Survey of Industry Perspectives on 3D Computer Animation Education

Abstract

The paper summarizes the results of an online survey of 43 professionals working in the animation industry, including modelers, animators, technical directors, conceptual artists and lighting and texture artists. Respondents were asked to rate the appropriate level of emphasis of 14 topics commonly addressed in academic computer animation programs, ranging from fine arts skills to computer programming. Three relatively non-technical topics were top rated: fundamentals, preproduction and design/layout. There was substantial agreement in rankings among participants, even those with widely varying areas of professional interest. When asked about their own personal educational experiences 25% felt that they had been well prepared, 38% satisfactorily prepared and 37% underprepared.