Intrigued by a career in computer animation, but not sure if you have the skill set for it? Full Sail’s Computer Animation bachelor’s degree program is designed to help prepare you for a future in this visual arts realm, no matter where you might be in your artistic journey.

Plinio Pinto, the Admissions Portfolio Reviewer for the Computer Animation bachelor’s program, reviews the samples of art submitted by students who apply to the program. He wants prospective students to understand that the program is very open to applicants of all artistic backgrounds.

“It’s important to have a basic initial artistic skill set, but you are definitely not required to be an experienced illustrator or artist,” Plinio explains.

According to Plinio, putting one’s ideas on paper – and ultimately the digital canvas – is critical to being successful in computer animation.

“In order to fall in love with drawing and any art, it requires a deep involvement in loving what you’re doing,” he says. “To do so, you have to create what you like the most. What are you passionate about or inspired by?”

In the program, courses focus on sketching, storyboarding, modeling, and character rigging. Students use pencil and paper to make their initial sketches before transforming them into something digital, or even 3D. In terms of software, they learn the basics of several programs, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Substance Painter, Autodesk Maya, and Unreal Engine. Some also choose to use Procreate, an iPad sketchbook app that allows users to draw with an Apple Pencil.

Having the ability to sketch, erase, and see what works is a perfect metaphor for how the program is designed.

“It’s completely normal that some students haven’t developed that passion or those skills for drawing yet,” Plinio shares. “But through practice, they will learn, grow, and fall in love with what they’re creating. We offer a safe learning environment for students to try new things.”

Once students can determine their artistic goals, their course directors in the program will help guide them toward achieving them.“

If you have the ability to draw, this program will assist you in creating 3D assets more easily. However, [having advanced drawing skills] is not a requirement we have. We will help you focus on acquiring and developing [those skills]. The bottom line is if you’re passionate about [creating visual art] and can visualize it, this program is right for you.”