It was those days our stomach was full of joy, laughter, and contentment by just watching these shows. Funny how they turned out to be my best friends then. In fact, they were my best friends. Now the world of 3D has made kids of these days not aware of those characters. They were the real superstars in the time of 2D animation. But with 3D animation in this 21st Century, made 2D animation look like old fashion. They are really missing! However, the introduction of 3D animation means there are great career options available in the animation industry, hence many schools now offer animation degrees. Though not all animation schools in the USA offers the same level of knowledge. It is important you know the best schools that offer 2D and 3D animation to make a good career out of them. We will be highlighting them in this article. Also, these schools can show you how to combine the effect of 2D and 3D. So for students who want to gain ground in both fields, choose from any of these Best 2D and 3D Animation Schools that are popular in the USA. But before we venture into that, there are basic understanding that you need to come in terms with if you want to become an animator in the USA. The table of content below will give you a better insight.
What is Animation?
The word “Animation” is a representation of real-life motion through moving pictures. Traditionally, they draw images to be animated on celluloid sheets which are transparent. Then, they take a photograph of this image painted on celluloid for exposure through film. However, there are different types of animation, namely:
2D Animation (Definition)
2D animation is simply the art of creating movement in a two-dimensional environment. Including characters, creatures, FX, and backgrounds. However, it is the responsibility of the 2D animators to convey the story by making characters, objects, and backgrounds to move in a two-dimensional environment.
3D Animation (Definition)
3D animation is the art of using motion to bring to life characters, vehicles, props, and more through Tv shows, films, and games. Itis solely the responsibility of the animators to give objects weight and timing that makes the object feel like it truly exists as we see it. Interestingly, both 2D and 3D animation are extensively used in most important areas of life. Such as:
What is the Difference Between 2d and 3D Animation?
From the existence of 3D animation, it is someway difficult to say clearly the major difference between 2D and 3D animation. However, the best way to understand the difference is by remembering how Tom and Jerry’s movie was with recent cartoon movies. Though it will be difficult to identify the difference, yet to those who understand the language of animation, it will be so glaring.
Major Differences Between 2D and 3D Programs
Here is the major difference between 2D and 3D animation:
The Pros and Cons of 2D and 3D Animation
3D animation seems to be rising in demand across all sectors of industries and uses it, from gaming and advertising to entertainment. However, 2D animation is still popular and is used alongside 3D animation. So which is a better option for these industries? We will cover some pro’s and con’s of 2D and 3D animation below.
2D Pro’s
Lower Costs: Though the cost depends on the style of your animation, however, 2D animation can be much cheaper than 3D animation. This is mainly due to advancements in software, which means that not all animations need to be drawn frame by frame, reducing production time and therefore costs.Quicker to Produce: With cutting-edge software like Toonboom and After Effects, 2D animation becomes faster and more accessible.Easy Going Software: The software used to create 2D animations is not as taxing on your machines as 3D animation software. You don’t need a large render farm with robust graphics cards to run the software, although it does steal your renderings.Story Focused: 2D animations seem to be more story driven. When working with 3D objects, it is easier to achieve the “wow factor” with powerful camera movements and effects, but it can sometimes distract from the story or more intimate moments.
2D Con’s
Less Dynamic: As briefly mentioned above, 2D can feel less dynamic than 3D. For example, if you want to animate a moving car, creating it in 2D would be really tricky as it would need to redraw the car from multiple angles and take a lot of time. Alternatively, if you created the car in 3D space, you can simply rotate the car without having to redraw it multiple times.Less in Demand: As 3D becomes more available, the demand for 2D animation appears to have decreased. It’s still popular and widely used, but 3D seems to be the “flavor of the 21st Century.”Time Consuming: Cell-based animation, which is the traditional way of drawing frame by frame, involves redrawing each frame. If you consider that in the UK there are 25 frames per second which will soon be added to hundreds of drawings for a relatively short animation. That being said, software like Toonboom has great tools to speed up this process.
3D Pro’s
Superior Movement: All characters and objects are built-in 3D space, which means that you simply move the camera in a similar way to how you can move a camera in the real world. It gives you more flexibility to move around the world. It also allows your characters to rotate in 3D space without having to redraw each image. Once your character is modeled, the animation process can be quite fast, excluding, of course, the texturing and rendering.More Realistic: Technology has evolved so much that you can now create photorealistic renderings of your animation.Chance for High Possibilities: 3D animation lets you do things that might not be possible in 2D or in the real world. Going back to our rolling car example, obviously this is a dangerous maneuver to perform in the real world and somewhat difficult to create a 2D world. 3D offers the safest and most accurate interpretation.Reuse Models: Once you model your character, you can reuse them in an infinite number of new projects, saving you time and resources.Rise in popularity: Production companies like Disney, Dream Works, and Pixar have contributed to the popularity of 3D animation across all platforms. For example, the new McVitie’s advert
3D Con’s
Limited Imagination: 3D style is difficult compared to the wide range of styles that can be created in 2D. There’s a reason that most 3D animated characters have a similar style. You are somewhat limited by the platform when creating a character.More Complicated: There are several things involved in creating a 3D animation that complicates the process compared to 2D animation. When you create a 2D animation, you design the characters and animate them. When working in 3D, you need to model the character, animate it, add lightning bolts, and create textures before you can see a preview of what the final animation will look like. It is a time-consuming process and requires a lot of computing power to produce.Long Lead Times: Before you see your character, there is a lot of work involved, resulting in longer lead times.
Regardless of the advantages and disadvantages of 2D and 3D animation people prefer to blend both the techniques for breath-taking visuals.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Animation Schools?
The costs associated with earning an animation degree vary widely depending on where the student will go to school and whether they will study on campus or online. However, the best 3D and 2D Animation schools offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in animation and related fields usually charge more tuition. For instance, the California Institute of the Arts or CalArts, which was established by Walt and Roy Disney in 1961 as an example because it is widely regarded as one of the best schools when it comes to animation studios. It currently offers degrees and postgraduate degrees in Experimental Animation and Character Animation. Tuition for a full year at CalArts is $53,820. Another popular 3d and 2D animation schools are the Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida and the School of Visual Arts. Offers an undergraduate computer animation program. Tuition is $36,880 for one year. Online animation schools, on the other hand, offer students the opportunity to meet the demands of their classes at their own pace and at their own pace. Tuition fees are not that expensive either. For example, Full Sail University’s eight-semester Bachelor of Computer Animation program costs an average of $7,125 per semester. In addition to tuition and books, students who want to study on campus must also consider the cost of meals, accommodation, and transportation, among others. Health insurance and technology costs should also be factored into the student’s budget, as well as other personal expenses. Generally, the cost of tuition for most 3D and 2D Animation schools in the ranges from $40,500 to $59,000.
How Long Does it Take to Complete 2d & 3d Animation Programs?
It takes approximately four years to complete a typical bachelor’s degree 2D or 3D animation program. Though some schools offer programs that you can complete in three years Also, some four-year colleges and many community colleges offer two-year animation programs that lead to an associate degree. But for a master’s degree, it takes two years to complete a typical 2D and 3D animation program. While a Ph.D. degree takes approximately six years. However, how long you spend in studying in any 2D and 3D Animation Schools totally depends on the level you choose.
How to Decide on the Best 3D and 2DAnimation Schools for You
Most potential animation students in the USA always have different goals and that affects their decision on the school to attend. With all this, there are some important things every potential student should put into consideration. For instance, there is a need to know that you will be spending money, time, and effort on your education. And whatever it may be, it is in a bid to help you achieve your specific dreams and aspirations. Here are some important things to note while choosing a 3D and 2D animation schools to study in 2022. And endeavor to check them out and think carefully about how they apply to the schools you are choosing. There won’t need to rush into any school without verifying if the school is ideal for your personal needs.
School Location
In many other areas, the location of your school doesn’t have much of an impact on your options after graduation. But in animation, location really matters. Most of the large animation studios are located in specific areas and often recruit students from local animation schools. If you want to work in a specific part of the country or in a specific animation studio, choosing a school in that area can be of great help. For example, if you want to work at DreamWorks or Disney, attending an entertainment program near Los Angeles is probably your best option. Of course, if you don’t have a specific business or area where you want to work, the location of your school may be less important. Otherwise, you’ll want an entertainment show that makes sure you’re close to where you need to be for your future career.
Program Offerings and Curriculum
Not all animation programs offer the same programs or courses. For example, some focus more on 3D animation, while others may focus more on 2D animation. If you want to learn 3D animation but are attending a school that focuses on 2D animation, you may be frustrated with your decision. Be sure to review your future school’s curriculum offerings and curriculum to make sure it meets your needs. In this way, you will avoid unpleasant surprises, such as discovering that your school will not allow you to specialize in the field that you like the most. Please note that most, if not all, animation programs will include basic animation classes such as character animation and art and design. But when you enter the most unique fields, you may find yourself in a school without the proper curriculum. Character animation, art, and design are great, but if you want to become a technical artist and work in the video game industry, you need a program to get you there.
Opportunities for Hands-On Learning
Some areas of animation, such as 3D modeling, can be easier to learn with practical experience. If you want to pursue a career in 3D modeling, you may prefer a school that offers a hands-on experience where you can learn from an instructor in a classroom. You should also take into account your preferred learning style. For example, some students prefer the freedom to learn completely online, while others prefer more time in the classroom in their education. Think carefully about what type of student you are and what to expect from your classes. You can then choose a program that offers exactly the type of teaching setup you prefer.
Accreditation
You will hear a lot about accreditation in your search for colleges or universities. This is because accreditation is a huge problem in the world of higher education. Some schools offer programs that are not accredited, which means that their quality may not measure up to other universities. Your years in school may be less useful to you if you attend a school with lower educational standards. The other problem with going to a school without accreditation is that your degree may not be taken as seriously, and employers may decide that your education does not measure up to their standards. You could also have difficulty transferring your credits to another university if those credits were from a non-accredited school.
Tuition Costs and Expenses
If you are like most students, you have a budget that you must take into account. Different degree programs in animation have different fees and tuition fees. It is important to check the total cost of your studies so that you are fully aware of what you will have to spend. Once you have all the financial information on the different programs, you can easily compare them to determine which ones fit your budget or if you prefer to look elsewhere.
Quality of Production Equipment
Normally, modern animation requires expensive tools, including hardware and software. Good schools will have the budget to buy high-quality production materials. Even if you’re looking for the best deal, you don’t want to skimp on production equipment. As an aspiring graphic designer or filmmaker, you must learn to use industry-standard equipment to get you straight from school to work. Otherwise, hiring managers might not have an interest in your application once they know that you don’t know how to work with the equipment used in your studies.
Faculty Reputation
If you are striving for a degree, it is important to know that your instructors are qualified and can teach what you need to learn. You will also need to know if the university hires professors with respectable credentials. Have they worked in the industry? And for how long? Are they respected in the industry? A respected instructor can help you find a job and you can feel comfortable doing what they say because they obviously know what they are doing. Successful schools will do their best to find and hire quality teachers because they know their reputation depends on it.
What are the Best Animation Schools in USA?
USA has a good number of schools and colleges that offer animation programs. Many of the schools and colleges offering animation programs in the USA specifically awards bachelor’s degrees. But students who are interested can also find certificate, associate’s degree, and masters degree programs in animation in the USA. For this reason, we have created a 2022 ranking of the best 3D and 2D Animation schools and colleges in the USA that offers Animation degree programs. This will help you find the school that best fits your needs. However, each school’s ranking is based on the compilation of the number of Animation programs, Graduation Rate, Number of Awards, Students to Teacher Ratio, and Acceptance Rate. Applying for an undergraduate degree in Animation at California College of the Arts or CCA, students must submit the following: We are using 4 factors to determine the Top and Best 3D and 2D Animation Schools in the USA for intending students. You can go through our ranking methodology below: Number of Programs: We consider these as one important criterion for ranking the Top Best 3D and 2D Animation Schools in the USA in 2020. Because some of these universities can have a good number of programs they offer which will avail you a lot of options to choose from. Accreditation: This criterion is very much important because a school can be considered good with great programs but yet do not have quality. So, we consider the body of accreditation as well as certification for each of these schools before ranking them. Whether they fall in the category of regional or national accreditation. Acceptance Rate: This is one aspect that is considered important because of the lower the acceptance rate the better the school. The acceptance rate of any universities in USA is a guide to show the quality of the university. Graduation & Employment Rate: Here, we consider if these schools have a high tendency of graduating their students. Some can get enrolled but get stuck at the end. Also, we put into consideration whether school graduates are employable by great institutions. These factors are equally very much important. Initially, the school began to provide the training needs of industry artists but this California private school has expanded to begin offering two and four-year training options in Entertainment Design and Digital Production. Ranking as one of the top 10 VFX schools worldwide in the 2019 Hollywood Reporter award, and top spot in several other industry-specific rankings, Gnomon College is now the MIT of VFX. So, Gnomon’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Production is not just about special effects. It is a full-time program that aims to produce artists who possess general academic knowledge, foundational arts, and production skills. You will learn all aspects of 3D production pipeline in film, games, and visual effects. To accomplish this, you will use industry software like Maya and ZBrush as well as learn from qualified faculty members. Also, while progressing in this BFA degree in this California animation school, you can take electives to enhance in a particular skill. Gnomon also offers a two year, full-time program in Digital Program which awards you a certificate on completion. The beauty of studying at Gnomon is that their programs are available both On-Campus and Online. 36.8% 100% 10: 1 1 (BFA in Animation) $20,495 per semester Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Applying for an undergraduate degree in Animation at California College of the Arts or CCA, students must submit the following: Through these campuses, California College of the Arts you will learn how to make 2D animation, 3D animation, animation for video games, stop-motion animation, and more. Specifically, CCA offers just one animation degree program – BFA Animation. However, this California animation school’s curriculum approaches animation from a fine art perspective. In addition to studio work, you’ll learn drawing, sculpture, acting, and storytelling to develop your unique film grammar, the way you build your frames, shots, scenes, and sequences. Furthermore, CCA’s faculty is made of professionals in the industry. Still visiting artists who work on a wide range of projects and are part of animation teams for companies like Dreamwork, Pixar, and Tippett train animation students. 88.2% 60.6% 8: 1 1 (BFA in Animation) $53,820 per year WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC/WASC) Applying for an undergraduate degree in Animation at Rhode Island School of Design, students must submit the following: So, Carnegie’s Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) are not just about special effects. It is a full-time program that aims to aid students to study the interconnected components of performance capture, rendering, 3D and 2D animation, and special effects. You will learn all aspects of 3D production pipeline in film, games, and visual effects. To accomplish this, you will use industry software like Maya and ZBrush as well as learn from qualified faculty members. Also, while progressing in this BFA degree in this USA animation school, you can take electives to enhance in a particular skill. Meanwhile, IDeATe animation programs is a minor not a major. 17% 90% 13: 1 1 (BFA in Animation) $57,119 per year Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Rhodes began in 1877 and has offered a variety of degree programs in several disciplines to over 2,500 students who enrolls every year. However, its Film/Animation/Video students explore the art of the moving image, learning to master the tools needed to articulate a creative vision. Whether using film, animation, installations, interactive media, or a combination. Meanwhile, Rhode’s animation programs are just undergraduate and you can major in and acquire a Bachelor of Arts in Animation & Digit Arts. Be rest assured of becoming an expert if you learn 2D and 3D animation and digital arts at Rhode Island. Furthermore, with training from qualified facility members at Rhode Island School of Design, you can work in live action, animation or a hybrid of the two, and have the option of producing films in a wide variety of genres 20% 89% 9: 1 1 (BFA in Animation) $53,820 per year WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) Applying for an undergraduate degree in Animation at John C. Hench Division of Animation + Digital Arts, students must submit the following: USC began in 1880 and has offered a variety of degree programs in several disciplines to over 45,000 students. However, its John C. Hench Division of Animation & Digital Arts offers its animation programs. Also, USC animation programs are in undergraduate and graduate division. You can major in and acquire a Bachelor of Arts in Animation & Digit Arts or a Masters in Fine Art in Animation & Digit Arts. Be rest assured of becoming an expert if you learn 2D and 3D animation and digital arts at USC. This is because this California animation school’s degrees help you to explore every aspect of art in motion including classic character animation, 2-D and 3-D storytelling, performance capture, and experimental filmmaking. Furthermore, with training from qualified facility members at USC John C. Hench Division, you can join graduates like Mahyar Abousaeedi to work at Pixar Animations. 13% 92% 9: 1 3 (BFA, MFA in Animation) $57,256 per year WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) Applying for an undergraduate degree in Animation at Pratt, students must submit the following with their application letter: While the Academy offers degrees in a variety of Art discipline, it has a faculty dedicated to animation. This is the School of Animation & Visual Effects. You can take the Animation & Visual Effect program towards any kind of degree and certificate except Ph.D. In this program, you will be trained to become the best storyboard artist, visual effect artist, or 2D/3D animator. More enticing is that the Academy of Art University’s faculty is made up of award-winning professionals. Some of them were involved in the making of animations like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Shriek. Also, the Academy of Art University is the only Animation & VFX school that teaches in a studio production environment – StudioX. Thus, it is no surprise that this animation school in California takes a spot in The Rookies 2018 Top 5 3D Motion Graphics School worldwide. 79.5% 33% 9: 1 3 (BFA in Animation) $26,147 per semester WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
#4. Pratt Institute
Applying for an undergraduate degree in Animation at Pratt, students must submit the following with their application letter: From inception till present, SCAD has ranked fairly well both globally and nationally. Animation Career Review has ranked them as one of the top animation program in the U.S. year after year. Meanwhile, Pratt’s Digital Arts major includes animation (both 3-D and 2-D) and interactive arts as concentrations in its B.F.A. in Digital Arts. Most importantly, the 2D animation courses in Pratt Institute are designed to create a wide exposure to all aspects of animation production and to also allow students have focus on the areas they have interest in. While their 3D Animation program will teach you how to focus on self-expression using form and motion, time-based narrative, live action, and digital animation techniques. 51% 70% 9: 1 3 (BFA in Animation) $47,986 per year Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
#3. The Savannah College of Art and Design
Appying to SCAD is so easy and simple. To apply for a BFA degree in Animation at SCAD, students must submit the following with their application letter: From inception till present, SCAD has ranked fairly well both globally and nationally. Animation Career Review has ranked them as one of the top animation program in the U.S. year after year. Meanwhile, SCAD offers both BFA in Animation with concentrations on 2D, 3D and Stop motion Animation. In the same manner, they also offer MA in Animation at Atlanta and Online. Also, SCAD provides every resource to help you develop your signature style in 2D, 3D, and stop-motion animation, digital modeling, rigging, lighting, and look development. Most importantly, graduates of their program works in popular and independent animation studios around the world. Currently, the Rookies named SCAD the “Best Motion Graphics School” in the 2019 official ranking of The Best Creative Schools in the World. 70% 66% 21: 1 3 (BFA, MFA, MA in Animation) $37,575 per year Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2. School of Visual Arts
To apply for a BFA degree in Animation at SVA, students must submit the following with their application letter: SVA offers both BFA in Animation with 11 different concentrations of 2D and 3D Animation. In the same manner, they also offer MFA in Animation with 12 different concentrations. Every Computer Art major in the School of Visual Arts receives extensive training in both 2D and 3D computer graphics within computer animation, visual effects, and motion graphics. Most importantly, graduates of their program went to work for Disney Animation Studios, SKG Dreamworks Animation, Warner Bros Animation. As well as Blue Sky Studios, Nickelodeon, Lucasfilm Animation, Sony Pictures Animation and independent animation studios around the world. Currently, they have 389 students enrolled, 50 faculty, 46 courses. All Undergraduate students at SVA are charged tuition, department fee, and health insurance. 70% 64% 9: 1 36 Courses (BFA Animation) $20,950 per semester Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
#1. Ringling College of Art and Design
To apply for a BFA degree in Animation at Ringling College, students must submit: Their Computer Animation major program was ranked the #1 Animation program in the US by Animation Career Review. Every Animation major students in the Ringling College of Art and Design receives extensive training in both 2D and 3D computer graphics within computer animation, visual effects, and motion graphics. Ringling College of Art and Design offers a BFA major program that teaches students better scope of the 2D and 3D animation effects. Also, their Motion Design BFA program trains students to apply design theory, sound design, and 2D animation concepts to create engaging, moving graphics. Currently, they admits over 100+ students each year. This is a great chance for anyone who wants to major in the 3D or 2D animation. 67% 68% 11: 1 3 $45,130 per year Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges [SACSCOC], and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
Online 2D & 3D Animation Schools in USA?
Recetly, online education offers the same curriculum like the traditional path. Choosing to take animation programs online will also boost your opportunity of being the best animator. This is because, online students now get more immersed in the practical aspect of 2D and 3D animation curriculum that make up the program. Here are some of the online schools in USA that will give you the best 2D and 3D Animation training: The word “Animation” is a representation of real-life motion through moving pictures. 2D animation is simply the art of creating movement in a two dimensional environment. Including characters, creatures, FX and backgrounds. 3D animation is the art of using motion to bring to life characters, vehicles, props, and more through Tv shows, films, and games. his is a lot of work and requires a much more realistic skill to do. A 3D animated scene requires thousands of frames to achieve a moving picture for an audience. If you are looking to start a career in animation, it can be challenging and rewarding. Be aware that you should have the following qualities and skills for a 3D animator position.1. Communication Skills2. Artistic Skills3. Creativity4. Time-Management Skills5. Computer Skills The costs associated with earning an animation degree vary widely depending on where the student will go to school and whether they will study on campus or online. However, the best schools offering a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in animation and related fields usually charge more tuition.Generally, the cost of tuition for most Animation schools ranges from $40,500 to $59,000.
Conclusion
USA holds a great number of Animation Schools where you can enhance your knowledge in both 2D and 3D programs. Many of the top 3D and 2D animation schools in USA (which we’ve discussed above) provide you with the quality of degree which animation companies are looking for. So, studying your preferred animation degree program in any of these schools may just be the right push you need to the direction of a fantastic and rewarding career. We hope that this post will guide you in your program decision.
