-solve that dilemma. Overall though, stability was seen in both the long term financial and industrial aspects of these fields which are a big part in why I chose to enter into 3D animation. But in trouth, my decision to become a 3D animator is solidified by my insatiable hunger to make my art more life like. Thus by staying in a field such as
computer animation, I will always remain at the forefront of future visual technologies.
I have found that there are
no specific schools that I might need to attend to compete effectively
in the 3D industry. Thus any school with courses pertaining to 3D
animation will do. Animation studios like Pixar look at your work first
to see if it shows that you have a mastery of, or great potential in, the
areas of animation; lighting, modeling, or writing shaders. They then
look at your resume to see your background and experience. So although
a flashy school background is great to have it won’t really help much
to set me apart from everyone else who went to a great school, only my
skills and experience it seems will guarantee that.
Armed with the knowledge of how the industry rates a potential employee, I then plotted out a course of action. I decided to attend classes at LaGuardia Community College. I chose this college due to the fact that the school ranked in the top 3 of 13 large community colleges in North America and had a major that I thought would point me in the right direction of my goal of becoming a 3D animator. The other two schools that shared honors with LaGuardia College were Douglas College in British Columbia and Oakton Community College in Illinois. I chose to major in New Media Technology under the Computer Information Systems department, or CIS, which will lead to an Associate in Applied Science, or AAS, degree. I picked this major because it seemed like the next logical step of incorporation to help provide me with additional technical proficiency.
The New Media Technology major can prepare me for careers in the new media field. These careers include, but are not limited to; webmaster, multimedia application developer, Internet programmer, streaming video, and digital film production. I know that this major can also instill in me a basic understanding of business organization and the role of computers in the industrial and corporate worlds. I can use this new found understanding to help build a solid foundation of knowledge. In addition I can then further develop my 3D animation skills on-top of that foundation. So by assimilating technology into my art such as 3D animation and vector graphic programs like Adobe Photoshop and Lightwave 3D, I have found a bridge across the void that existed, to me, in my work. Hopefully LaGuardia can help build upon the skills that I have already learned and take me towards new avenues of discovery that I might not have found otherwise.
Once I graduate from LaGuardia College, with an associate degree, I am going to transfer to a four year college to continue my education in the study of 3D animation and computer graphics. I will most likely choose to attend the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies, or just NYU for short. This school provides programs in Design, Digital Arts, and Film which are dynamic, comprehensive, and in touch with the rapidly changing industries of today. They also offer courses in Animation & Television, which are geared toward my specific needs. Their Digital Design courses are taught by today's hottest artists using the latest equipment and software. In addition, NYU offers an awesome master’s degree course in 3D animation, concepts from A to Z in the field, which I am seriously considering taking part in.
In reality, any school with a course in computer graphics and 3D technology will suffice for me. Once I earn my bachelors degree from my choice school, I will apply the bulk of my energy towards achieving my master’s degree in 3D animation, which will
hopefully solidify my path towards becoming a 3D design master.
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