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Thinking about becoming an animator? It’s an amazing career full of creativity, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. Animation lets you give life to characters, making it one of the most rewarding jobs out there. But where do you begin? What should you study? How do you even know if this is the right path for you? Let’s break it all down.

Do You Need to Go to College to Become an Animator?

The short answer? Maybe. Whether or not you need a formal education depends entirely on your chosen path, goals, and circumstances. But before deciding, it’s critical to understand the vast world of animation and where you see yourself within it.

Know What You Want to Do in Animation

Animation is a massive industry, offering a mix of specialisations. Here are some areas you might explore:

• 2D Animation: Traditional or digital drawing to create movement frame by frame.
• 3D Animation: Creating animated characters and objects using software.
• Stop-Motion Animation: Using physical models to create movements frame by frame.
• Motion Graphics: Graphic design elements brought to life, often seen in ads or videos.
• Modelling and Rigging: Creating and preparing 3D characters or objects for animation.
• Visual Effects (VFX): Adding computer-generated effects to live-action footage.

Each field has its own tools, techniques, and career pathways. Figure out what excites you. Do some research to see how each specialisation works. If you’re not entirely sure, start broad and narrow your focus later on.

Why Formal Education Can Be Helpful

If you know animation is your dream, attending a college, university, or animation school can provide structure, guidance, and access to essential resources. It’s especially useful for fields like 3D animation or character design, where foundational skills make all the difference.

Formal programs expose you to animation principles, software, and workflows in a way that’s often hard to replicate when self-taught. You’ll also work on guided projects and get feedback, which helps sharpen your skills. Employers can spot animators who lack these basics, which might hold you back when job-seeking.

The Downsides of Formal Education

Not everyone has the time or money to attend a college or university, and that’s okay. Full-time courses can be expensive and may not always align with your schedule or life situation. While formal education provides a fantastic foundation, it’s not the only way.

Alternatives to Traditional Education

You can take online courses, learn part-time, or even teach yourself. Many animators have succeeded without formal qualifications by putting in the time to study the basics themselves. You’ll find countless resources online, some of them free. You just need the discipline to stick with it.

Think About Your Career Goals

Do you want to specialise in one area of animation or become a generalist? Specialists often work on very targeted parts of a project, like lighting or character rigging, while generalists do a bit of everything. If you’re unsure, starting as a generalist offers flexibility and allows you to explore different roles.

Learning Animation: Where Do You Start?

Once you’ve decided whether to attend a formal institution or go solo, it’s time to figure out how to learn what you need.

Formal Education Options

If you’re based in South Africa, here are some reputable options for animation education:

1. The Animation School: Offers full-time diplomas in animation. Campuses are in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
2. Learn 3D: Provides part-time and full-time courses in 2D and 3D animation, with campuses in Cape Town and Midrand.
3. Open Window: Offers a Bachelor of Film Arts, where students can major in 3D animation, game design, or motion design.
4. Boston Media House: Offers electives in animation.
5. Manresa: Has courses in 2D and 3D animation with a focus on visual effects.

If you’re considering online programs, check platforms like:

• Animation Mentor: Offers structured online courses and free resources.
• CG Spectrum: Covers everything from animation fundamentals to game design.
• Udemy: Affordable courses for beginners and professionals alike.

How to Teach Yourself

If college isn’t an option, don’t worry. Self-teaching is a viable path, but you’ll need to approach it the right way. Start by mastering the basics. The Animator’s Survival Kit by Richard Williams is a must-have. It breaks down fundamental concepts like anticipation, follow-through, and timing—concepts you’ll hear again and again in animation.

Start small with exercises like animating a bouncing ball. It might sound simple, but it teaches critical concepts like weight and timing. Skipping these basics can make your future work sloppy or inconsistent.

Essential Animation Principles

Here are some principles every animator must know:

• Anticipation
• Timing
• Staging
• Follow-Through
• Exaggeration
• Weight
• Arcs

These principles don’t just apply to character animation—they’re equally important in motion graphics and even basic design work.

Software You’ll Need

For 3D animation, industry standards like Autodesk Maya or Blender are key. Blender is especially great for beginners since it’s free and highly versatile. For 2D, look at Toon Boom or Adobe Animate. Motion graphic artists should focus on Adobe After Effects. Spend time learning how these tools work and apply them to real projects.

Is Animation Worth It?

Animation is challenging but fulfilling. However, there are some truths about working in this industry you need to know.

The Highs

Animation is incredibly creative. You get to breathe life into characters and stories, which can be deeply satisfying. With advances in tech, the opportunities are endless. You could work on films, games, ads, or even VR experiences.

For freelancers, the flexibility to choose clients and projects is a major plus. Freelance rates for mid-level animators range from around R2,500 a day or R300 an hour in South Africa—higher for experienced professionals.

The Challenges

It’s hard work. Deadlines are constant, stress levels can soar, and long hours are often unavoidable. When starting out, you might work late nights or even pull 24-hour shifts to meet project demands. It’s not always glamorous.

The industry is highly competitive. You’ll need an excellent showreel and portfolio to stand out. Companies often know they can lowball salaries due to high demand, making it tough for newcomers to earn well.

South Africa’s Animation Landscape

The South African animation industry has grown massively over the past decade, and there’s room for even more growth. Opportunities exist both locally and globally, but the market is competitive. Networking is essential, as knowing the right people can open doors.

Tips for Building a Career in Animation

1. Craft a Strong Showreel: Keep it short and relevant. Show only your best work.
2. Stay Up-to-Date: Technology evolves quickly, so always keep learning.
3. Network: Attend industry events or connect with other animators online.
4. Improve Time Management: Deadlines will always be part of the job, so learn to work efficiently.
5. Don’t Get Discouraged: It’s a tough industry, but passion and dedication go a long way.

Animation is a brilliant career choice for creative minds, but it’s not all fun and games. There’ll be late nights, tight deadlines, and moments of frustration. However, if you have the passion and the grit to push through, it’s an incredibly rewarding field with unlimited possibilities.

So, what are you waiting for? Start learning, practising, and creating. The world of animation is waiting for you to make your mark.