[BrianFisher]

Hello my name is Brian, and Im very interested in going to school for Computer Animation and I would like to know some tips on how to get into the industry. I'd like to know what schools are good for animation and the best ways to learn animation. I am moving to the Orlando area and would like some professional tips so I can get started THANKS!!

[Zentrope]

Computer Animation is a huge industry and at some moment in time you will be asking yourself that what interests me the most !

And trust me, THERE IS NO SCHOOL LIKE LIFE AND NO TEACHER LIKE SELF EXPERIENCE

No one will give you success if you don't have it in you, so Learn and Grasp!

But regarding Animation (Animation Mentor's PDF will help you understand some of the basic things regarding schools) only Basic

http://content.animationmentor.com/p...stryReport.pdf

And if you are interested in 2D animation you can first read some Industry Standard books available in the Market...
Illusion Of Life

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Illusion-Lif.../dp/0786860707

Animators Survival Kit

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Animators-Su...471792-9902712

Some other Books
Regarding the legend-Winsor Mccay and Art

WINSOR MCCAY: HIS LIFE AND ART (1987) by John Canemaker

CARTOONS: 100 YEARS OF CINEMA ANIMATION (1994) by Giannalberto Bendazzi

[BrianFisher]

Thanks alot for the tips, I will take a look at the information that you gave me. I have always been one to learn on my own. Also Is Maya the best program for animation? or are there others that are better or just as good. Thanks again!

[Zentrope]

Maya is one of the most easiest and flexible one for sure!
It also comes with the most Tutorial base for any software package!

And along with Motion Builder, they make a hell of a combo!
They come under the same brand "AUTODESK" which also makes 3ds Max and softimage , which makes them share the same workflow seamless.

Other packages like 3ds Max, Softimage, Lightwave etc are decent and totally depends on the artist's preference!

Cheers to self Learning!

[BrianFisher]

OK thanks! Now concerning schools, I recently was looking at Full Sail University and Central Florida University, and wanted to know which school would be better for animation. Now I know that Full Sail is not accredited and made me turn away for that reason. But I noticed when I took the tour I was blown away by the students work which was a plus for me. The reason why I am looking at CFU is because there program is much cheaper and the schools has a better rating and is accredited. Please share your thoughts, Thanks!

[Zentrope]

Looks can sometimes be deceptive

Some institutes help their student to make a good showreel and more than 50% of the work is being done by the faculty.
So the work by the students cannot be a good indicator for it.

My cousin Brother once mentioned about CFU when he stayed in Florida (being a good one).
And Central Reviews of the university is indeed a good indicator for that.
So choose wisely!

[BrianFisher]

Ok great Thanks alot for your help, and the information that you have given me is going to be very useful! Thanks, again!

[BrianFisher]

I would like to know which schools are good in the Orlando Florida area to look into. I would like insight on the schools in the area as to choose the right school.
Thanks!

[Zentrope]

Hey Brian!
University of Central Florida and Florida State university are nice but cannot comment on the other institutions.
Select the one with good College and university ranking for the Fine Arts division.