Anyone know about getting into animation? - Old resurrected thread.

[sueellen]

Anyone know about getting into animation? One of the kids is very keen on it and just wondering what is involved career wise?

 

[piggy]

They'll probably want to become a graphic artist sueellen. throws up a few courses although I'm sure there's more out there.

How old is this offspring? If they're still in school they may be able to get work experience in an animation house. I seem to remember someone doing something similar many moons ago when I was in school. Again throws up some interesting links. Flash technology has been a huge vehicle for graphic designers of recent years but in some ways it's on the decline as just another skill that animators and web designers need as part of their experience. Be aware that most graphic designers I know don't earn that much money. It's not very highly paid until you reach the pinacle of your field. Many graphic people now (I believe) make money by story-boarding for films etc...not stable work but like most things in the film industry once you have contacts you're set.

 

[sueellen]

Hi Piggy,

Thanks for that. She is only 12 but talks constantly about it. Will have a good look at the links.

I'm sure no matter what it'll cost Mother a lot in the long run but it goes with the territory

 

[Brendan Burgess]

Ballyfermot College of Further Education has an international reputation in the animation field. It would be worth contacting them at this stage to find out if they do, or would consider doing, summer schools for talented teenagers.

Brendan

 

[sueellen]

Hi Brendan,

Thanks for the tip. She's in her element now with all the info. from yourself and piggy.

 

[Johnner]

Ballyer

Did you know that the Oscar nomintated owners of Brown Bag productions (makers of the excellent "Give up yer auld sins") were failed by Ballyfermot college ?

 

[piggy]

Re: Ballyer

This might be interesting for her...an article on Animation Career + Disney.

 

[John]

Animation

I think for animation, Ballyfermot is probably the best option. A flatmate of mine did that course. He was always doing classic animation (few sheets at a time) aswell as computer graphics animation.

Graphic design is a different area - thats more to do with brochure/logo/website design etc.

 

[piggy]

Hi John,

Graphic Design is much more closely linked to animation than you might think. Flash technology has largely helped with this transition.
I'm not a GD but I do know a few and it's about far more than logo design and websites.
The last company I worked for developed E-Learning products where the designers were essentially animators...using Flash technology.
Some of them were also working with 3D animation products.

 

[John]

Animation

Hi piggy,

I'm sure there is a certain crossover between the two areas by some firms, but I think in general, graphic design firms deal with the 'traditional' design areas. The few people I know working in graphic design don't do anything with animation. I was assuming the poster was interested in animation for tv/cinema as opposed to flash/website animation. If that assumption is correct, I think a focused animation course would be more suitable than a graphic design course that would just do a bit of animation.

 

[piggy]

That's a fair point. You're probably right.

 

[jem]

I know rtc tralee do a good design course which includes animation. an employee of one of my clients went there.

 

[Cuchulainn]

animation

Daugher of mine was the same. Wanted to do animation. Went to Dun Laogaire college of Art Design and Technology. Was a diploma course when she completed a few years back. Now a degree course.They make a little animated film for graduation. Her one was shown at the Galway film festival that particular year.Daughter now in St Pats Drumcondra.Having spent 3 years 'learning' the trade no longer interested.

 

[Sue Ellen]

Re: Animation

I've just come across this old thread on animation and I'm wondering if anyone has any further advice to add on the difference between Ballyfermot College and the college in Dun Laoire, IADT.

I have only found out recently when we attended the open day that the course in IADT is a degree one which Ballyfermot's is not.

It would be much closer to home to use Ballyfermot but the commute might be worth it in the long run if there was a big difference in qualifications.

Any views?

Thanks.

 

[micheller]

Re: Animation

My husband did the Ballyfermot course 4 years ago now.

Here's what he had to say- verbatim (so apologies if this offends anyone in DL):

"The Ballyfermot course is now a degree course too. There is a 2 year higher diploma course followed by a 2 year degree Degree course.

The Ballyfermot course is also proper animation. It is film quality; whether 3D or 2D. It is hard work, but there are good connections to the industry. My lecturers had worked in Disney, on the Simspons (screenwriting lecturer) and had worked with Josh Whedon on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
It is also one of the longest courses in terms of hours- 22 per week. But I really enjoyed my time there and would recommend it to anyone seriously interested in animation.
Out of my class 1 girl is in canada now working with Richard Williams (who framed roger rabbit). 1 guy is working for disney in Italy. A few are working in the games industry in england (lego star wars & lego indiana jones) and a few are working in Ireland.

I went to an open day in Dun Laoigre and the animation there was all either web stuff or quite arty stuff (people filming out the bus window and then putting a photo effect on the footage and the like). While the atmoshphere in DL seemed much more relaxed and trying to help the artist within, the ballyfermot course reflected the hard work and pratical nature of the industry. "

Hope that helps,M.

 

[Bob the slob]

Re: Animation

I would go with the Dun Laoghaire course. This college is one of the best art colleges in the country. I know a lot of people who went here and give the place nothing but praise.