Imagination Comes To Life With A Computer Animation Degree

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 27th, 2010

Do you often find your imagination running wild? If you are visually and intellectually creative in ways that tend to set you apart from others, rest assured that you aren't alone. Thousands of wannabe game creators are honing their graphic skills and storyline writing abilities with a computer animation degree.

The world of role playing and video games has grown at a rapid rate, leaving plenty of room for innovative minds to enter the field of creating characters, plotlines, and designs that can sell successfully in the mainstream market. Video games have surpassed the popularity of books and movies, proving that it is a volatile industry constantly in need of fresh minds and ideas. The numbers keep rising as games gain popularity on the Internet as well as more traditional modes such as Nintendo and Playstation.

So while so many are spending their money on videogames, where are the profits going? A portion of the revenue is definitely going into the pockets of those with a computer animation degree, a cutting edge credential that more than gets your foot in the door when it comes to this fun and modern industry.

From conceptual art to advanced computer commands, students learn everything that they need to know in order to be a successful earner in the gaming world. It's not just about role playing or virtual video games either. A computer animation degree is vital to anyone who wants to work in the entertainment industry as an artist.

Perhaps the best example of this is Pixar, one of the front-running companies in the race for the best and most successful feature length animation. Originally picked up and supported by Disney, Pixar is now a powerhouse in its own right, creating classic movies with characters and storylines that will be cherished by generations to come. Just as Walt Disney wowed the world with Snow White due to its innovative art at the time, Pixar just as effectively wins over our hearts with lovable computerized creations such as Nemo and Woody.

One downfall to pursuing a computer animation degree is that you are definitely walking out on a limb. Jobs are limited and the amount of student interest is only growing, leaving companies with no other choice than to select those with not only education but with talent as well. Just as a painter must be excellent in order to have his artwork sold, a computer graphics designer must be exceptional in the skills of his craft in order to work with the top dogs.

How can you put yourself in the front running for your dream job? The first trick is to completely empty your brain. Work hard to jot down notes on any character or plot that you can think of, and look into online forums where you can bounce your ideas off of other students and aspiring computer graphics animators. The candid criticism combined with the safe anonymity of the web will help you to improve upon what has potential while discarding what doesn't. This will help you to refine your idea of what the industry wants before you risk rejection from the actual professional industry.

Of course, getting a computer animation degree will help you as well. Education is the key to many doors no matter what your industry, and this is especially true in animation as it is one of the easiest and most thorough ways to learn.

A job as an animator can be exciting and rewarding, not to mention that it can also pay the bills. So take the first step by researching and exploring what it takes to be successful in the industry and then get serious. The business of animation is waiting for your innovative ideas and perspective. Consider beginning your journey toward a computer animation degree today.