Special Effects: The Education behind the Art

The modern world of special effects involves more than models and lighting. Computer animation is the new vehicle for creating special effects and artists need essential computer skills in order to succeed in the field.

The Industry

Digital compositing, cel animation computer-generated and computer graphics imagery (CGI) are common tools of the modern special effects artist. The marriage of special effects and computer animation has born a new world of opportunity for artists. Jobs are available in the industries of film, cartoons, theater, graphic design, and many more.

To obtain the skills they need and succeed in the competitive field of computer animation and special effects, artists are turning to computer training school.

The Art

Special effects artists today use computer, visual, and sound manipulation to simulate real-world imagery. Every minute of stage or screen time involves hours of production work on the part of the artist. It requires creativity, innovation, and just plain talent to create convincing special effects.

The Education

Special effects courses will provide you with the education you need in computer applications, film, video, animation, and graphic design. Certificates and associates degrees in animation can be earned in two years. A bachelor's degree can be earned in 4 years, and a master's degree can be earned in another 2-5 years. You can even specialize in animation or special effects in graduate school. These are degrees that will not only give you the skills you need as an artist, but will also make you more marketable as a job applicant.

Sources
Associate degree in Animation from Universities.com