Common questions about animation degree pathways and animation jobs asked by our readers:
Most animator’s need a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, art, or a related field to develop both an impressive portfolio of work and the strong technical skills that many employers prefer. In addition to animation, a degree in special effects can help graduates land a position in other areas of the film industry as well as game design and development.
According to the Walt Disney Animation Studios website, candidates looking to become Disney animators must have a bachelor’s degree in computer animation or related field or equivalent work experience. The company is looking for a range of experience, but applicants should have at least 2 years computer animation experience with Maya or a similar program.
While some entry-level positions may accept a certificate, diploma, minor or associate degree, most employer’s prefer to hire animator’s with a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, art, or a related field.
According to Global Newswire, the major animation markets are the United States, Canada, Japan, China, France, Britain, Korea and Germany. The U.S. is home to around 73,700 salaried animators and the population is expected to increase by 8% (6,200 employees) by 2026. Jobs for animators in the U.S. are heavily concentrated in growing areas such as California, Texas, New York, Georgia, and Florida. Most of the segments in the Asian animation industry are growing at the rate of 23% year-over-year and countries such France, Spain, Germany, and the UK have emerged as the market leaders in Europe. While it might be tougher to become an animator overseas due to language barriers and other factors, it is not impossible.
While some entry-level positions may accept a certificate, diploma, minor or associate degree, most employer’s prefer to hire animator’s with a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, art, or a related field.
While a film degree is not a requirement for animation positions, if you would like to learn both filmmaking and animation, some film schools offer the opportunity. The Los Angeles Film School, Rhode Island School of Design, University of California Los Angeles, School of Visual Arts, Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Utah, California Institute of the Arts, University of North Carolina, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and George Fox University, are just a few options.