Want A Computer Animation Career? You Still Need To Be Able To Draw
A computer animation career is the dream of many people right from the very first time they see a modern cartoon. Years ago children looked in wonder at the images created by Walt Disney and his team, and yearned to become animators. Now however, the animation business has changed, and it is movies by companies like Pixar and ILM which capture the imaginations of children and adults alike. However, a career in computer animation still requires training that is similar to that of the first generation of animators.
The first bit of advice any successful animator will give to someone hoping to follow in his footsteps is to learn to draw. A computer is nothing more than a tool and should only be considered as a high tech paintbrush. An animator will still require considerable drawing skills, along with an in depth knowledge of body mechanics and the ability to tell a story. Once you have mastered the basic drawing skills, you will need to practice, practice and then practice some more. Even now there is no substitute for thousands of hours spent with a pencil and a drawing pad.
Having mastered drawing skills to an advanced level, the next step towards a computer animation career is to master some of the vast range of software tools available. Some animators recommend starting with 2d computer animation, and then progressing onto the more technically demanding 3d animations once you are competent with 2D software. There are a large number of 3d animation programs available. Most work in similar ways, so you can get good experience working with low cost software, but at some point you will need to consider using the more expensive tools. A great way to choose which software to use is by hanging around in animation forums, finding out which software successful animators use and which one they recommend to you to help develop your skills.
The next step you should take on your way towards an animation career is to get a degree or diploma from one of the recognized animation schools. The school courses will teach you much more than just how to create good animations. Modules will cover the whole filmmaking process and should also include an internship with an established animator. If you wish to work for a major animation studio, then a good degree is necessary just to get you an interview. Your final step will be your first animation job. Don’t expect to walk straight into a job as an animator - you will have to start at the bottom rung of the ladder, working as an assistant to a storyboard artist or as a assistant to an assistant animator. But once you have your first job, it is just a matter of time before you realize your dream of becoming a computer animator.
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