<p>Can anyone give me info on the best schools for animation and vis. effects?!?! I want to stay in the NY area if I can but I want to go to the best school thats worth my money. Pratt, Parsons, School of Visual arts??? Are these schools very reputable in the field? Info Please!!!</p>
<p>Both Pratt ( computer art) and SVA are good; however, there are better and more reknown places for what you want.</p>
<p>A good list would be:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cal Arts in California ( Considered top in country)</li>
<li>Sheridan College in Canada ( among top in North America)</li>
<li>Ringling School of Art in Florida</li>
<li><p>University of Cincinnati, School of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning, ( Digital Design), although they do also offer animation courses.</p></li>
<li><p>SCAD, from what I hear, might offer some interesting options.</p></li>
<li><p>RIT: Has two programs: new media design ( school of imaging arts) and animation ( which is part of their film school)</p></li>
<li><p>USC
*UCLA</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Also, you can major in animation in graduate school. For example, Carnegie Melon has a masters in entertainment (game) design.</p>
<p>My thing is that I want to stay in NY for now...who knows maybe I will transfer. But right now I really would like to stay in NY. I just want to go to a school that will offer me great opportunities after I graduate with good jobs and what not. If Pratt and SVA or Parsons cannot offer that then I will go somewhere outside the state. However it really would be ideal if I could stay here but it has to be worth it.
I have heard of Cal Arts and considered, as well as SCAD.</p>
<p>RIT is in NY and it has a good animation and film program, as taxguy said</p>
<p>What about Pratt?</p>
<p>You can probably get what you want at Pratt,but Pratt is NOT known for animation. They have a computer art major that may give you somewhat of what you want.</p>
<p>Frankly, I think you are better off at RIT,which is in NY.</p>
<p>Please note that Pratt's name is "Pratt institute of design." It is NOT really a fine art school, although you certainly can take fine arts. Its main strengths are design. Thus, if you wanted interior design, graphic design, industrial design or even architecture, Pratt would be a good choice. Animation, painting etc. is not Pratt's forte.</p>
<p>Well although I am considering animation, I think I am leaning more towards Motion Graphics/Visual Effects Broadcasting stuff which I believe to be a totally different major and most schools. When I looked at SCAD animation was seperate from that. If I was choosing animation I might choose SCAD because I know someone who went there and just finished working on the Dr. Seuss Movie by the same studio that did Ice Age and he's so far done really well for himself. There is a film animation major at pratt and then there is a digital arts major which two concentrations are digital animation and motion arts or interactive media and game arts. Maybe considering that one. I looked at SVA as well although their admissions portfolio req. is kind of discouraging me.</p>
<p>Cbstylist, sorry, I don't know enough about Pratt's program. However, I have NEVER heard any person in animation, and I know a few, rave about Pratt. Usually schools such as Cal Arts and Sheridan , USC and UCLA.are mentioned. </p>
<p>I also think that you should check out Rochester Institute of Technology's schools of Imaging Arts and School of Film.They seem to have strong programs. </p>
<p>There is a lady who post on these forums who was in animation for 30+ years. She notes that you need to have a very, very strong portfolio in life drawing. Perhaps, you can get these in the schools that either you or I mentioned and go on for graduate work in animation at the Gnomon Institute, USC, UCLA , RIT etc.</p>
<p>Perhaps, others will have more insight. If you are so "gung-ho" on Pratt, meet with the heads of the appropriate departments. Find out who recruits there. Find out what their placement rate is? Find out what software they have what they train in? Speak to kids in those majors. Do your homework!
Anyway, I wish you well.</p>
<p>having a strong portfolio in drawing and what not is not a problem for me. Thats what I started out as at a young age. I've been drawing and painting for a very long time. By the way I would also be a transfer student, I have been out of high school. Now back in community college and work as a hair stylist full time. The reason I've been leaning strongly towards the schools in the ny metro area is because first of all I have a strong job around here that I make good money. Also being that when I go I will be 22 I would like to live in my area of origin. It may sound ridiculous but going to college and living 3000 miles away from my home with 18 year olds who just party all the time isn't my idea of a good time nor is it conducive for my education. However I will take what you said into consideration and I will try to do my research after all I would like to do whats best for my career.</p>