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Masters in animation is an academic level you would love to attain. But how to get Masters in animation becomes an issue. This article is for you as you wish to obtain a Masters in VFX. Even if you don’t have basic knowledge of animation, I will adequately explain this to you.
During this discussion, we will explain What animation is, and By the end of the first section of this article dedicated to guiding you on how to get Masters in animation, you will be able to understand some basic principles of animation;
- what animation is.
- Types of Animation.
- Degree in animation & schools that offer animation masters programs
- Difficulty’s / pros& cons.
What is Animation?
If you’re considering taking this course, you already have a solid idea of what it is. Animation is the digital art of making inanimate objects move as if they are authentic. Animation is also the process of photographing successive drawings, models, or even puppets, to be able to create an image that can move in a sequence, basically, like the cartoons you watch.
In the epic animation process, pictures are drawn or painted on transparent celluloid sheets to be filmed. Epic cartoons are good examples of this.
The animated movies today are computer-generated imagery, usually called CGI. To create the appearance of a smooth motion from a painted, drawn computer-generated images, frame rate, or the number of continuous images displayed each second is considered necessary.
Moving characters or animated characters are usually shot “on twos,” which means one image is shown for two frames, totalling 12 drawings per second. 12 frames per second motion look choppy in most cases. A higher frame rate like 24 usually used makes motion smooth in the film industry.
Types of Animation
- Traditional Animation
- 2D Animation
- 3D Animation
- Motion Graphics
- Stop Motion
Traditional Animation:
The term traditional animation is the oldest form of animation in the animation industry. Some also call it hand-drawn animation. In traditional animation, objects are drawn on transparent celluloid paper. To form an animated sequence, the animator must draw every frame. It’s the exact mechanism as a flipbook, just on a grander scale.
2D Animation:
2D, or two-dimensional animation, is an artistic technique and media design that creates the illusion of movement in a two-dimensional environment. 2D Animation at times fall’s under traditional animation. For example, some of our favourite early cartoons include — Lion king, beauty and the beast, etc. A bachelor’s degree is needed when it comes to educational requirements.
3D Animation:
3D or computer animation is the most commonly used animation type today. But that doesn’t necessarily make it easier because computers are used instead of actual hand drawings. A computer is just a tool, and 3D animation is still a long, tedious process.
In 3D animation, animators use a program to move the parts of the character around. They usually set their digital frames when all of the parts of the character are in place. This is done for each frame, and then the computer calculates the motion from each frame.
Read Also: How Long Does it Take to Get a Masters Degree? See Program Duration
Motion Graphics:
Motion Graphics are digital graphics that create an illusion of motion, usually for ads, title sequences in films, but the primary purpose is to communicate comprehensively to the viewers. Motion graphics are usually joined with sound for multimedia projects.
Stop Motion:
Stop motion is a combination of Claymation, pixilation, object motion, and more. The major mechanics are just like the traditional method just like a flipbook. Nevertheless, instead of drawings, stop motion moves physical objects in each frame.
If moved in small increments, captured one frame simultaneously, the illusion of motion is produced. Whether puppets, clay, or even real people, these manual adjustments can make it a very tedious process.
Masters in Animation Degree.
Like getting any other degree acquiring Masters in Animation is quite a task but not impossible. On a basic level, it’s probably the most advanced degree you can get. Plus, getting a masters in VFX shows everyone you know what you’re doing.
More importantly, it shows your competence in different subsets of animation like 2D, 3D, drawing, and stop-motion.
However, it is for you to have your Masters in VFX puts you out there in your field, showing you have what it takes to go head to head with probably the best of the best in the animations industry and could potentially net you a spot at Pixar and Disney.
Now for you to get that degree, there are certain degrees to acquire like the:
Masters in Art (MA):
It’s basically a master’s degree that shows that a student has completed a vast really array of different subjects dealing in the humanities. This Master’s degree includes history, sociology, languages, and political science.
Masters of Fine Arts (M.F.A.):
An M.F.A. is really one of the highest degrees an animator can achieve in the artistic/ animation field. It is considered a heavily focused degree on one track, namely animation. That’s all there is to, Masters of Fine Arts as the degree which mainly focuses on your field, rather than a culmination of other related subjects combined.
How long does it take to attain Masters in Animation?
How long does it take to get a degree in animation masters programs? Well, Depending on where you are studying, this could vary. Usually, since students concentrate on a single subject, it should probably take less time than getting a bachelor’s degree.
At times some programs require four or more years, so it depends on where your studying, as well as what subset of animation you’re pursuing.
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Requirements for an Animation Masters Program
The requirement for a master’s degree in animation is having your bachelor’s degree in a related field. You can’t apply for a master’s degree in animation with just a high school, G.E.D., or certification. You’re going to have to put in the work to show that you got the stuff for an intensive master’s program.
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There are more colleges around the world that offer masters in animation, but those above are the top five.
What are the pros and cons of an animation master’s degree in animation?
The pros:
- The global animation industry is vast
- It allows freedom to show your personal expression by adding your own touch to your work.
- This profession is quite lucrative.
- It gives you creative freedom if you create your own cartoons
- You are paid to express your creative ideas.
- Engages you in active learning, cooperative learning and uses a range of multiple intelligences.
- You work at your own pace and do not really require keeping up with everyone.
The cons:
- It is time-consuming since it includes drawing individual frames for each scene.
- The repetition of work can become tiresome at times
- It can take up a lot of high frequency or bandwidth, so it takes too long to display over a slow internet connection. etc
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