Animation Major: Do You Need Prior Experience?
Whether you need to be able to do animation when applying for an animation major will depend on the specific requirements of the programs you are interested in. Some programs may require applicants to have prior experience with animation or to have taken animation courses, while others may be open to students with more general art or design backgrounds.
In terms of portfolio requirements, this can vary widely by the program as well. Generally, you will need to submit a portfolio of your work that showcases your skills and creativity in areas such as drawing, painting, digital art, and/or animation. Many animation programs will also require applicants to submit a demo reel or other examples of their animation work. Be sure to research the specific portfolio requirements for the programs you are interested in applying to.
As for top college recommendations for animation, there are many great programs to choose from. Here are five highly-regarded animation programs:
- California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) – Valencia, California
- Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Providence, Rhode Island
- School of Visual Arts (SVA) – New York, New York
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Savannah, Georgia
- Ringling College of Art and Design – Sarasota, Florida
Remember, there are many other great animation programs out there, so be sure to research a variety of schools and programs to find the best fit for your goals and interests.
