Interested in becoming a 3D animator? Want to create video games, movies, web series, mobile apps, and videos? 3D animation has been there for quite some time and it’s a growing field with a lot of potential for the right person. If you have strong design skills and are capable of using a variety of software packages to bring out the vision of an artist to reality, you can have a long and fulfilling career as a 3D animator. In this article, we will discuss the education you need to be a 3D animator. For 3D services, you can click on Unwrapped Media.

Degree

While there is no lack of associate’s degree programs in 3D animation, it is better to get a bachelors degree if you are serious about making 3D animation your career. In addition to the degree, busy animators typically have a lot of certificates in various software tools that are widely used in this industry. It is important for you to understand that certificates in important software in the industry such as Auto CAD, Adobe creative suit and others will give you a leg up when you’re just starting out.

Portfolio

While degrees are really important, you’re not going to get far in this field if you do not have a strong portfolio. Most employers take a close look at the portfolio of an individual before hiring them. Your portfolio tells them about your style, technical proficiency and other things they want in an employee. In most degree programs, you will build your portfolio as part of the curriculum.

If you do not plan to get a degree, start building your portfolio on your own. Your portfolio should showcase your technical proficiency and creativity. If you are applying to a particular employer, it would be wise to fine-tune your portfolio to that particular employer to emphasize skills and styles that are better suited to the job.

Experience

It has been observed that most of the animators work as freelancers or are self-employed. In most cases, they work on a contract basis. It does not mean that there aren’t any full-time positions in the industry but many animators like to work on their own. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job or want to build your portfolio, it is recommended to obtain on-the-job experience by working as an intern. Many animators also take the route of creating 3D animation for schools, nonprofit organizations as well as small businesses in exchange for references.

Further Education

Animation is an industry where there is always something new. New software packages are being continuously developed. Anyone who has worked in this industry will confirm that technical changes are a part of this industry and as an animator, it is expected of you to remain up-to-date with the latest technology. Keep in mind that it is a field with a lot of potential for growth which means you are always going to have a lot of competition and if you want to maintain a competitive edge, you should continuously invest in your education.

To summarize, 3D animation is a field with a lot of growth potential but in order to realize that potential, it is recommended to invest in a bachelor’s degree and if you don’t want to get a degree, you should work on building your own portfolio. Also, focus on getting as much experience as you can through volunteer work or internships or some other means. Also, continuous education is a necessity in this field as technology keeps changing at a rapid pace and you need to keep yourself up to date with the latest technology in order to stay competitive. For more tips and suggestions, you can visit www.unwrappedmedia.com.