Expert: Andre Hickman - 9/8/2007

Question
Hi there, I want to start with 3D-animation. My dream is to work at Pixar
Animation Studios, but that's far away... :) Now, when I'm 18 I want to study
one year 3D-Animation at the New York Film Academy. Do you think I'm able
to work at an animation studio after studying one year at NYFA? Or is a 4 year
program at the School of Visual Arts par example a better opinion? And of
course, I want to start already a bit, so what can I do? I think app's like Maya
are better to study at school, but can I do something now? I mean should I
already learn some graphic software like Photoshop/Illustrator?

PS: I'm a Mac-user(and I'm proud of it :p) ...

Answer
Hey Brent,

I don't think that the NYFA will give you all the tools that you need to be marketable to an animation studio in just one year.  Animation is a very complex discipline, and there are so many intricacies involved in developing content, that most people will never even think about. so to answer the question on studying for a year I'd have to say "no." But at the same time I am not saying that going through a 4 year program is necessary either.  There are plenty of people that are out there that are self-taught, and do some amazing stuff.  While they didn't have a formal training in animation, they still put in years and years of training themselves, and most do have some formal education in another or related field from a credible institution.

Animation is not a quick learn...regardless of formal or informal training, you are going to have to put in years of studying, and practice before you get to a level of design where a studio would take you seriously.  Anything that is worth something is going to cost you something, so don't despair!  If you really want it, prepare now to pay the price for it.

If you want to start now, take a look at a POSER and VUE.  Just do an internet search for them...they are not real expensive (relatively speaking) and will help you understand and cultivate the fundamentals of animation, without bogging you down with all of the really tough details.

Cheers,
Andre'