Can’t decide whether to major in Animation or Cinema? These days you don’t have to choose because today’s animation programs offer the opportunity to study multiple areas, so you’ll graduate with skills in more than one discipline. Students interested in Animation and Cinema may select a concentration or focus area, a minor or double major, a customized curriculum, or even a double degree. No matter which route you choose, each program will provide the education and training needed to qualify for positions in both Animation and Cinema.
A good example is DePaul University’s BFA in Animation with a Concentration in Cinema. “In addition to the core visual aesthetic and animation courses,” says the school, “students study filmmaking and visual storytelling,” and advanced courses in an optional Focus area. BFA students will choose from a variety of studio art courses as part of their major elective requirements as well. Sample courses include History of Cinema I, II, III, Cinema and Art, Digital Cinema Production, Screenwriting for Majors, Story Development, Storyboarding and Narrative Development, Titles for Cinema and Animation, Editing, 3D Animation, 3D Character Animation, Hand-Drawn Character Animation, Animation Production, Post-Production, Advanced Painting, and Color Theory and Application.
If a student decides to take advantage of the Focus area option, dozens of available. Some of the most popular include Traditional Animation, 3D Character Animation, 3D Modeling and Rigging, Motion Graphics, and CGI. These focus areas allow students to dive deeper into the world of animation and experimentation. Just a few unique course options include Hybrid Animation, 3D Organic Modeling, and 3D Dynamics. Visual Effects (one of the most in-demand areas in the film industry) is also on the menu.
DePaul isn’t the only school that has exceptional programs for aspiring Animators with an interest in Cinema. Edinboro University offers a BFA in Applied Media Arts with a Concentration in Cinema – Focus Computer Animation and Columbia College offers a BA in Film & Video with Concentrations in Animation, Cinema Studies, Sound for Cinema, and Cinematography. Students may take Animation and Cinema Studies, Animation and Cinematography, or Animation and Sound for Cinema. And then there’s DigiPen Institute of Technology.
The school’s BFA in Digital Art and Animation prepares students for positions such as Cinematic Animator and Effects Animator among others. Developing strong storytelling abilities is emphasized, including visual storytelling, literary traditions, story through dialog, story through acting, and cinematic conventions. Other schools such as University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), offer programs such as a BFA in Visual Arts with the opportunity to choose a Concentration in Animation and/or Cinematic Arts.
Graduates of today’s Animation & Cinema programs, typically pursue positions at film, animation, and visual effects studios. Some may find their way to a game design studio, while others might venture out on their own. Fortunately, all pursuits offer excellent employment growth and earning potential, especially if you live in California—the top paying state for Animators and Multimedia Artists.
Take a look at the top five highest paying states, the states with the highest employment level, the industries with the highest levels of employment, and the industries with the highest concentration of employment for Animators and Multimedia Artists.
Highest paying states for Animators and Multimedia Artists:
- California - $82,680
- Connecticut - $78,870
- Massachusetts - $77,370
- District of Columbia - $76,530
- Washington - $76,130
States with the highest employment level:
- California - $82,680
- New York - $73,310
- Washington - $76,130
- Texas - $70,990
- Georgia - $55,260
Industries with the highest levels of employment for Animators and Multimedia Artists:
- Motion Picture and Video - $75,630
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services - $73,800
- Software Publishers - $77,870
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services - $69,400
- Other Information Services $80,890
Industries with the highest concentration of employment:
- Motion Picture and Video - $75,630
- Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers - $74,940
- Software Publishers - $77,870
- Specialized Design Services - $57,570
- Other Information Services $80,890
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), overall employment of Animators and Multimedia Artists is projected to grow six percent from 2014 to 2024. This means the industry will add nearly 4,000 new jobs by 2024. This growth rate is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
If a degree in Animation & Cinema sounds like the way to go, you can begin your search for a program here.
Sources
"Animation (BFA): Cinema Concentration." College of Computing and Digital Media. DePaul University, 2001-2014. Web. 30 Sept. 2017.
"Applied Media Arts - Cinema." College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences: Art Department. Edinboro University, 2017. Web. 30 Sept. 2017.
“Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Arts.” Department of Visual Arts. University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 2017. Web. 30 Sept. 2017.
"BFA in Digital Art and Animation." DigiPen. DigiPen, 2017. Web. 30 Sept. 2017.
"Media Arts." Cinema and Television Arts. Columbia College, 2017. Web. 30 Sept. 2017.
"Multimedia Artists and Animators." Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 17 Dec. 2017. Web. 30 Sept. 2017.