Setting Your Child Up for Success: The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for Animation School

Introduction to Animation School

Animation has become a popular career choice for many aspiring artists, and animation schools are the stepping stones to turn their passion into a profession. If your child dreams of creating captivating animated films or designing vibrant video games, preparing them for animation school is crucial. This comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to encourage your child's success in animation school and beyond.

Why Preparing for Animation School is Important

Preparing your child for animation school goes beyond just submitting an application. Animation schools are highly competitive, and admission committees look for unique candidates with a developed foundation in art and animation, and sometimes high school art programs fall short of preparing students properly. By taking the time to prepare your child, you can help them stand out from the crowd and increase their chances of getting accepted into their dream animation school. Moreover, proper preparation will equip your child with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their studies and future career.

Researching Animation Schools

Before diving into the preparation process, it's crucial to conduct thorough research on different animation schools. Look for schools that have a strong reputation in the animation industry and offer comprehensive programs that align with your child's interests and career goals. Consider factors such as faculty expertise, industry connections, internship opportunities, and alumni success. By selecting the right animation school, you provide your child with a solid foundation for their future career.

Understanding the Curriculum and Requirements of Animation School

Each animation school has its own unique curriculum and requirements. Take the time to thoroughly understand the coursework and prerequisites for the animation programs your child is interested in. Familiarize yourself with the software and tools used in the industry, such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, and 3D Software like Blender. This knowledge will help you guide your child in acquiring the necessary skills and preparing them for the challenges they will face in animation school.

Building a Portfolio for Animation School Applications

A well-planned and consistent portfolio is a key component of the application process for animation school. Encourage your child to create a diverse collection of their best artwork, including sketches, character designs, storyboards, and animations. The portfolio should showcase their technical skills, creativity, and storytelling abilities. Provide constructive feedback and help them curate a portfolio that highlights their unique strengths. Remember, quality is more important than quantity, so encourage them to focus on creating the strongest work possible.

Developing Essential Skills for Animation School

Animation requires a range of skills, including drawing, storytelling, and problem-solving. Help your child develop these essential skills by enrolling them in art classes and workshops. Encourage them to practice drawing regularly and explore different art mediums. Additionally, introduce them to storytelling techniques and encourage them to create their own narratives. Developing these skills will not only prepare them for animation school but also enhance their overall artistic abilities.  In Animation schools, they want you to be more than just a fan of animation — there are already so many of those!  They want you to really want to create the art and stories you see on screens.

Finding Mentorships for Your Child

Mentorships can play a crucial role in your child's journey towards animation school. A mentorship with the Animation Tutor is focused on customized guidance, designed to foster skill development in dynamic and fluid ways. Mentees will receive dedicated one-on-one attention, allowing for a deep understanding of your specific goals and areas of improvement. Throughout the mentorship, mentees can expect a wealth of valuable feedback which is crucial in honing skills and pushing creative boundaries. Unlike the less guided Private Lessons, the Personal Mentorship begins with an initial meeting with the student to get a sense of what skills they want to improve the most so that we can write a schedule that is tailored to them.

We also have created an incredible free resource for anyone to use — our Discord community!  Encourage your child to join our online community and connect with other students that are also aspiring animators. This can be a transformative experience for your child and greatly contribute to their success in animation school.

👾 Join our Discord → Click here.

Preparing Financially for Animation School

Animation school can be a significant investment, so it's essential to plan financially in advance. Research tuition costs, scholarships, and financial aid options offered by animation schools. Explore external scholarships or grants specific to the animation industry. Additionally, consider budgeting for living expenses, art supplies, and software subscriptions. Start saving early and explore different financial planning strategies to ensure that your child's education is financially feasible.

The Animation Tutor offers many online learning pathways for a variety of scenarios and budgets:

Preparing Your Child Mentally and Emotionally for Animation School

Animation school can be intense and demanding, both academically and emotionally. Help your child develop resilience and a growth mindset to navigate the challenges they may face. Encourage them to embrace failure as a learning opportunity and support them through setbacks. Teach them time management and stress management techniques to effectively balance their workload. Additionally, foster a supportive and nurturing environment at home to ensure their mental and emotional well-being.

Resources and Courses for Preparing for Animation School

There are numerous resources and online courses available through The Animation Tutor to help your child prepare for animation school. Choose between Interactive Courses, Group Courses, Video Membership and Mentorship. Explore these options and access our resources to help your child get started. These resources can help your child refine their skills, learn new techniques, and gain a deeper understanding of the animation industry.

Conclusion

Preparing your child for animation school is a journey that requires careful planning and support. By researching animation schools, understanding the curriculum, building a strong portfolio, developing essential skills, finding mentorships, and preparing financially, you can set your child up for success in their animation education and future career. Remember to be a source of encouragement and guidance throughout their journey. With the right preparation and support, your child can embark on an exciting and fulfilling path in the world of animation.

Book A Discovery Call to learn more about how you can help your child prepare for animation school and set them up for a successful career in animation.