a natural step for me. However, all of my research has led me to believe that Calarts is the only true college to offer a program in 'Character Animation', or rather, 2d animation. There are of course others, but only Calarts as I can see has true quality in this side of animation. I have a massive desire to study traditional animation (this is down to many reasons, but I don't wanna open that ol' 2d vs. 3d wound again), so could any1 help me by informing me on programs that focus on traditional animation? It would be nice to know there are other good options out there other than just Calarts, that are worth putting in the years of study and finance?
Thanks for your help,
Rich.
________________________________Perpetual Motion________________________________
Welcome to the AWN Forums and the states RTP.
You can check out this link: http://forums.awn.com/showthread.php?t=5641
It has links to quite a few art and animation schools. I know there are other schools that offer traditional animation programs like, the Acedemy of Art University, Ringling, SCAD and Gobelins. But Gobelins is back in France. There are also several schools in Canada you also might want to check out.
Aloha,
the Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
Hi,
Thanks for the list (i think i've stumbled accross it before back when i was a nosey guest!). I'm slightly confused about Ringling and SCAD. Are they computer animation programs straight up, are they computer animation heavy programs, are they a balance between trad and 3d, or are they traditonal animation programs? It's just ive got a mixed response on their animation programs, or rather, their content. I wouldn't mind obviously entering a trad ani program that had some 3d animation study in it's content (after all, the more knowledge the better!), but i'm defo looking for a trad ani heavy program. If Ringling is indeed trad animation, it would be an ideal choice for me as i'm actually moving to FLA, and obviously would make living expenses something less to worry about, which is all good!
Thanks, Rich.
________________________________Perpetual Motion________________________________
I can only speak for Ringling; you start out with hand drawn (two semesters) and move into computer animation (six semesters). You can go on line and see how it's scheduled over the four years.
This is not to say you won't be drawing constantly in your Concept and Drawing for Animation classes along the way as well.
ed
Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida
Thanks, that clears that up. So essentially, on completion of the course at Ringling you've been trained as (predomintaley) a 3d animator. Does anyone know of programs that produce predominatley traditional animators? I know of Calarts in the states so far, and that is all i can find (of a standard that has considerable respect in the field). Does the Academy Of Art have a traditonal animation program, or is it more 3d computer based again?
Seems there is definate lack of Trad animation courses out there, which is a shame i think.
Thanks, Rich.
________________________________Perpetual Motion________________________________
I think the lack of traditional courses reflects the lack of traditional jobs out there.
ed
Department of Computer Animation
Ringling College of Art and Design
Sarasota Florida
Good point. I can't see it as a permanant thing though. Theres grown sort of a bubble with 3d animation, with the public assuming because its computer animation, it's good. But again, i don't wanna start that debate again!
Also, does this mean that because of the lack of trad animation programs, is the competition fierce for places (which i think is ultimatley a good thing for the medium, as it would demand better quality to progress), or is it the other end of the stick, where there literally is little to no one interested in the places, so its reletively easy to get into the ones that are available?
Thanks, Rich.
________________________________Perpetual Motion________________________________
I beleive the Academy of Art University has both a traditional and 3D animation departments. At least they did when I went there over 7 years ago. You can probably find out more on their website.
You have to remember that animation schools are buinesses. They are going to promote what ever type of animation is popular at the time. If Corpse Bride and Wallace and Gromit were both huge block busters earning 200-300 million, you would see an increase of stop motion films and thus a big up-swing in stopmotion classes at schools.
You also might want to check out AnimationMentor. They are mostly geared towards 3D, but they promote all forms of animation. They only teach animation, so those principles can be applied to any animation medium. You could probably do that, and take life drawing and illustration classes to boost your drafting skills. Just another option to confuse you even more. :p
Aloha,
the Ape
...we must all face a choice, between what is right... and what is easy."
Hey,
Been awhile since I last posted anything, let alone read any threads. But I think I might be of some assistance on finding out about solely trad. studies and courses. Now I know it's either SCAD or another school with a similar acronym located out of NYC, NY and it offers a 100 percent traditional animation course, about 3-4 years, and for 1/2 the cost of Calrarts. So I really admire those sticken to their roots, not to rock the boat or anything, but it's just nice to see is all. Well good luck on your endevores choosing the career of choice and happy animating, Jon
-HannaBarberaGuy-
I know of several people who have graduated from the Sheridan Traditional Animation program up in Canada that are successful artists in both the animation and game development industry. I first heard about it from one of the graduates at the Dallas Sketchgroup. So, I'd definitely recommend checking that one out as well. :)
http://www.sheridanc.on.ca/academic/arts/animation/index.html
http://companim.sheridaninstitute.ca/
t
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. "
- Goethe
-----------------------------------------
www.tanjawooten.com
First off, thanks for your help.
SCAD, is that the one in Georgia? (apologies on my geographical knowledge of the states, I will work on it!)
I heard that one is particularly good. Although i keep hearing it being compared to Ringling, that from my knowledge has a Computer animation bias course?
I am really determined to further my skills in trad animation, and like you said, theres only so much you can teach yourself from books and personal experience. I know there must be that 'educational source' out there for someone looking to achieve things in trad animation. But where is the big question...
Thanks, Rich.
________________________________Perpetual Motion________________________________