Maxine’s Column for March 26th: The Future for Animators
Animation mentor conducted an in depth survey on animation and the future for animators. Here’s a quote:
“What Animators See as the Future of
the Animation Art Form:
One thing that came through very clearly in the survey is that animation
is an art form. Although animation uses computer technology as well
as drawing tools, it is not about programming or technical expertise.
Animation is about bringing to life believable characters within a
story that moves and inspires audiences.
It is being recognized more and more as an art form, not just as
children’s entertainment.
Although 3D tools and technology will continue to evolve
allowing animators to take more risks, many professionals see a
return to traditional 2D animation as a future trend. Others see a
convergence of the two art forms as 2D and 3D are used together,
borrowing techniques and ideas from one another in order to push
the art form even further.
Most see an opportunity for animators to use both 2D and 3D along with other tools to forge a new style of animation that we have
yet to see. Although they agree that it will be more “original,” animators tend to disagree on what that style might be, with suggestions
ranging from:
More stylized
More abstract
More fantasy
More use of mixed media
More holographic display
More photorealism
Another trend many animators are looking forward to is more independent productions, allowing artists to break free of major
studios to create their own shorts, games, webisodes and other art forms. It will be increasingly easier for small entities to create
animation as technology continues to improve and Internet bandwidth grows.
Eventually 3D may be just as flexible and diverse as 2D can be.
2D will not die; 3D has yet to realize its potential. “ “ 2D and 3D are free to explore new territory,
who will dare to do it?”
We believe that by continuing to emphasize a broad based animation education which pays attention to traditional skills, as well as teaching all relevant computer programs, our students will remain well prepared for the future. We can only do this as a team. Instructors are as dependent on the passion and dedication of students as the students are on the integrity and passion of their instructors. Art is the end result of taking infinite pains, of being able to persist through thick and thin and deal with both success and failure. Those who can’t accept criticism are doomed to stay forever in the same place. We need to maintain an open, serious environment that takes the work (not ourselves) seriously. We need to remember to maintain humility. Nothing was ever truer than the old statement that ” more we know the more we know we don’t know.”
The semester is coming to a close. We are looking forward to the year end shows of both first year work, and later in May, graduate and year 2 work.
We are also hard at work thinking about how we can improve things. Every school is a living organism and requires attention and care. We are actually excited about the changes we’re now considering!
For individuals with the right attitude, skills and professionalism animation, concept art and illustration remain solid career choices.
