2D Animation Schools

[Stephen M. Levinson]

Hello everyone...

I'm a Jr. in High school and am looking more into colleges... My first choice is Cal Arts but I need others.. I was looking at Art Institute and Art Academy but they seem to focus much more on 3d animation rather than 2D like Cal Arts... Does anyone know of schools that focus on 2D animation? Preferably schools without academics because I want to focus 100% on what skills I need to develop, for this industry.

Best,
Steve

[Club Cocoanut Animation]

I would look at Sheridan and Vancouver Film School. Both still have strong 2D programs I think. And yes, in general look at private 4 year art schools (like Cal-Arts) or the better trade schools (like Sheridan and Vancouver -- not those AI schools! no no no!) and NOT regular liberal arts schools. Most folks coming out of liberal arts programs with an "art" or "animation" major cannot compete with folks from the accredited 4 year art schools and the better trade schools like Vancouver and Sheridan. --unless they're super-genius natural-born animators who don't need school at at...

But good 2D programs will get harder and harder to find, though i fear....

And you want to study lots and lots and lots of life and figure drawing! I mean lots! You almost want more time doing that than animating at first....

[Palmer G. Pattison]

Steve,

Like the others have said, don't discount academics. The more informed you are, the better artist you'll be.

I'm currently attending the Columbus College of Art & Design. I looked at places like CalArts and RISD too, but CCAD was the clear choice for me. Strong foundation program, a liberal arts curriculum that's actually useful to artists, and good training in both 2D and 3D animation (you can do either or both, it's entirely your call). Our alumni work in studios large and small, all over the world. We recently hosted a superb Women in Animation symposium featuring people like Joanna Quinn, Rebecca Allen, Sari Gennis, and others. We also have an excellent visiting artists program, letting students interact with professionals who are working in the field.

Good luck in your search!

[Stephen Bacurin]

You should check out Cal State University, Fullerton. It's where I go to study animation. I think their program is really good and certainly more affordable than Cal Arts. At CSUF, you have plenty of artistic freedom. You can work traditionally or in Flash or in Maya. The classes are great. In the program, you get to touch every aspect of the production process. The Pencil Mileage Club, the animation club, is very active. Teachers are very dedicated and have experience in the industry. The curriculum stresses the basics on students. We have a good reputation as interns at studios. Anything else you'd like to know?

[bobDope]

Based on the frederator cartoons they've submitted, Vancouver Film School is happening.

Also you've always got wikipedia for when the director pulls Serpico Africanus or whatever out of his ass.

[Temris]

Seconded! I went to VFS, and it was great. It's a very rushed program, 1 very intensive year, but it's amazing how much info they cram into that one year. You not only learn a lot about animation, you learn how much work you are physically and emotionally capable of doing in a short amount of time.

[Shawn]

Did you look into www.animationmentor.com they are an online school that do not require any general education. I believe all the rest have a GE requirement. That being said the academic stuff is quite important and makes you a better, smarter person who is able to hold a conversation with all the guys who have MFAs sitting next to you. No one wants to hire an uneducated animator they are just too much work to talk to.

All the schools you mentioned have good programs. You might want to look at Art Center Pasadena as well.

All the best, SN

[Dan Buck]

I'm a sophomore animator at KCAI and I can recommend it highly. The animation program here doesn't focus on 2D, but the entire first semester is hand drawn animation and you are allowed and encouraged to pursue your interests. I'm not saying this is the school for you, but you can check out our demo reel, more options are always nice. As far as academics go, this school definitely puts studio first, but your liberal arts are still very challenging, especially art history.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GJF1fVP3ew

Hope this helps and good luck, your work looks pretty amazing.