What is offered at College of the Canyons?
The Animation Program at College of the Canyons is a two-year program leading to an Associate in Arts Degree in Animation Production or Computer Animation, or a Certificate in Animation Production or Computer Animation. The program provides preparation for transfer to four year universities with a major in animation. The program provides a foundation in traditional animation skills as well as training in current digital technology in order to compete in today’s evolving environment.
What kind of training will I receive at College of the Canyons?
The Animation Program certificates are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the animation industry. At the conclusion of their studies, all students will be prepared for entry-level positions in a number of fields (for example: video game design, television and motion picture production), requiring them to create animation by either computer or handdrawn methods, or a combination of the two. We offer classes in traditional drawn animation, character design, layout, storyboarding and 2D computer animation. Our 3D computer animation classes offer students training in 3D character animation, special effects and video game production.
Why do computer animators have to know how to draw?
Although it is important to learn current software programs, animators must first understand the underlying principles of animation in order to bring their characters to life. The drawn animation classes provide a foundation for students in concepts such as squash and stretch, timing, anticipation and reaction. These traditional concepts are taught in combination with the latest computer technology to give students the most complete digital media and animation training available. Students studying Animation Production will work in traditional drawn animation in order to develop skills in animation, story development and the production process. Computer Animation students will work on the computer to study the principles of animation, story development, and 2D and 3D computer animation and effects.
Traditional animation:
Jobs in traditional animation are available in television, feature films and commercials. Traditional animation jobs include:
• Animator • Background Artist • Character Designer • Art Director • Director • Storyboard Artist • Layout • Color Stylist
Computer animation:
Computer animation jobs are available in special effects, commercials, the internet and video game companies. Additional jobs are available in television and feature film markets. Computer animation jobs include:
• Animator • Special Effects Animator • Character Animator • Character Rigging • Lighting Designer • Modeler • Technical Director • Texture Artist
Turn your thoughts into exciting images!
From video games to websites; from online advertising to movie and television production companies, animators are very much in demand in today’s workforce. Fueled by your imagination, you can enjoy a lifetime of creativity in the world of animation. The animation field, however, is a fiercely competitive one, so if you want to succeed in it you need to get the best education and training possible. College of the Canyons is a great place to start with classes that cover both theory and hands-on experience.
What more information?
For more information about the College of the Canyons Animation program, visit the college’s animation website here or call 661-362-3688.