Looking for the best computer animation schools in New Hampshire? In this article, we’ll explore the top programs that can help you kickstart your career in animation. Whether you’re interested in 3D modeling, game design, or digital arts, New Hampshire offers diverse programs to suit your needs.
- New Hampshire offers diverse computer animation programs, including robust options at New Hampshire Institute of Art, New England College, Southern New Hampshire University, and Dartmouth College, each catering to different interests and career goals in animation and digital arts.
- New England College’s BFA in Animation focuses on hands-on experience and creative expression, with a curriculum that includes 3D modeling, stop motion animation, and digital illustration, guided by industry-experienced faculty.
- Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Game Art and Development emphasizes technical skills and portfolio development, preparing students for careers in game design through courses in 3D modeling, digital sculpting, and interactive animation, with strong focus on industry-standard software training.
Top Computer Animation Programs in New Hampshire
A variety of top-notch computer animation programs can be found in New Hampshire, which cater to a vast range of interests and career objectives. The New Hampshire Institute of Art offers a robust BFA in Animation and Illustration, providing a strong foundation in both traditional and digital art forms. Meanwhile, New England College’s BFA in Animation emphasizes hands-on experience and a multi-disciplinary approach, preparing students for diverse roles in the animation industry.
Southern New Hampshire University’s BA in Game Art and Development focuses on technical skills and portfolio development, making it an excellent choice for those interested in game design and interactive media. Dartmouth College offers a unique Digital Arts Minor that integrates principles from various disciplines, fostering innovative digital art projects. Each program boasts its own unique strengths, guaranteeing that potential students will find a program that syncs with their personal interests and career aspirations.
New England College: BFA in Animation
New England College’s BFA in Animation is designed to equip students with a comprehensive skill set, focusing on hands-on experience and creative expression. The program covers a wide range of animation techniques, including 3D modeling, stop motion animation, and digital illustration.
This multi-disciplinary approach facilitates the exploration of various facets of animation, including visual effects, by students, resulting in a cohesive creative portfolio that exhibits their unique talents.
Curriculum and Courses
The curriculum at New England College is structured to provide a well-rounded education in animation. Core courses such as Introduction to 2D Design, Drawing I, and Introduction to 3D Design lay a strong foundation in the basics of visual arts. These courses are designed to develop students’ fundamental skills in drawing and design, which are essential for any animator.
Elective courses allow students to specialize in their areas of interest, including art history. Options like History of Animation, 2D Animation I and II, and 3D Animation I and II enable students to delve deeper into specific animation techniques. This comprehensive curriculum guarantees students acquire a broad understanding of both traditional and digital animation, thus equipping them for diverse career paths in the industry.
Faculty and Industry Connections
One of the standout features of New England College’s BFA in Animation is its faculty. The program boasts experienced professionals like Rich Pellegrino, an award-winning illustrator who has worked with MARVEL STUDIOS, Warner Bros., and Lucasfilm. Brian Salisbury, another key faculty member, specializes in 3D character production, character animation, and motion capture. The invaluable insights and networking opportunities provided to students stem from the faculty’s expertise and industry connections.
These connections extend to major industry players, including Microsoft Xbox and AMC’s Breaking Bad. These industry ties enrich the learning experience by providing students with access to real-world projects and potential job opportunities after graduation. Researching the professional backgrounds of faculty members can give prospective students a better understanding of the level of industry experience they bring to the classroom.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Success
A variety of roles in the animation industry await the well-prepared graduates of New England College’s BFA in Animation program. Career opportunities include positions such as Flash Animators, 3D Animators, and Art Directors, with salaries ranging from approximately $55,300 to $72,300 annually. The program’s emphasis on hands-on experience and a strong portfolio allows graduates to showcase their skills effectively, making them competitive candidates in the job market.
The burgeoning entertainment industry in the Northeast presents plentiful opportunities for graduates to flourish. Alumni of the program have found success in diverse roles within the industry, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for their careers. These success stories serve as a testament to the quality of education and training provided by New England College.
Southern New Hampshire University: BA in Game Art and Development
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a BA in Game Art and Development, a program designed to equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed to excel in the game design industry. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, with a strong focus on:
- 3D modeling
- Lighting
- Shading
- Texturing
- Illustration
- Character animation
The curriculum aims at aiding students in building a comprehensive portfolio of front-end game art assets and web design, thus highlighting their creativity and technical abilities in creating web pages.
Program Structure and Core Courses
To obtain the BA in Game Art and Development at SNHU, students must complete a total of 120 credits, inclusive of general education courses in the liberal arts curriculum. This structure ensures that students receive a well-rounded education while focusing on their specialization in game art. Core courses such as:
- Intro to Digital Sculpting
- 3-D Modeling and Animation
- Interactive Animation
- Character Design
Our program aims to provide a solid foundation in game art principles, fine arts, and graphic design, ensuring students are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of everyday life in the industry alongside their fellow artists.
Students also gain experience in various mediums, including mobile media, augmented reality, and traditional animation. The program culminates in a capstone course, where students synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout their coursework, creating a comprehensive portfolio that showcases their abilities.
Technical Skills and Software Training
The BA in Game Art and Development at SNHU heavily focuses on technical skills and software training. Students learn essential skills such as:
- 3D modeling
- Texturing
- Rigging
- Interactive animation
The program covers digital sculpting with ZBrush, including software navigation, sculpting with multiple brushes, and poly painting. This comprehensive training ensures that students are well-versed in the latest industry tools and techniques.
The program’s facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and software that match current industry standards. This access to cutting-edge technology helps students develop the technical proficiency required to succeed in the competitive field of game art and development.
Student Projects and Portfolio Development
Student projects are a crucial component of SNHU’s BA in Game Art and Development program. These projects allow students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, creating a variety of game art assets, including original character and creature designs. Students also build interactive 3D environments, demonstrating their technical and artistic abilities.
These projects significantly contribute to portfolio development, assisting students in creating compelling portfolios that exhibit their creativity and technical skills. A strong portfolio is essential for securing job opportunities in the animation and game art industries, making these projects an integral part of the educational experience at SNHU.
Dartmouth College: Digital Arts Minor
Offering an innovative Digital Arts Minor, Dartmouth College emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, amalgamating principles from various disciplines to foster creative digital art projects. This program is housed within the Computer Science Department and involves collaboration with departments such as:
- Film Studies
- Psychological and Brain Sciences
- Studio Art
- Music
- Theater
The minor pairs well with a bachelor’s degree focused on animation and media arts, bestowing a holistic education in digital arts.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Blending principles from different disciplines, the Digital Arts Minor at Dartmouth College fosters collaboration and mutual learning among students from various fields. This interdisciplinary approach is a hallmark of Dartmouth’s liberal arts education, allowing students to explore the connections between digital arts and other areas of study. Electives in the program enable students to delve into topics like Cross Cultural Connections in Visual Art and the History of Animation.
Courses often involve team-teaching by faculty from different fields or highlight how various disciplines approach a problem. This collaborative environment fosters a deeper understanding of complex issues and encourages innovative thinking, preparing students for creative and dynamic careers in digital arts.
Courses and Learning Outcomes
Core courses for the Digital Arts Minor include any three courses between COSC 20 and 29, and two additional courses from the ORC list, one of which must be outside the computer science department. These courses cover a variety of media arts, including animation and digital technologies, and contribute to a well-rounded liberal arts core. Students gain skills in areas such as AR/VR design and development, working on projects that integrate digital arts with other fields.
The learning outcomes of these courses are designed to provide students with a broad understanding of animation, media technology, and digital arts. Graduates of the program will have the skills necessary to pursue careers in various aspects of digital media, from animation to interactive design.
Collaboration and Innovation
The Digital Arts Minor at Dartmouth College hinges critically on collaboration and innovation. Students engage in collaborative projects that foster innovation in digital media, often working in teams to build interactive digital tools, games, and visualizations. These projects provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge software such as Maya and Substance, essential tools in the animation and digital arts industries.
The emphasis on collaboration helps students develop important teamwork skills, while the focus on innovation encourages them to push the boundaries of what is possible in digital arts. This combination of collaboration and innovation prepares students for success in the rapidly evolving field of digital media.
Choosing the Right Program for You
Selecting the most suitable computer animation program is a pivotal step towards accomplishing your career goals. It’s essential to identify your preferred type of animation, such as:
- 2D
- 3D
- Character design
- Special effects
This will help focus your educational path. By assessing your interests and goals, comparing program features, and considering financial aspects, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Assessing Your Interests and Goals
Grasping your interests and career goals forms the initial step in choosing the appropriate animation program. Determine whether you are more interested in the artistic side of animation or the technical aspects such as shader writing and rigging. Recognize that the competitiveness of roles like character animation might influence your decision based on your confidence in your artistic skills.
Evaluating your own strengths in areas such as drawing, software proficiency, and storytelling can guide your program choice. Understanding different animation techniques, like 3D animation or stop-motion, can also help determine which program aligns with your interests.
Comparing Program Features
When evaluating animation programs, seek ones that provide exhaustive training in both traditional and digital art, given the importance of robust foundational skills for animators. Examine the curriculum for a variety of animation styles and techniques to ensure a well-rounded education. Evaluate the animation software taught in the program; common industry tools include:
- Adobe Animate
- Toon Boom Harmony
- Maya
- Blender
- Cinema 4D
Consider the flexibility of the program, especially if you require part-time classes or online learning options. This flexibility can be particularly important if you need to balance your studies with other commitments.
Financial Considerations and Scholarships
Finance plays a significant role in choosing an animation program. Investigate the total cost of the program, including tuition, supplies, and additional fees. This will help you understand the overall financial commitment required. Seek scholarships and financial aid that can help alleviate the cost burden of obtaining an animation education. Many schools offer scholarships specifically designed for animation students, which can significantly reduce the financial strain.
Consider attending online animation schools offering accredited programs as a cost-effective alternative to traditional universities. These programs can provide the flexibility and affordability needed to achieve your career goals without compromising on the quality of education. Additionally, some schools may have early decision or priority deadlines that offer benefits like early notification or scholarship considerations.
Application Process and Deadlines
A smooth application experience necessitates a thorough understanding of the application process and deadlines for computer animation schools in New Hampshire. Most schools require submitting an online application along with academic transcripts and recommendation letters. The New Hampshire Institute of Art, for example, requires a completed Common Application form, application fee, and a personal statement for undergraduate admission. Southern New Hampshire University has a rolling admissions process but recommends applying early for priority consideration. Deadlines for applications typically fall between December and February for fall admissions.
Preparing Your Portfolio
Assembling a robust portfolio forms an integral part of the application process for animation programs. Your portfolio should include a variety of work, such as character designs, storyboard samples, and short animations. A well-curated portfolio demonstrates your range of skills and creativity, making you a more attractive candidate to admission committees.
A strong animation portfolio should include:
- A showreel of your best work, ideally between one to three minutes long
- Tailored work to the style and requirements of the school or studio you are applying to
- A CV and cover letter to provide additional context to your work and highlight your achievements.
Important Dates to Remember
For a successful application process, it’s vital to keep a tab on important dates and deadlines. The priority deadline for financial aid applications at the New Hampshire Institute of Art is March 1. Financial aid application deadlines usually precede or coincide with general application deadlines. Missing these deadlines can affect your chances of receiving financial assistance, so it’s important to stay organized.
Make sure to mark both general application and financial aid deadlines on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss any critical dates. Staying on top of these deadlines will help you manage your application process more effectively and increase your chances of securing a spot in your desired program