Animation Programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Getting an Animation Degree in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Pursuing an Animation Degree in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers an exciting step toward a creative and rewarding career. Animation combines art, design, and technology, enabling individuals to bring ideas to life through 2D and 3D visuals, stop motion, and visual effects. Whether you are interested in video game design, animated films, or interactive media, Milwaukee provides excellent educational programs and career resources to help you succeed.

This guide explores the options for animation education in Milwaukee, career opportunities, and resources to help you start your journey.

About Milwaukee

Milwaukee, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, is Wisconsin’s largest city and a hub for arts and culture. Known for its historic brewing industry and vibrant lakefront, Milwaukee also offers a growing creative arts scene, including animation and digital media. For more information about the city, visit the City of Milwaukee official website.

Animation Degree Programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

If you are considering studying animation in Milwaukee, you’ll find several programs that cater to different interests and career goals. Below are some local schools offering Animation programs:

1. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Animation
  • Location: Downtown Milwaukee
  • Description: MATC offers a robust Associate Degree program in Animation, featuring courses on 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, character design, and portfolio development. The program also includes internship opportunities to help students gain real-world experience.
  • Website: MATC Animation Program

2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Animation
  • Location: East Side, Milwaukee
  • Description: UWM’s Animation program focuses on experimental animation, visual effects, and storytelling. The program incorporates a senior project, allowing students to create a professional portfolio piece that showcases their skills.
  • Website: UWM Animation BA

3. Columbia College Chicago (Nearby Option)

  • Program: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
  • Location: Chicago, Illinois (Approx. 90 miles from Milwaukee)
  • Description: Columbia College Chicago provides comprehensive Animation programs, covering everything from traditional 2D animation to advanced 3D modeling and motion capture. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and connections with industry professionals.
  • Website: Columbia Animation Program

Animation Employment Opportunities in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is home to a growing number of creative studios and employers in the animation and digital media fields. Below are some key companies and organizations in the area:

1. Cramer-Krasselt

  • Location: East Town, Milwaukee
  • Description: One of the largest independent advertising agencies in the U.S., Cramer-Krasselt frequently hires animators and multimedia artists for advertising campaigns.
  • Website: Cramer-Krasselt Careers

2. Milwaukee Film

  • Location: Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee
  • Description: Milwaukee Film supports local filmmakers and animators through festivals, events, and education programs. Their work often includes animation projects for local and national audiences.
  • Website: Milwaukee Film

3. Ravenswood Media

  • Location: Bay View, Milwaukee
  • Description: Specializing in educational and documentary media, Ravenswood Media provides opportunities for animators to work on projects with a focus on storytelling and education.
  • Website: Ravenswood Media

Prerequisites for Animation Programs

To enroll in an Animation program in Milwaukee, you’ll typically need to meet the following requirements:

  • General Requirements:
    • High school diploma or GED
    • Completed application and transcripts
  • Additional Requirements:
    • Associate Degree Programs (e.g., MATC): No standardized test scores required; portfolio submission is optional but encouraged.
    • Bachelor’s Degree Programs (e.g., UWM): SAT/ACT scores and a portfolio may be required.

Make sure to review individual school requirements for specific details.

Animation Industry Certifications

While earning an Animation degree is essential, obtaining industry certifications can further enhance your skills and employability. Consider the following certifications:

  1. Adobe Certified Professional

    • Focus: Adobe Creative Cloud software like Photoshop, After Effects, and Animate.
    • Benefits: Validates proficiency in widely used tools in the animation industry.

  2. Autodesk Certified Professional

    • Focus: 3D animation software such as Maya and 3ds Max.
    • Benefits: Demonstrates expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling and animation tools.

Building a strong portfolio showcasing your work is equally important. Employers often prioritize creative and technical skills demonstrated through professional-quality projects.

Get Started Today

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring animators, from excellent educational programs to a growing creative industry. Whether you choose a local institution like MATC or UWM or consider nearby options like Columbia College Chicago, there are pathways to help you achieve your career goals.

Take the first step toward your Animation career by exploring schools and programs that align with your interests and aspirations. Contact a school today to learn more about their application process and start your journey into the dynamic world of Animation!