Academy of Art University (AAU) offers associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in its School of Animation & Visual Effects. Students learn the skills needed to pursue careers as character designers and storyboard artists. AAU students take courses in figure drawing and modeling, storytelling, art history and computer graphics. Courses are taught by instructors from animation studios such as Pixar and Industrial Light & Magic. They choose from one of four specialty tracks: 3D modeling, classical animation, character animation or visual effects; and they take electives in the selected specialty area. Portfolio development is a required course for all animation students and at the end of the senior portfolio course, students have prepared a professional reel of their best work, suitable for viewing by prospective employers. AAU's animation facilities include computers, printers, scanners and video and audio labs. There are no portfolio requirements for admission to AAU on the undergraduate level; however, a portfolio review is part of the admissions process to the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) program.
Academy of Art University
79 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105-3410
800-544-2787
academyart.edu
The Computer Animation department at Ringling College of Art and Design is ranked number one in North America by 3D World magazine. Ringling's bachelor's degree program teaches students the aesthetic and technical skills needed to succeed as professional animators. Students take courses in communications design, art history and drawing as freshmen. Subsequent years feature courses in traditional and computer animation and concept development. Seniors prepare a thesis project and work on portfolios for presentation to prospective employers. Ringling students utilize the latest software and hardware in order to produce their work. Applicants submit images of drawings, paintings or sculptures online via the college's website for admissions committee review. The college hosts job fairs each year and, according to Ringling's website, alumni have gone on to careers with leading animation and gaming companies such as DreamWorks SKG, LucasArts, and Electronic Arts.
Ringling College of Art and Design
2700 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34234
800-255-7695
ringling.edu
The School of Visual Arts (SVA) animation department trains students in 2D and 3D animation techniques. SVA's facilities, including a stop-motion studio and digital labs, prepare students for careers in computer or traditional animation. Applicants to SVA's animation program submit up to 20 pieces of work, such as figure drawings and images of paintings and sculptures. The four-year BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program consists of core courses in drawing, storytelling and the history of animation. Students then move on to coursework in layout and design, character construction and sound design. The program culminates in a senior thesis which includes an original animated film. After graduation, SVA students go on to careers at studios including Blue Sky and Nickelodeon.
School of Visual Arts
209 East 23 Street
New York, NY 10010-3994
212-592-2000
schoolofvisualarts.edu