news • 29 October 2024
What course should I take to become an animator?
Nothing beats bringing a character to life – and that’s just one of many reasons to love being an Animator. From early scribbles to living creations, you can fully engage your imagination and creativity with this exciting art form.
But where do you begin? Which animation course is best to get your foot in the field? What are the animation degree entry requirements? And what exactly do you need to look for in terms of learning paths? After reading this guide, you’ll have a better idea of how to launch your dream animation career – let’s get moving.
Why get into animation?
Animation offers endless possibilities for creativity, innovation, and an almost childlike sense of wonder. You’re always learning, both technically and artistically, bringing characters and stories to life: sometimes on a global scale. For instance, imagine working on movies such as The Lion King, Godzilla, and Doctor Strange – all titles the experienced tutors behind our animation courses boast credits for – and who you can gain hands-on animation experience with.
Who are animation courses for?
If you have a passion for storytelling through movement and want to make a career of it, animation courses can take your artistic ambitions to the next level. Whether you're eager to delve into 3D Animation evening studies or embark on a 2D Animation degree, the best courses teach you the skills, theories, and real-life scenarios necessary for industry success. And the best part? For some of our courses, you don’t need any qualifications to access them.
Which animation course is best for me?
To master animation, you need a healthy dose of dedication, a commitment to the practice, and, of course, access to high-quality education and resources. So where can aspiring animators begin pursuing their passion?
Think about the parts you love
Before diving into the array of animation courses available, take time to consider which parts of the art form you love most, and which you’re best at. Whether that’s 2D, 3D, characters, storyboarding or something else entirely, understanding the areas you want to work in will help break down your search to find the animation courses that align with your goals – don’t be afraid to dream big.
Research animation academies
A proven track record of excellence is a must for any animation school. During your research, think: Does this academy equip students with studio-ready skills? What industry connections does it have? And how strong is its alumni network? For instance, our 'Escapees' have contributed to projects like Thor: Love and Thunder, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, and Stranger Things.
See what modules are covered
You should know the curriculum of each course. If you’re unsure what you want to specialise in, animation courses that cover a wide range of modules – from locomotion and mechanics to animals and creatures – will give you a solid start.
Put real-world experience first
Theory is important, but animation courses that open up the real world of animation are true gems: the life skills you can gain with access to industry professionals, mentors, and fellow aspiring animators can lead to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations. Training on industry-standard software – such as Maya, ToonBoom Harmony, and Blender – is also a must. Our hands-on industry-focused training ensures you’ll graduate with the skills needed to produce a compelling showreel, setting you up for a successful career in animation.
How many years is an animation course?
This can vary, depending on the specific course or degree you choose, and it’s important to choose something that fits your lifestyle, learning style, and career goals. Here, we provide a breakdown of the typical time frames, with examples of paths you can take:
Animation short courses
These can range from a few weeks to several months. For instance, our 3D Animation short courses are available in 12- or 20-week formats. Designed to fast-track your skills, they’ll quickly get you industry-ready. At Escape Studios, we offer a versatile selection of courses to suit a wide range of learning styles, career progressions, and lifestyles, including:
Animation evening online courses
For those already in employment or with other commitments, evening online courses are the perfect way to still improve animation skills and knowledge. Escape Studios offer the following evening online courses:
- Storyboarding (evening – online)
- 2D Animation with Toon Boom Harmony (evening – online)
- 3D Animation (evening – online)
- 2D Character Design (evening – online)
Undergraduate degrees
With more comprehensive training – covering foundational to advanced animation techniques theory, and practical applications – a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Animation will usually take three to four years to complete, such as the integrated courses below:
- BSc (Hons)/MSci Character Creation for Animation, Games & VFX
- BA (Hons)/MArt The Art of Computer Animation (2D)
- BA (Hons)/MArt The Art of Computer Animation (3D)
Postgraduate degrees
Want to focus on a more specific aspect of animation? A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) degree in animation typically requires one year of study, after you’ve earned your undergraduate degree. For those who want to take their studies even further, we offer the following:
Want to explore more animation courses?
At Escape Studios, we’re in the world’s top rankings training and teaching – placed in Britain’s top 5 creative schools by The Rookies. All our animation courses will help prepare you for the reality of working in a motion design studio: working to briefs to give you practical experience. By the end of each, you'll be confident in your creative and technical skills, ready to bring your career in animation to life.
Explore our full range of animation courses and showreels and get in touch to open the door to a whole new creative world.
