Career in Computer Animation

CDaniels1987

Ok I am 26 years old and work full time in a complaints department, I have worked there now for 3 years and before that I worked as a deputy manager for 5 years, I don't really want to do what I do for the rest of my career. The one thing I have always wanted to do is work in Computer Animation in some ways, but I have no idea the best route to take, I know University is probably the first option, however I live with my wife and I cannot afford to drop out of work, I have looked at the Open University but they don't do any type of Animation degrees.

Does anyone know if there are any places that offer distance learning or degrees for this type of thing? Apart from ICS as I have heard there diplomas are worth nothing.

There's nothing else I really want to pursue but I just don't know where to begin.

Thanks in advance for any help.

DKLS

I hire a couple of animators for various projects, neither have degrees, but they do have lots of experience using animation software and a portfolio.

Perhaps a starting point would be to join the various animation forums, get some software and start learning how to use the software and build up a portfolio.

Currently I need an animated Banana running up some stairs (dont ask!)

CDaniels1987

Many thanks for your reply, I currently have some experience using 3DS Max, however only know the basics at the moment.

So would you say, self learning and building up a portfolio would be almost as good as qualifications to a certain extent?

DKLS

CDaniels1987 wrote: »

Many thanks for your reply, I currently have some experience using 3DS Max, however only know the basics at the moment.

So would you say, self learning and building up a portfolio would be almost as good as qualifications to a certain extent?

I am not sure if its as good as a qualification for other employers, but in my case I hire graphic/web designers and animators regularly. Of the pool of talent I currently call upon only one has a relevant degree. I dont care about a bit of paper, I just want talent.

I base my decision on 3 things:

Their portfolio
Cost
Delivery timescales

Am sure you could get better advice from a specific animation forum. But am sure it cant do any harm doing some self-study, learning new techniques and following tutorials to build a portfolio.

Cycrow

Alot of the creative jobs still dont really require a degree, althou they are starting to become more and more common.
Experience is what counts, so a degree can help get the first job but after that its not really needed.

what you do need is a good portfolio, which you will need even with a degree, so it'll be best to start learning everything and working on your portfolio.

Do you know what type of industry you might want to go into ?
ie films, games, etc?
You could try looking at job descriptions for animators and see what they require, this will give you an idea of what companies are looking for

CDaniels1987

Thank you both for your replies, Films/short animation films would be the main path I would like to go down, however I would also consider games as well.

I will start doing a bit more research and self-study as well as looking out for what employers look for.

Would the ICS Diploma even be worth it do you think? or just a waste of money (it costs £799)

paddyrg

Firstly let me agree with the others, ability wins every time over qualifications in this industry. Can you do the job to spec on time on budget? Nothing else matters.

However a career in short film animation? I may have disappointing news, there's no money in shorts. There's a bit in features, but you won't get employed directly onto those, but via a studio, meaning you're up against the Chinese. It's a tough industry.

CDaniels1987

paddyrg wrote: »

Firstly let me agree with the others, ability wins every time over qualifications in this industry. Can you do the job to spec on time on budget? Nothing else matters.

However a career in short film animation? I may have disappointing news, there's no money in shorts. There's a bit in features, but you won't get employed directly onto those, but via a studio, meaning you're up against the Chinese. It's a tough industry.

Oh yeah I know its a tough industry, and it would be more feature films I would eventually like to get into. But its always something I have wanted to learn so even if I don't make a career out of it, I could at least do it as a hobby.

All learning would be done on the side whilst I work full time, if a job opportunity arrises then that would be great.

I was mainly asking if it would be portfolio or qualifications as the best path to take. Thankfully it seems portfolio wins everytime, as I just cannot realistically go into full time education.

Cycrow

Portfolio is something you will defiantly need, qualification can help, but not required.

Im not sure a ICS diploma would be all that useful, it might help you learn what you need, but you could do that at home anyways.

if you wanted qualifications, you really need something like a BA degree, if you can get that then dont bother and just use your portfolio and networking to get yourself in the door

CDaniels1987

Cycrow wrote: »

Portfolio is something you will defiantly need, qualification can help, but not required.

Im not sure a ICS diploma would be all that useful, it might help you learn what you need, but you could do that at home anyways.

if you wanted qualifications, you really need something like a BA degree, if you can get that then dont bother and just use your portfolio and networking to get yourself in the door

Thanks again, yeah I already know some stuff to be fair, so I reckon I would just be learning stuff I already know.

Lara44

My OH transitioned into animation from photography. He did it as a labour of love and it has become his career. IMHO, it's nice to start out learning and experimenting first.

There are lots of training DVDs that you can buy online, like the 'Total Training' series to improve your skills. Check the reviews first as some are rubbish. If you are thinking of tuition, there are quite a few professional short courses around, mostly London-centric. Some of these are quite accessible in terms of cost, and others less so.

It's good to get a feel for the most current stuff out there, and the types of careers available. Sites like Vimeo and Dailymotion are great for watching fantastic animation. The pathways for careers can be quite different, for example visual effects for films tends to have its own more structured pathway.

Making your own portfolio is a good way to start. This business is quite tough as the other poster said, it requires self-discipline and loads of motivation. Working hours can be very long, employment is not secure and self-employment on a short term basis is very common. The need to keep skills up to date is strong. If you manage to make a portfolio will be a test of motivation and stamina as well as talent and skill.