From Sketches to Screens: Unleashing Creativity with an Animation Degree

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What is an Animation?

Are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of animation? It’s like a spell cast over your drawings, making them come alive and busting a move to their own rhythm. Imagine wielding a magical tool that can turn your fanciful ideas into reality with just a few strokes of a pen or clicks of a keyboard. You’ll be able to mesmerise your audience with captivating stories and lively characters that leap off the screen.

Have you ever felt the rush of excitement while watching animated cartoons or playing video games during weekends? Those moving pieces are the perfect examples of animation. The art of making pictures come to life and dance around is truly captivating. From hand-drawn animations to computer-animated masterpieces, the world of animation has come a long way. With just a few clicks of a button, you can create animations that are so realistic and cool.

Back in the day, animators had to sharpen their woody pencils and sketch each and every frame one by one to bring their animations to life. Creating animations was a marathon task, but with the advent of computer animation software nowadays, we can now whip up amazing animations in no time. It’s like wielding a magic wand that brings your wildest imaginings to life! 

Types of Animation

Types of Animation 

Description

3D Animation

The process of generating moving images in a three-dimensional (3D) environment is known as 3D animation. This technique creates the impression that digital objects are moving through a 3D space.

2D Animation

The definition of 2D animation is the creation of motion within a space that is limited to two dimensions. The elements that are included are characters, creatures, special effects, and backgrounds. When a series of drawings are arranged in a sequence over a period of time, it creates an illusion of movement. In film and video production, one second of time is commonly divided into 24 frames.

Whiteboard Animation

Whiteboard animation is a technique where an author creates an illustrated story by drawing it on a whiteboard or a similar surface using marker pens. The process is recorded to create an animated video. Narration by script is often used to assist the animations.

Typography Animation

The term “kinetic typography” or “animated typography” is used to describe text that is in motion. This can include text that moves at different speeds, changes in size, or transforms into a different shape or form. Animated letters have a higher visual appeal compared to static text. Text animations are utilised to highlight or draw attention to the significance of a text. To express a message filled with emotion.

Claymation

Stop-motion animation includes various techniques, and one of them is clay animation, also known as claymation or plasticine animation. The animated pieces, including both characters and backgrounds, are created using a flexible material, typically plasticine clay, which allows them to be easily moulded and reshaped.

Stop Motion Animation

Stop motion is a technique used in animated filmmaking where objects are moved in small increments between individual frames that are photographed. This creates the illusion of independent motion or changes when the frames are played back in a series.

Cel Animation

A cel is a transparent sheet that is used in traditional, hand-drawn animation to draw or paint objects. The term “cel” is short for celluloid. During the first half of the 20th century, actual celluloid was commonly used. However, due to its flammability and tendency to change shape, it was mostly replaced by cellulose acetate.

Rotoscope Animation

The process of rotoscoping involves animators tracing over each frame of motion picture footage to create lifelike action in their animations. In the past, animators used to project live-action movie images onto a glass panel and then trace over them to create animations.

Flipbook Animation

A flip book animation, also known as a flipbook, flicker book, or kineograph, is a booklet containing a sequence of images that change slightly from one page to the next. When the pages are flipped quickly, the images appear to move, and create the illusion of motion or change.

Puppetry Animation

Puppet animation is a form of stop-motion animation that entails animating puppet figures one frame at a time. The animators typically create a physical, three-dimensional scene that serves as a stage for the action to take place.

Skills needed to be an Animator

  • Attention to Detail

There are countless additional pixels and nuances to polish because many video games and movies are displayed in 4K resolution. One of the abilities that every 3D animator needs to master is the ability to nail every last detail. Today, animators can create intricate animations of objects like hair strands. The number of characteristics that should be added to each frame must be carefully considered because the audience now demands a much higher level of information.

  • Creative

A 3D animator should be able to take the real world and make it seem like a natural element of a fantastical realm. As an artist, you’ll need to tap into a rich reservoir of creativity, ideas, and inspiration that drives you forward every day. Although it’s easy to create lifelike animation, viewers seek out the “never-seen-before.” So, as the animator, it is your responsibility to make each motion memorable. Another crucial element is that a well-paced film requires the director to have a keen sense of rhythm, timing, and motion.

  • Fast learners

Your capacity to be flexible and pick up new techniques and layouts will be essential, whether you move studios or begin new projects. Depending on the publisher, each software programme’s user interface can vary greatly. Additionally, if an animator is confident in their ability to pick up new software quickly, they will certainly find a lot of job opportunities.

  • Self-Discipline

Whether self-employed or contracted by an agency, animators must fulfil deadlines and operate under pressure. You’ll save time by organising the thousands of files you’ll need to use. If you have a bad memory, use design notes to easily reference information while reviewing previous techniques or software.

  • Strong Will

Pacing yourself and working comfortably through each 3D animation project’s hurdles is crucial. Working in a team will always be difficult, but if you want to create something truly unique, you must push your limitations and persevere. Energy drink? Great entertainment and a masterpiece may depend on finding a way to connect with an audience.

Are you eligible to study Animation?

Academic Entry

Minimum Score

Foundation

CGPA of 2.00

Diploma

CGPA of 2.00

STPM

CGPA 2.00

UEC

5Bs

A-Levels

CDD

Australian Matriculation (ATAR)

55

IB Diploma

24

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

English Language Entry Requirements

Entry Level

Minimum Score

IELTS

Band 6.0

MUET

Band 3

TOEFL

46

Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

What jobs can I get with an Animation Degree?

After you finish your Animation Degree, these are the potential career paths you may consider exploring:

  1. 2D Animator
  2. 3D Animator
  3. Concept Artist
  4. Storyboard Artist
  5. 3D Modeller
  6. Production Designer
  7. Look Development Artist
  8. Set Designer
  9. 2D Rigging Artist
  10. 3D Technical Artist

Universities to study Animation in Malaysia

1. Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

APU is ranked among the Top 10 Malaysian Private Universities in the latest QS Asia University Rankings 2023 announced on 8th November 2022. According to QS rankings, APU is one of the top 5 universities for international students and inbound exchange, and is also ranked among the top 30 universities for international faculty. APU Ranks No. 52 in the South-Eastern Asia ranking and among Top 240 Universities in the QS World University Rankings – Asia 2023. 

This programme covers various aspects of animation processes and design skills in the creative industry. It also explores different animation techniques, including 2D traditional and CG animation. The programme will require students to develop animated content and focus on enhancing their critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Industrial training is an important part of the animation programme, as it provides valuable production experience. This emphasis on professional practice is designed to improve employment prospects for graduates.

Programme Offered

Duration

Intake

Indicative Fees (2023)

Bachelor Of Arts (Honours) in Animation

3 Years

July, September

Local students: RM 87,000

International students: RM 93,500 (USD 22,805)

Bachelor Of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects

3 Years

July, September

Local students: RM 87,000

International students: RM 93,500 (USD 22,805) 

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

2. UCSI University & Colleges

A thriving community of study and scholarship exists at UCSI University. At this time, the University is home to more than 12,000 students. UCSI University’s campus is a cultural and racial melting pot thanks to the 110 nations that have sent students there throughout the years. With its extensive selection of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, UCSI University, one of Malaysia’s first private universities, continues to have a significant influence on the country’s higher education system. 

Future artists’ talents are being developed today through the BCA (Hons) 3D Animation Design programme. Students are taught how to think, produce, and speak the language of 3D animation from the moment an idea is conceived to the completion of their creative works.  The Graduate Employability 2020 report from the Ministry of Higher Education gave this programme a perfect score for graduate employability. 

Programme Offered

BCA (Hons) 3D Animation Design

Duration

3 Years

Intake

January, May, September

Indicative Fees (2023)

Local students: RM 72,650

International students: RM 85,350

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

3. Taylor’s University

In order to give students a broad understanding of creative media design, Taylor’s Design School’s degree plan exposes students to a variety of media in the first year. The following two years of specialisation then aim to give students depth in their chosen field of study. Through problem- and studio-based learning, the core procedures of design theory and practise will be covered with the students. Students that participate in the design thinking process will be able to analyse, assess, and present original and creative design ideas. The recommended modules will equip the student with the essential skill sets to conceptualise and produce aesthetically pleasing outputs that are innovative, practical, amusing, engaging, and communicable.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Major:

  • UI/UX
  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Animation
  • Entertainment Design

Duration

3 Years

Intake

January, March, September

Indicative Fees (2023)

Local students: RM 106,646

International students: USD 30,923

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

4. UniKL

UniKL has branch institutes located throughout Peninsular Malaysia that offer specialised programmes in their respective areas of expertise. UniKL currently has 22,372 students enrolled.  UniKL focuses on equipping its graduates with advanced technological knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to meet the increasing demands of industries. The programme provides students with an overview of the animation industry, emphasising the growth of technical and managerial abilities. It also encourages students to enhance their creativity and innovation. The programme will equip students with the necessary artistic skills and values to excel in the animation industry, while also providing them with the knowledge and tools to become successful entrepreneurs.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Multimedia Technology (Hons) in Computer Animation

Duration

3.5 Years

Intake

January, July

Indicative Fees (2023)

Local students: RM 51,426

International students: RM 66,858

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

5. Multimedia University (MMU)

MMU is the first private university in Malaysia that has been approved by the government. It follows rigorous standards to ensure that its degrees are of the highest quality. According to a study conducted by Gartner and MSC Malaysia, MMU is one of the top five universities that major ICT players prefer for hiring graduates. This indicates that its academicians, curriculum, and student development programmes are of high quality and that we have a strong reputation in the industry.

The programme, which was established in 1997 as BMm (Hons) (Film & Animation), is centred around the creative aspects of Animation, Visual Effects, and Film Language. The programme began in Melaka in 1999 under the Faculty of Media Arts & Sciences and was later relocated to Cyberjaya under the newly established Faculty of Creative Multimedia. The purpose of creating the Programme was to stimulate the growth of the Animation industry in Malaysia.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Multimedia (Hons) Animation

Duration

3 Years

Intake

March, July, October

Indicative Fees (2023)

Local students: RM62,250

International students: RM 77,250

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

For more information regarding the university, programmes offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.

Recommended Articles to Read

Studying Digital Animation in Malaysia

Study Animation Degree in Australia

High Demand Jobs in Malaysia 2023

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About The Author

Qasyrina Zahirah

Still figuring out the direction of my life and most of the time life directs me to good foods and beaches 🙂

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