What You Will Learn
If you are passionate about digital storytelling and want to find a path to further this passion as a successful career, the Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) degree in Animation at CCM can help you achieve this goal. The program enables you to build a strong background in animation infused with a variety of design and drawing courses guided by experienced faculty.
With the use of professional software housed in high-tech studios in the interdisciplinary studio environment of Emeriti Hall, and a comprehensive portfolio and resume building process, the animation program gives you the tools and experience needed to transfer to highly ranked animation schools and hold careers in the animation industry.
Curriculum
The CCM animation program enables you to build your fine art skills with a 37-credit core focusing on an array of drawing courses, 2D and 3D design, computer for fine art, color theory, multimedia, media aesthetics, animation, and a final portfolio presentation course to assemble and finalize your artistic portfolio.
Careers in the Field
With the growing need for 3D computer animation worldwide, the Animation program offers student artists a chance to take their first steps towards a career creating visual effects. Studying animation at CCM is a perfect starting point for you to launch any of these creative careers:
- 3D Modeler
- Advertising Art Director
- Animator
- Compositing Artist
- Exhibition Designer
- Film/Video Editor
- Game Artist
- Games Developer
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Multimedia Specialist
- Production Designer
- Stop Motion Animator
- Storyboard Artist
- VFX Artist
- Web Designer
The AFA degree in Animation at CCM is designed for seamless transfer of most, if not all, credits to accredited four-year colleges and universities, art institutions, or other schools of art or design in the United States that offer animation programs.
CCM recommends the following schools offering bachelor’s degree programs in animation or media studies:
- California College of the Arts
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Drew University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Full Sail University
- Jersey City State University
- Kean University
- Laguna College of Art and Design
- Montclair State University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- New York University, Tisch School of Arts
- Ramapo College
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rider University
- Ringling College of Art and Design
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- The Art Institute of Boston
- The College of New Jersey
- The Columbia College of Chicago
- The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore
- The Pratt Institute of New York
- The School of Visual Arts NYC
- The University of Central Florida
- The University of Pennsylvania
- University of California Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- William Paterson University
Why Study Animation at CCM?
- CCM faculty bring real-world experiences in multiple art disciplines
- Learn drawing techniques, figure drawing, basic design and color theory, plus storyboarding and media
- Develop personal and professional skills required to launch your career as a visual artist in a highly competitive, creative medium
- Join the student-run Art Club or one of 50 other campus organizations
- Enjoy various art showings, exhibits and receptions offered throughout the year at the college’s Art Gallery located inside the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center
Paying For Your Animation Education
Earning an associate degree in animation is a powerful investment that will pay off over the course of your life, in both increased earnings and job satisfaction. But what is the upfront cost, and how do you afford it?
There’s good news: Money is available to help you pay for school! Our Financial Aid staff can provide lots of information about the process of finding funds to help pay for your education.
Featured Courses
Drawing I & II
Learn the methods, materials and visual information needed to draw what you see. In the studio faculty lead you through a series of simple exercises designed to build competence and confidence to eventually complete a sketch book and a portfolio of still life drawings, landscape drawings, perspective drawings and portraiture using pencil, charcoal, conte crayon and ink. Drawing II also includes a study of basic anatomy for artists and an introduction to drawing from live nude models, both male and female.
Three-Dimensional Design
Through lectures, multimedia presentations and assigned projects, you can use a variety of materials along with planning, sketching and modeling, to learn to understand and control the visual and physical forces inherent in the creation of three-dimensional objects. Complete the class with additional portfolio work and the skillset to pursue further studies in sculpture, ceramics, design (product, industrial, interior, fashion) and architecture.
Animation
Use 3D modeling and animation software to create animated imagery for video and multimedia applications. Software includes 3D Studio Max (3D animation) and Adobe Premiere and AfterEffects (digital video). Through assigned projects, students learn to combine live video and animation with compositing and bluescreening techniques.
Resources
Your Animation Faculty Advisor
Professor, Art and Design
