Choosing an Animation School: 7 Key Factors

By E. Gachoki
Updated August 24, 2023

There are a plethora of schools that offer animation courses, starting from short-term courses to full-time diplomas & degrees. But what should you look for when selecting an animation school?

The animation industry today is one of the most promising job providers. Along with hard work & talent, all you need is the right training from a reputed animation school.

There are a plethora of schools that offer animation courses, starting from short-term courses to full-time diplomas & degrees. But what should you look for when selecting an animation school? Which school is right for you? In this post, we will tell you the things to look for when selecting an animation school.

1. Does the program teach all aspects of the art of animation?

This can be pretty subjective; animation is a broad discipline involving many aspects, including art & design, film theory, history, software and computer skills, as well as other technologies. It also depends upon the goals and objectives of the curriculum; are they preparing students for the existing animation job market, or are they helping them to become independent animation filmmakers in their own right. I find many schools offer an over-emphasis on software skills in the sacrifice of many of the other items I mentioned. But this seems largely driven by economic times and the rising costs of going to school. People want to know they can find employment quickly after graduating.

2. Does the school have a good alumni network?

This is also a plus, but often is more a function of the student body than of the administrative structure. Students set up a variety of different social networks that usually continue beyond their years at school.

What kind of facilities does the school have? Are their computer, software, cameras, and other equipment up to date, in good repair, and is there an adequate supply to support the enrollment.

Does the school have a campus, or is it like some dislocated building or even a single building with no other support infrastructure for the students to interact and otherwise replenish their energies and inspiration when not in classes.

3. Does the school have a strong internship program in place?

Internship programs offer opportunities for students to begin bridging the gap between academia and the professional job market while still in school giving them a valuable foot in the door to possible future employment.

4. What is the quality of the work produced by recent grads of the animation program?

Most schools post examples of their recent grads’ animation portfolios online. If you feel unqualified to judge the quality of the work, find someone with experience and ask their opinion.

5. What kind of tech is being used by the school?

Animation is basically about two things: excellent drawing skills and current technology. Since production in the animation industry is so intimately tied to the use of specially-formatted software and hardware, all good schools should train their students using the most cutting-edge technology so that their grads can compete and perform effectively in any studio job or environment. The best animation schools will be more than happy to supply you with a list of the tech they’re using in their programs. Try contacting an animator at a reputable studio about the types of basic tech required in the current hiring market.

6. Is there enough tech to go around?

If students are fighting over hardware, animation stations, or feeling rushed to finish assignments because their “time is up” on a particular device, then something is wrong. The best animation schools are expensive, and it follows that the equipment they offer should not only be current, but plentiful.

7. Where are the placements?

You are investing time, money & effort to build a successful career in the industry. That is why it is important to know about job placement facilities provided by the school. Check their website to know about the companies & studios where their students are employed. Make sure to read/ watch student testimonials to know about placement support.