Do Animator Enthusiasts Need to Attend Animation School?

This is a very good question, but it is a question that can only be answered by the person asking it. Students are students for a myriad of reasons, and each reason is as unique as they are themselves. Animation students are often in school to get a job, which is the reason that Animation Mentor exists, to get people their dream job. But students are also in school because they have always been fascinated by animation, or just really love doing it, or perhaps this ‘magical mystery’ has always intrigued them.

So the answer to this not defined, but what is certain is the fact that there is no reason you should NOT attend animation school, if you have the means to do so. Animation school is not only a place to animate, but also a place to really study the world around you. Animators are interested in many little things all around them that other people may not see. Perhaps it is the circling of a fly as it struggles against a draft, or perhaps it’s the rapid fire glances of a twelve week old puppy as she discovers the world around her. Animation school will get you to actively observe these things, and to study them, for you never know when you may need to refer back to this experience when it comes time to animate 101 young Dalmatian puppies, each discovering the world.

Our advice to you would be to try it out, and see what you think. Once you have attended a few classes, then ask yourself that question again. Do I, as an animation enthusiast, need to attend animation school? We're confident that you will be able to answer your own question.

Animation Mentor Staff