Computer Animation

Computer Animation - Career Path

Animation
Computer animation
Computer animators
Education and requirements
skills and responsibilities
Career outlook
Animation as an artform
Process and Workflow
Student animations
Animation at WKU

Animation

Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of static images that creates the illusion of movement.
Traditional animation
- (Cut-Out animation, Stop motion animation, Cel animation, etc) is an animation technique in which each frame is drawn by hand.

Computer animation
- Computer animation, begun in the 1960s, is the art of creating animation, visual effects and other 3D images using computers and specialized software.
- Computer animation has distinct advantages for artists:
  - it is cheap and fast to make
  - the artist is able to control every aspect of the process unlike traditional animation which cannot be viewed until developed.
- 3D Computer animation
  - <Toy Story> (1995) is the first feature length film fully modeled and created with the 3D technology.
    
    <Rolln' Safari>
    
    <Rustboy>
Computer animators
- Where do I start?
  - It's easier to get into animation today than ever before.
  - Although anyone can start animating right now, the art of animation still takes time to master.
  - You can start small and simple and slowly develop your skills and unique style.
  - You don't even need to know how to draw well.
- What does an animator do?
  - Animators bring the lifeless to life.
  - Animators, also known as multimedia artists, create animation and visual effects for everything from films and video games to television, mobile devices and other forms of media using illustrations and software programs.
  - Animators also create graphics and develop storyboards, drawings, and illustrations. They create, plan, and script animated narrative sequences and assist with background design and production coordination.
  - Recent advances in animation technology, along with the increased popularity and diversity of devices used to access entertainment have made computer animator one of the most exciting and lucrative career paths for technically-inclined artists.
- Where do animators work?
  - This career path is also ideal for those who want to be their own boss; 57% of animators and multimedia artists are self-employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  - These professionals often work from home, contracting with film, animation or video game production studios, cartoon networks, advertising agencies, web design/graphic design firms, and mobile technology companies.
- Do you have what it takes to be an animator?
  - Animation is no easy task.
  - Bringing dynamic images to life is an exciting job, but a career in animation isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
  - Many animators work long hours, including nights and weekends, to adhere to strict deadlines. But if you’re passionate about animation and determined to succeed, the high-pressure, fast-paced environment shouldn’t faze you one bit.
  - Animation is often the combination of understanding mechanics and making them artful.
  - Animation is a mixture of art and science. In order to thrive, you must have an artistic eye but also enjoy breaking things down to see how they work.
    
    Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki
    
    Yuri Norstein

Educations and requirements
- Common topics covered in the animation programs include drawing, 2D animation, film and animation history, visual effects (VFX), motion graphics and design, game design, interactive media, and computer programming.
- Today’s employers prefer to hire animators with at least a bachelor’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), animators, multimedia artists, and graphic designers generally need a bachelor's degree.
- Employers usually prefer portfolio samples, which students normally create while earning their degree.
- In addition to a 4-year degree, many employers look for at least two years’ experience in the industry, and advanced technology skills. Entry-level positions may require only a degree and experience through an internship or other support position.
Skills and responsibilities
- Making animation is fun and playful, while it requires a great deal of attention and focus.
- Becoming skilled in software is important to furthering yourself in the field.
- What types of software do animators use?
  - The leading 3D animation software such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, and Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator...
  - You’ll need to possess the perfect combination of practical skills and software savvy to flourish in this field.
  - Can work 50+ hours per week and even pull all-nighters when deadlines are approaching or work is past due.
Career outlook
- 3D computer animation is used in a variety of careers in a number of industries, including media and advertising.
- Popular Career Options
  - Computer animation can be used by 3D modelers to convert storyboards into 3D content for motion picture studios, as well as Web designers to create online content for advertising agencies.
  - Scientific laboratories often use 3D animation to simulate the structure and movement of natural organisms, while the video gaming industry relies on 3D animation to create engaging content.
  - Related career paths are also available for engineers who utilize computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D animation software to create 3D models.
- Employment outlook and salary information
  - The BLS predicts 4% job growth for computer animators from 2018 to 2028.
- What is the job outlook for animators?
  - Despite average employment growth, competition for job opportunities in animation will remain strong.
  - The Bureau says, “opportunities should be best for those who have a wide range of skills or who specialize in a highly specific type of animation or effect.”
- How much do animators make?
  - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual wage of $99,060 for special effects artists and animators as of May 2023.
    - Median Wage: The median annual wage for special effects artists and animators was $99,060 in May 2023.
  - Other top paying industries for animators are:
    - Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
    - Motion Picture and Video
    - Software Publishers
    - Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
    - Computer Systems Design
    - Advertising and Public Relations
  - Salaries for popular job roles similar to computer animation
    - Computer Animation Instructor:
    - Motion Graphics Designer:
    - Flash (Adobe Animate) Animator:
    - Advertising Animator:
    - Web Animator:
    - Mobile Animator:
    - Video Game Animator:
    - Computer Animation Manager:
- How to find animation jobs?
  - Explore Job Boards specifically for animation:
    - Animation Mojo:
    - Animation Guild Job:
    - Animation Career Review:
    - Animation World Network (AWN):
    - ArtStation:
  - General Job Boards:
    - CareerBuilder and Indeed.
  - Tips for Finding Animation Jobs:
    - Network: Attend industry events and connect with professionals in the field.
    - Build a strong portfolio: Showcase your skills and experience through a portfolio of your work.
    - Be persistent: The animation industry can be competitive, so be prepared to apply for many jobs and stay persistent in your job search.
    - Consider entry-level roles: If you're new to the industry, start with entry-level positions to gain experience.
    - Consider Freelancing: If you have experience, consider freelancing to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Animation as an art form
- The biggest misconception about art is what is considered art and artists.
- In these days, in order to be an artist, you have to be a painter, musician, a sculptor, a dancer, or something along those lines.
- You are not considered to be an artist, if you are an animator, a 3D modeler, an editor or a VR (virtual reality) designer. This is a weak and limiting definition of art.
- Art is about creating something unique, it’s about expressing your view of the world in a different way.
- Why is animation not widely considered to be an art form?
- When someone animates something they are creating something meaningful and creative. Animation also requires as much 'creativity' as it does technical skills.
- "Long dismissed as merely children's entertainment, only in recent years has there been clear recognition of animation as an art; as a form that encompasses more than the American animated cartoon tradition; as a medium of universal expression embraced across the globe" - Paul Wells
- Art does not have to be limited to the fine arts. Art is anything that comes into existence through someone’s creativity and work. What is considered art should not be limited to the 'classical' arts per se.
  - “To him, all good things - trout as well as eternal salvation - came by grace; and grace comes by art; and art does not come easy” - A River Runs Through It.
  - Nicolas Brault
  - Brandon Morse
  - Rebecca Xu
Process and Workflow
- Student works
  - Small World by Savannah Mohr
  - And I Dreamt I Was Alive by Travis Harrell
Srudent animations
Animation at WKU
- Begun in Spring 2018, the Computer Animation program is one of the fastest growing programs at WKU.
- The Computer Animation program assists to prepare students for careers in the creative technological fields such as computer animation, motion graphics, film, television, videography, and multi-media design; for further graduate study; and for developing an individual contemporary art practice.
- Ever since the program was launched a few years back, graduates of our program have gone to work for several animation and design firms. Along with creative representation at galleries, few have won awards for their animated films from short animation festivals, and many have shown their works in academic settings around the world.
- The alumni and faculty have consistently pushed the edge publicly as to what it means to be a computer artist and continue to maintain that intensity today.
- Whether you are an aspiring animator or not, learning computer animation will greatly expand your creative horizon.
- Computer Animation propgram at WKU is the only program its kind in Kentucky.
  - Minor: requires 21 semester hours. At least 1/2 of the hours required for the minor must be earned in courses numbered 300 and above. 1/3 of the hours in the minor must be earned at WKU.
    - Introductory (choose one) 3 Hours
      ART 130 2-D Design
      ART 131 3-D Design
      ART 140 Drawing
    - Required (choose four) 12 Hours
      ANIM 210 Introduction to Computer Animation
      ANIM 220 3D Modeling I: Environment
      ANIM 310 Computer Animation I
      ANIM 344 Computer Animation II
    - Restricted Electives (choose two) 6 Hours
      ANIM 320 3D Modeling 2: Character Design and Development
      ANIM 330 Sound and Image
      ANIM 444 Computer Animation III
      ART 497 Special Topics in Animation
      BCOM 378 Film Animation
      
      The Minor takes *at least* three semesters to complete. Prerequisite courses are listed [in parentheses].
    - Semester 1
      Foundations course:
      ART 140 Drawing or ART 130 2D Design or ART 131 3D Design
      ANIM 210 Introduction to Computer Animation
      ANIM 220 3D Modeling I: Environment
    - Semester 2
      ANIM 310 Computer Animation I [ANIM 210 or ANIM 220]
      Restricted Elective 1 [prerequisites vary]
    - Semester 3
      ANIM 344 Computer Animation II [ANIM 310]
      Restricted Elective 2 [prerequisites vary]

Animation students have 24/7 access to a dedicated sound recording studio, that allows you to create and own the sound & music in your animations.

Stop motion studio