Animation education & training can help you get started on a great career path. You can find great animations on both the big screen and on various websites. With computer animation training, you can learn how to make these animations yourself.

Some people consider animation simply a hobby, but it can turn into a lucrative career if you put your mind to it. It's a dream job for people who are both artistic and technical. All animators, however, must go through some type of animator education and training to learn the basics and get that first job.

Some great reasons to consider animation training are:

1. To start an exciting career. An animation education gives you the skills and experience you need to get the first job. As you study, you will begin creating a working portfolio to showcase your skills.

2. To develop your skills with new technology. As time goes on, new animation programs come out that help animators with their work. It's important to find a computer animation class that teaches you how to use the latest software.

3. To create your own projects. With an education in animation, you'll be able to create products for your own websites.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn animation through tutorials rather than computer animation school

If you have a technical mind, or are not planning a career in animation, you may be able to learn the things you need to know through online tutorials. These are often free and teach many of the basics to get you started.

I recommend: Cartoonster offers tutorials that are so easy to understand, a child could get the hang of it in only an afternoon. You can learn how to make animations with the popular software Photoshop with the tutorials at Tutorialized.com.

Look for a computer animation course to teach you animation

If you're serious about a career in animation, you want to look for a college that offers courses in animation. This will give you an extensive background that will help you beat out the competition when applying for jobs.

I recommend: Look at the best colleges offering animation majors as rated by U.S. News and World Reports. The Art Institute also has an animation and special effects program that can help you in your career.

Get animation education & training through workshops

A short workshop or seminar can be a great way to update your knowledge or learn a new skill. These are ideal for people who already have a bit of animation training.

I recommend: Autodesk offers a seminar teaching you how to use the popular animation software Maya. You can also find seminars at Toon Boom.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Your local community college may offer animator training and education. That could be an inexpensive way to learn popular programs and other skills you need to become an animator.