What to Study in College to Become an Anime Show Animator

Anime is one of the most popular fields of Asian cinema. As it gains traction, more students are drawn towards an animation career in the Japanese film industry. There are many ways to establish a career in the field, but you must have the minimum academic qualifications. If you are a talented student wondering which college degree to study and how to gain experience for a career in anime creation, read on.

Educational Requirements to Be an Anime Creator

You need a degree in animation. Several college programs can give you the required skills for the job. Some ideal four-year degrees to take include:

• Graphic Design;
• Computer Graphics;
• Fine Arts;
• Comic Art;
• Visual Arts;
• New Media.

The title of the program may vary from one institution to another. However, the most basic requirement is the inclusion of animation coursework. The program must be focused on giving the technical skills and artistic know-how of animation. Bear in mind that anime programs require hand-drawn animation but might eventually move to 3D types. Acquiring a variety of skills is the goal of getting a college degree in this field.

Apart from technical skills, animation degree programs also teach students how to use various software. From the basics like Adobe and Final Cut Pro to more advanced software like Maya, all these are crucial for creating anime.

Breaking into the Anime Industry

Despite having a large viewership in the west, anime does not have many creative studios out of Japan. The competition for jobs in Asian animation is quite stiff, especially amongst the big production companies. It means that students hoping to join the industry must do the following.

Learn Japanese Culture

You must understand the history of anime before delving into a career. Take some time to learn social norms, pertinent issues, and popular trends. This gives insight into your stories’ plots and characters. Because many production companies run Japanese language contests for animators, learning the language puts you at an advantage.

 Become a Mangaka

It is very unlikely that a production company will convert your raw ideas into anime. You must first create manga, which is the comic book version of anime and publish it. Based on your skill and the community’s response, you might get into the film industry.

If you have a manga that you think deserves recognition, you can enter a competition. Some production companies accept submissions in a foreign language. The winners of these competitions are hired. You can also self-publish your book. Marketing on social media can draw attention to your work.

Internship

You must have experience working in the film industry break into anime creation. Apply for internships or apprenticeship opportunities. Many senseis are willing to work with inexperienced graduates.

While doing the internship, you will create a professional portfolio. You will also amass some contacts that will help you break into the industry. The most important thing to do while on the internship is to learn as much about the industry as you can.

Create a Professional Portfolio

A student with a professional anime creation portfolio is more likely to get hired. Your portfolio tells employers that you have experience in the genre. The pieces in your portfolio can be gotten from classwork. While undertaking a program related to animation, your instructor will require you to create a portfolio before you graduate. You can pay an essay writing service to write your portfolio.

Take Additional Courses

Although a college degree is not always compulsory for a career in animation, having one improves your chances of landing a job. Your qualifications are boosted by additional courses that are specific to Anime creation. If you can afford it, travel to Japan and take specialized manga and anime short courses.

Learn from Seasoned Artists

Anime Expo has yearly conventions for creators, fans, and aspiring artists. Attending these conventions is a great way of learning from seasoned animators. Be sure to ask specific questions about perfecting your skill set and getting hired. Because seasoned animators have the experience, they can teach you lessons that no college education can.

Conclusion

Anime creation is a lucrative career. To succeed, you must have a related college degree. An animation specific degree is best, but any art program will do. It is important to learn the basics of the Asian film industry from the start.

Apart from a college degree, one must also take additional courses. Learning how to use the software, draw Manga, and market it is essential. With the right education, one can establish a solid career in Japanese animation.