Wow.. how do ordinary window cleaning brothers manage to get such work in high end design and animation studios when acquiring the basic qualifications for working in such a field are thoroughly disapproved by the organisation and can cost you all your privileges for years to come?
Here in the UK for example:
Most animators have a degree or an HNC/HND.
Many universities and colleges throughout the UK offer courses in animation and other relevant art and design courses. Skillset, in consultation with the industry and education providers, has endorsed the following courses:
- HND in Art & Design (Computer Animation) and Degree in Animation at the Glamorgan Centre for Art & Design
- Degree in Animation Production at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth
- Degree in Computer Visualisation and Animation at Bournemouth University
- Degree in Animation at the University of Wales, Newport
- Degree in Animation at University College for the Creative Arts at Farnham
- Degree in Computer Animation at the University of Teesside.
Entry requirements vary and candidates are advised to check with individual institutions. However, in general, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, many people do a foundation course in art and design before starting a degree course. Typical qualifications required are five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), and sometimes an A level/H grade.
In Scotland, many degree courses last four years, with an introductory year rather than an art foundation year.
For degree courses, applicants usually need a minimum of two A levels/three H grades and five GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent qualifications.
For HND courses, typical entry requirements are one A level/two H grades in art and design subjects, or a BTEC national certificate/diploma in a relevant subject, or equivalent.
In the USA:
Education
Animators working in 3D often have a bachelor's degree and multiple certificates in important software tools. At a university, a 3D animator may major in design or computer engineering. Design programs at major schools such as the School of Visual Arts in New York City allow students to learn the overall knowledge of the design field and then specialize in animation, advertising or other areas. When you are starting out or working freelance, certificates acknowledging your mastery of important software such as Adobe Creative Suite, modo, Softimage or AutoCAD are key.
Perhaps you can learn all this from reading the Awake! magazine so you can Animate where the need is greater.