Are you interested in animation or video game development and considering joining a diploma or certificate program? It is indeed difficult to choose a specific program in the field of animation because it all depends on the personal interest of the student and what he or she is looking for. Do not worry at all, as this blog will help you narrow down your list of programs.
What Suits You?
There are various diplomas and certificate programs on the market that you can choose from. Some programs are more generic, while others are specifically designed for a particular area. If you want to first make a strong base and later opt for a specialization, then a four-year degree program might be more suitable for you. Degree programs can give you a very strong platform, but they take more time to complete and are considerably more expensive than a diploma or certificate. However, if you want to start your career early, then a diploma or a certificate program can help you more.
2D or 3D?
Animation is a process in which images are used to bring the illusion of motion by the rapid movement of all the images in a sequence. Over the years, despite so many technological improvements, the fundamentals of animation are still the same, i.e., the display of rapidly changing images in a sequence.
Animation is a creative field, and the courses in one program can be very different from another; therefore, it is important to have a closer look at it before you choose any animation program. For instance, although 2D and 3D animation have much in common, they are also different in so many ways. People usually ask which one is easy or difficult or which one is more in demand. None is easy or difficult, in demand or out of demand; it all depends on what type of industry you want to work in.
Since degree programs are longer, they can easily provide a mix of both 2D and 3D courses, but this is usually not the case in diploma or certificate programs. There are so many diploma programs on the market that offer 2D and 3D courses in a combined curriculum. However, if you are specifically interested in only 2D Animation College in Canada, you can check out this 2D Character Animation Diploma Program offered by Edison College. This 2D character animation program is a one-year intensive diploma program designed to get students ready for a career as a 2D animator. It provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers all aspects of 2D animation. It also includes real-world projects designed to give students hands-on experience. All courses are designed to flow one into the other with the culmination of two personal projects. All of this will be combined together into a demo reel and portfolio website so that students have the resources to start their career as an animator.
Program Duration
Time duration of the program especially counts when you have a certain period in your mind to start your career. The duration of a degree program is most likely more than the diploma and certificate program and also costs you more money. If you have time and money to invest, then you have the option to choose from a degree or long diploma according to your situation. However, if you want to start your career sooner rather than later, then obviously a short diploma or a certificate program suits you more.
Importance of Practicum
Some animation programs have more components of practicum or hands-on training than others. Therefore, it is better to go through the curriculum of the program before enrolling yourself and see what kind of practicum it offers. This matters a lot because hands-on training during the program not only refines your work but can also provide you an opportunity to make industry contacts while you are still a student. It will give you an advantage over others if your college provides you an opportunity to make industry links, as part of a compulsory practicum as it will immensely help you find better work after you complete your program.
Reputation
Some people believe the reputation of a college is not an important factor when choosing an animation program; they say what matters most for employers is your portfolio. However, the reputation of a college is vital because good colleges not only regularly update their curriculum to meet industry requirements, but also provide continuous career guidance to their graduates. What good colleges do is that they prepare their students early on and help build them individual portfolios so that by the time they graduate they have something to show to employers. Good colleges also have well-placed alumni who can also better guide the students in job placements.
Conclusion
All in all, just like choosing any other career, it is crucial to do some research before choosing the field of animation. However, like other creative fields, animation requires extra effort because it usually boils down to what interests you more and what kind of specialization you want to have. Animation is a field that requires some time to develop an expertise in, therefore; it is better to choose your options carefully at the start and then gradually build your portfolio.
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