Expert: Russell Calabrese - 4/11/2009

Question
hi,i am rahul.Rihgt now I am about to complete my bachelor's degree in computer science engineering at bangalore.I spend my 5 years in it.my age is 23years.Actually I am not interested in programing & technical parts.I want to do my master's degree in graphics design and visual effects.which has to be less technical and more creative.I m good in drawing.
I want to know which degree (means MS/ARTS/etc)they are providing in India and also in abroad. which courses are good for me....and I know i have wasted my 5 years.But i m not interested in that. I m only interested in graphics,animation and visual effects field  which is non-technical or based on C & C++...I have searched about it.But they are providing Master of Arts degree.I m confused about it because after doing engineering...Masters in Arts degree will be not good for any student what you think? plz...reply me
thanks in advance..

Answer
Hi Rahul,
You don't need a degree to become a commercial artist. You need a good portfolio of work to show what you can do.

I do not have a degree and have been working in the animation field for 33 years.

I am going back to school to get my degree now, because I would like to become a teacher in the field of animation, film & television. This is where a degree comes in handy.

If you have a degree in something, you didn't waste your time. It's good to have a degree in something that you can fall back on when you're not able to make a living being creative.

Graphics, animation and special effects are extremely technical. It's a combination of creativity and technical expertise that makes a good artist.

Animation is not Jazz.
It's very technical and you don't improvise. If the animation is done well it only looks like it is easy and fun. IT IS NOT EASY! And sometimes it's no fun at all. That's part of the mystique of animation.

Hope this helps.

Russell