Additional Information
In this field, it's all about your portfolio. The most important thing
an aspiring animator can do is draw, draw, draw. Observe people, animals and
objects in motion. Observe facial expressions. Practice capturing on paper
everything around you.
"There is no official education required to be an animator," says Todd
Ramsay. He co-owns an animation studio. "It's all based on a strong portfolio
that can demonstrate your art skills and a demo reel showcasing strong principles
of animation."
"An education is not necessarily a huge deal," agrees animation supervisor
Emily Cooper. "When hiring a prospective artist, where they went to school
isn't important. It is what their demo reel and portfolio look like." That
said, formal training can help you develop your skills and expose you to the
latest technology.
"Anything that offers to teach the principles is good, and any school that
offers a shorter course rather than a three- or four-year course is better,
in my opinion," says Cooper.
"I know of a few animators that didn't go to school, but most have graduated
from an animation school," says Ramsay.