[jonkman]

I'm looking into different certificate programs for motion graphics and have on several occasions come across programs that seem to overlap in terms of motion graphics content. More specifically I often see both a 3D Computer Animation and a Digital Video program. I'm having trouble deciding which would be best to pursue in terms of securing a decent job? and which one is more marketable? and what's the difference?

I'm from Washington DC and I am looking at the Corcoran's certificate programs and was hoping someone could shed some light on the major distinctions between 3D Animation and Digital Video because both seem to have motion graphic course requirements and I don't think you can disregard 3D Animation in the field of motion graphics and at the same time you can't disregard video editing as a great asset in the field as well.

Here are links to the specific certificate programs i'm looking at:
3D Animation: corcoran.edu/continuing/certifi...rtificate_ID=13
Digital Video: corcoran.edu/continuing/certifi...ertificate_ID=5

Thanks,
Nick

[Larixk]

I was a bit scared this was the next in a line of horrible polls terrorising this board over the last few weeks.

Don't think those links work with those ellipses and everything.

[darkmotion]

Well animation is ANIMATION and video is VIDEO - each purely an artform of their own. I assume the animation would cover the fundamentals of animation techniques whereas the video course would cover things such as editing, and composition. Both are equally matched, so I guess it is up to you to pick the path ( I heart animation)

[djeglin]

See this is where I have problems with the university system and the courses they seem to offer... For example, I would never, ever attend a 3D animation course if it didnt offer a healthy portion of digital video work - You need it as a grounding for everything afterwards. Its all very well to learn how to create and animate a beautifully detailed 3D scene, but if you dont know squat about film conventions, effects that you can achieve with different lighting, camera angles, movements, lens angles and the rest, you're not going to come out with the ability to make things look "natural". If the course doesnt teach you, for example, about shot sizes, most viewers wont know why, but they will find it more difficult to watch you productions than if they were composed with traditional shot sizes in mind.

Add to this that you have to have a pretty good grasp of digital video to do any compositing work, not to mention video effects and grading, and I would suggest that you look for a course that combines the two disciplines wholly. You can never hope to learn everything there is to know about either, but it is important you look to get a good, solid grounding in both.

[sanderson]

Well Nick,

Regardless of the differences I would suggest to look at your own irresistable interest, that you can not stop yourself by doing it, and I am dam sure you will love it and will earn more from it, moneywise as well as from the point of satisfaction.

That will be the honest opinion from me.

Thanks.

[Dusteh]

The 3D industry is even harder to break into than webdesign, I don't know about digital video editing, although the learning curve is easier from what I've seen of other peoples work. Make sure you have the passion for 3D modelling and animation. A half arsed attempt won't get you a career.

I recommend getting stuck into some 3D packages and see how you feel after a weeks modelling.

[sagarin]

i suggest you 3d animation

[emmelai]

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation- I graduated a year ago and I live in South Florida. In my own experience, unless you are willing to move to an area where the 3D industry is booming...I wouldn't bother. The program I was in was heavy in Maya and Shake. I learned quite a bit about character animation, rigging and lots of video techniques like tracking, compositing, etc. If it weren't for the fact that as a fine art student I had to learn all mediums....my degree would be pratically useless. I would stick with video or straight 2D motion graphics...there is more work there. The 3D industry has it's own niche.

[Dusteh]

have you got any work online we can look at emmelai?

[emmelai]

I don't at the moment, but I'm working on getting a website up now. Hopefully, it will be live within a few weeks. Sadly, I won't be putting a
3D, compositing, or motion graphics reel on it. Honestly, I've almost completely abondoned Maya and Shake....although I love it. I've found more freelance work in print and web design than anything.

I'll you know when I have my website up though!

[Dusteh]

cool, nice one.