Recommended Course of Study for Students Interested in Careers in Animation

By DISNEY

The following describes skills Disney Feature Animation looks for in Artists, both Traditional and CGI. When looking for a college to attend, you may want to find one that has strong programs and classes in the following:

Drawing

• Sequential Drawing - Drawing that tells a story in consecutive sequences
• Realistic, representational life drawing
• Anatomy
• Clothed-figure studies
• Quick studies
• Head, hands and feet drawing
• Animal drawing
• Quick sketches of urban surroundings and landscapes

Animation Skills
(Not essential to obtaining an entry level position in Animation, although a plus if you have some experience)

• Squash and stretch
• Anticipation
• Follow through
• Overlapping action
• Pantomime
• Perspective
• Composition
• Stop Motion
• Claymation

Design and Color

• Illustration
• Painting
• Color theory
• Design
• Composition
• Perspective

Film
(Not essential to obtaining an entry level position in Animation, although a plus if you have some experience)

• Live-action cinematography and film history
• Understanding film language
• Editing
• Sound

Additional Classes

• Acting and improvisation
• Art history
• Animation history
• General history

In addition to the previously mentioned courses, students interested in CGI should consider a curriculum which includes the following:

CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery)
(Not essential to obtaining an entry level position in Animation, although a plus if you have some experience)

• 2D computer tools (Illusion, Matador, Amazon Paint, Fractal Painter, Photoshop, Composer, Shake, Discreet)
• Solid understanding of 3D animation disciplines (Modeling, Animation, Lighting, Rendering) and high-end graphics packages (i.e., Alias PowerAnimator, Maya, Softimage, RenderMan)
• Traditional Sculpture/Models (Modelers)
• Photography (Lighting)
• Technical problem-solving skills
• Programming in C/C++ and UNIX and high-end graphics packages (Technical Directors) (i.e., Alias PowerAnimator, Maya, Softimage, RenderMan)
• Computer Science, Math, Physics or Engineering courses (Software Technical Director)

Fonte: Disney