Game designers and computer animators are increasingly in demand. Therefore, studying computer animation programs at college could now be the start of a blossoming career for any inspired techno. However, before you decide on a program it is important that you have all the relevant information available to you. Studying In America checks out your best study options and helps you get ahead of the game.
So, if you have a genuine interest in IT and love computer animation then, with the right education behind you, you two could be part of a cutting edge multi-million dollar industry. However, competition is fierce therefore it is important that you give yourself the best possible start. Choosing the right program, along with an ability to get a foot in the door in the door and network, is a step in the right direction and could find you working for companies such as ILM, Disney, or Pixar.
Choosing The Best Animation Program
Crash course programs in animation are available throughout the USA. However, these often produce weak demo reels that tend to focus on the IT aspect of the program rather than looking at the bigger picture. A long term or better quality program will develop not only your animation skills it will also develop your skills as a storyteller through animation.
Like all industries doing well at one of the best possible animation schools in their US should increase your chances to get a foot-in-the-door at one of the top animation companies. The recruiters know what is taught at these schools and can assume that you are versed in a lot of things that most other candidates are not, but not always though. A person who has been trained in cinematology will stage their animations differently than those who have not. It's called framing a scene. Every scene or shot is framed so that it has the maximum impact on the audience in other words, it tells a compelling story. Students of crash course programs tend to mimic what they've seen before, whether good or bad, which indicates a lack of creativity on their part. This development is at the heart of what makes great animation and ultimately what is the difference between a good computer animation program and an adequate one.
Computer Animation Demo Reels
Whilst computer animators are high in demand it is extremely important when you choose a school that you question how your program helps you to get a quality start within the profession once you graduate. You should therefore focus on not only the course content but also look at the Demo reels that you will produce during your training and will ultimately be used to get you work.
Just as any artists is able to produce examples of their work a computer animator will usually be asked to submit a demo reel when applying for a position. However, surprisingly some schools provide no means for putting student's work to tape! Avoid these places, as digital to video transfer can cost a fortune! It also shows that they are not in touch with the computer animation industries needs as they claim to be. Also understand that a good demo reel takes more than a couple days to put together. Good work takes time. Students can spend years perfecting their reels.
Computer Animation Programs Available
- Game and Simulation Programming
- Game Art & Design
- Game Software Development
- Computer Animation
- Special Effects Animation
- Game Design
- Programming & Game Development
- C++ Programming for Game Developers
- Video Game Console Design
- Robotics
- Graphics Programming with DirectX 9
- Lightmapping & Radiosity
- 3D Engine Architecture
- Game Mathematics
- Artificial Intelligence for Game Developers
- Physics for Game Developers
- Digital Entertainment and Game Design
- Creative Writing and Storyboarding for Games
- Game Interface Design
- Graphics Programming with OpenGL
- Terrain Rendering
- Special Effects Programming








Google
Facebook
Twitter
Myspace
Yahoo
Digg
Del.icoi.us
Windows Live
Reddit
Blogger