I want to become an animator when I finish high school, but should I get general education first then go to an art school or should I do both but online?

Question

DDfan · Answer

In person has showed to help more people out because they can interact and ask more questions, but if its online its not as easy to get the help you need

Holly · Answer

@ddfan wrote:

In person has showed to help more people out because they can interact and ask more questions, but if its online its not as easy to get the help you need

true

SmokeyBrown · Answer

If you already have a solid idea of what you want to do, I think it might be worthwhile to seek out schools or institutions with programs specifically focusing on education.
While general education isn't a bad thing, I assume the end goal would be for you to get a job in the animation industry, right? If that's the case, it may be better to focus on steps to work towards that (not that I know what those steps would be, specifically).
I'm not sure what you mean by "general education"; it could be worthwhile, or it could be a waste of time, depending on what it is and how it plays into what you eventually want to do.

Holly · Answer

@smokeybrown wrote:

If you already have a solid idea of what you want to do, I think it might be worthwhile to seek out schools or institutions with programs specifically focusing on education. While general education isn't a bad thing, I assume the end goal would be for you to get a job in the animation industry, right? If that's the case, it may be better to focus on steps to work towards that (not that I know what those steps would be, specifically). I'm not sure what you mean by "general education"; it could be worthwhile, or it could be a waste of time, depending on what it is and how it plays into what you eventually want to do.

Yes animation industry

SmokeyBrown · Answer

I think it's an awesome dream to work towards! Do you have any experience with animation already? Oh, and if I ask you about your inspirations as an artist, what sort of thing comes to mind?
Sorry if that's a bit personal. I think animation is really cool and also challenging, so it'd be neat to get your perspective :)

Holly · Answer

@smokeybrown wrote:

I think it's an awesome dream to work towards! Do you have any experience with animation already? Oh, and if I ask you about your inspirations as an artist, what sort of thing comes to mind? Sorry if that's a bit personal. I think animation is really cool and also challenging, so it'd be neat to get your perspective :)

I do have an experience and my inspirations are anime and books mostly. I get ideas from different anime shows and any type of books

SmokeyBrown · Answer

That's really neat. Some of the most beautiful animation I've seen has come from anime, and I'm a big fan of the genre. What are some of your favorites, if you don't mind me asking? 
And when you mention books, do you mean in terms of getting ideas for telling a story? Sorry, I wasn't exactly sure how books and animation are related ':D

Holly · Answer

@smokeybrown wrote:

That's really neat. Some of the most beautiful animation I've seen has come from anime, and I'm a big fan of the genre. What are some of your favorites, if you don't mind me asking? And when you mention books, do you mean in terms of getting ideas for telling a story? Sorry, I wasn't exactly sure how books and animation are related ':D

well i get character ideas off of other characters and my favs are MHA,AOT, Naruto, Black cover, Jjk, hayuii, Angel of darkness

SmokeyBrown · Answer

Very cool. I'm familiar with MHA, AoT, and Naruto; I know they have some really well-done fight scenes! And besides that they're just pretty fun shows. I can't say that I've seen the other shows you mentioned, but I've heard Black Clover is pretty good

Vocaloid · Answer

Something to keep in mind: for the art/animation industry, your portfolio matters more than your degree. I would personally go for a different degree besides animation and just work on your portfolio on the side. There are a lot of resources on the internet for learning animation in your free time.

I would only go for the animation degree if you

1. Can afford it
2. Are willing to risk not having a job after graduation (animation is a very competitive industry.

Just my two cents.

SmokeyBrown · Answer

@vocaloid wrote:

Something to keep in mind: for the art/animation industry, your portfolio matters more than your degree. I would personally go for a different degree besides animation and just work on your portfolio on the side. There are a lot of resources on the internet for learning animation in your free time. I would only go for the animation degree if you 1. Can afford it 2. Are willing to risk not having a job after graduation (animation is a very competitive industry. Just my two cents.

Very reasonable assessment. Sounds like sound advice :)