The highest-grossing movies of 2023 so far include the animated “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse” and “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.” Live-action films such as “Avatar: The Way of Water” heavily rely upon animation to bring its fantastical elements and breathtaking stunts to life.
In response to this emerging industry, the UNCG School of Art’s new BFA in animation will graduate its first cohort in 2024. This program, found in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, prepares aspiring artists to work with an established company or as an independent creator, whichever suits them.
Dan Hale ‘01, assistant professor of animation, emphasizes that this concentration is for students with a passion to create:
“The students who succeed are the ones that take the time and energy to practice, not just observe. That’s not to say you shouldn’t watch animation and play video games. You just also have to put the time into improving your skills as an artist.”
Job Prospects
Students interested in making animation their career don’t necessarily have to move to California. Many smaller to medium-size studios, especially those focused on 2D work, are based throughout the country.
In addition to creating animated art for large film companies like Disney and Pixar, smaller animation studios need artists to create 3-D or 2-D graphics for:
- Video games
- News broadcasts
- Professional sports teams and broadcasts
- Concerts and other events
“Atlanta has a growing animation space, and the gaming industry is big in North Carolina, with Epic Games being right next door.”
– Assistant Professor Dan Hale
Classes
There’s a built-in “fun” element to this concentration. “You don’t have to do a lot to convince students to come watch animation with you,” says Hale.
Animation students learn about concept art, storyboard, and sequencing. They work with 2D and 3D animation in collaborative projects and individual assignments. Popular classes include:
- Analysis of Global Animation
- Storyboarding
- 2D Animation
- Advanced 3D Modeling
What makes UNCG’s program stand out?
Animation serves UNCG’s mission is to empower student voices by giving them tools to tell their stories and center work around personal experiences.
Hale says, “We try very hard to find the appropriate balance between supporting students who want to find a job in the industry and supporting students who want to be independent artists in the medium.”
Story by Janet Imrick, University Communications
Photography by David Lee Row and Sean Norona, University Communications
Tell the next great story.
