I got into Animation because my storyboards were better than my scripts, and I wanted to see my images move. Animation is about bringing your imagination to life. The possibilities are endless, with new styles continuing to be accepted. The power of the computer has enabled anyone to animate anywhere, anytime.
The magic of animation has drawn you to this point where you’re dreaming of making it your career. Now is the time to turn illusions to life. A life where every day you enter the world of imagination, tapping into your creative talents to produce animations that entertain and inspire.
Our industry-based teachers are here as your mentors - you bring your vision, talent, and passion and we’ll ‘layout’ the high-tech equipment, latest software, industry connections, and creative environment to power up your skills.
When you were younger, what were the films you watched? What were the games you played? It’s likely that your childhood, and even your adulthood, were (and still are) surrounded by animation. From Disney to Pixar, The Simpsons to Rick and Morty - the art of moving images has drastically evolved across history. Even with videos games, the advancements of animation is visible when you compare the graphics of the original Super Mario Bros, with modern-day creations like Assassin’s Creed.
There’s a sense of magic within the animation industry that isn’t always seen in other creative fields. You bring life to images - just like the Blue Fairy turned Pinocchio into a real boy.
As with all projects, we start with the pre-production phase. This will involve the work of image editors, storyboard artists, as well as character and background designers. These are the people who plan out the visual details of every element of the story - this includes every shot, its setting, and of course, how the characters will look.
Then there’s the production department for animation where they weave the elements together, bringing still images to life. This involves the work of 2D and 3D animators, rendering artists, as well as an effects technical director (FX TD). Here is where your technical abilities will really shine.
Dream big, work hard, and soarit’s time to set the frames of your success.
When choosing to work in the animation industry, there is no denying that it will be a thrilling experience. You will be pushing yourself to your creative and technical limits as you explore the realms of your imagination.
It’s a truly inspired feeling when your job is something you love doing - even more so when you’re crushing it. Getting qualifications in Animation will give you an edge that will separate you from those that go it alone.
The internet may be jam-packed with information, but a YouTube degree or TikTok diploma can only get you so far - there are techniques you won’t even know to search, and teaching yourself can get overwhelming.
Our hands-on classes will have you working on industry-based projects, collaborating with likeminded creatives, making industry connections and building a kickass portfolio, giving you a smooth ride from class to career-ready in no time.
SAE is the space where you transform from being someone with a bit of talent and a love of drawing, into a creative genius with the skills, confidence and experience to make moves in the industry.
With the latest industry-standard tech at your fingertips and expert mentors by your side, we’ll shape your abilities to a point where blending your art with technology becomes second nature with skills you didn’t even know you needed or had in you.
From diplomas to postgraduate studies, SAE will have you creating will have you creating animations at a higher level and gaining the all-important real-world insights. You’ll have one-on-one mentoring opportunities to learn advanced techniques with 2D/3D character animation, visual storytelling, 3D modelling & computer graphics, visual effects & motion graphics.
Immerse yourself in a creative environment where you can collaborate with students of different creative endeavours (think gaming and music producers!) and build a showstopping portfolio before you even graduate.
Pursuing a qualification in Animation will not only help you fine-tune your talent for the working world but help you connect with the right people on the same frequency, and in this industry, CONNECTIONS ARE EVERYTHING.
Discover the future of Animation, and learn what it takes to illustrate a fulfilling career.
At SAE I had the time and flexible guidance to create the kinds of projects I wanted to make. I found SAE great for creating my own path.
MAREE RAILTON SAE BACHELOR OF ANIMATION BRISBANE
We’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 critical know-hows for an animation professional.
An essential skill of an animator is bringing worlds and characters for movies, ads, games, visual experiences to life on screen using specific software. These include software like Autodesk, ToonBoom, Harmony, Unreal Engine, Houdini, NukeX and Adobe Creative Suite to bring your ideas to life. Your understanding and dexterity in these will make or break your career in this field.
Fantastical worlds, thrilling narratives, and addictive play are all born from imagination. The world of animation gets you to craft spectacular and elaborate story worlds that are elevated with interesting characters, plot points or challenges that keep players wanting more. The sky’s the limit with what you can create and don’t hold back. This is the industry where you can run wild with ideas, and defy gravity. Your creations need to stand out and captivate.
With animation being a visual art, colour is one element that greatly influences the storytelling process. Every shade, every level of saturation - all aspects of colour ignite a different set of emotions. It’s about finding the sweet spot and reflecting the kind of mood you want to set. Do a colour script and see how your panels flow.
The 3D animation software market worldwide was projected to more than double its size between 2021 and 2028, surpassing $39bn dollars before the decade ends.
The animation industry is blessed with its technical capabilities. It allows you to look at every pixel, form every brick, and sketch every stray hair. Everything is designed with purpose in animation, so you can’t just look at the big picture. Zoom in - inspect every detail.
The essence of an animator’s work is to convey emotion. Tapping into the human subconscious, making them feel through visual storytelling will only succeed if it’s done in the right way. We’re not talking the basics of angry, happy, sad. To reach through the screens so we feel it on a visceral level, you’ll need to weave the varying degrees of emotion throughout a storyline. It’s not always an escalation from 0 to 100. Interacting with others, using a muse, or watching movies, can aid in your ability to catch the subtle differences to apply to your charater’s expressions.
The global animation market is expected to clock a 4.79 per cent annual growth rate between 2018 and 2023, reaching a market size of $404.83 billion.
The future of work within any industry in the last century has primarily been about collaborating effectively with the constant evolution of technology.
With the right mix of passion, skills, talent and determination, you could be a creative pioneer in this age of technological singularity. Be the leading force of creative change in how we consume film on levels we’ve never even imagined.
Animators today aren’t necessarily stuck in a 2D dimension. Our senses are spoilt for choice with 3D, Virtual and Augmented Reality creating immersive animated experiences. How can we possibly take it even further? Visionaries: Hold my mouse.
Software and hardware are still on the path of evolution. Tools for creators are constantly advancing to create things faster and better before. Whilst we’re already accustomed to high-definition graphics, 3D movies, and virtual reality, the future of animation will see us blurring the lines between the digital and the physical world even further.
Pokemon Go sent the globe on a thrilling adventure catching virtual creatures seemingly in front of our very eyes through Augmented Reality. This opens up so many possibilities with AR technology. Imagine the animated worlds, rich characters, and storylines that can be experienced by wearing AR glasses - the sky is truly the limit.
Managing a successful career means lifting your game in some key areas. Here’s our round-up.
As an animator, chances are you’ll be working on a project with a specific release schedule or multiple projects at a time. So, keeping your time management skills tight is a gamechanger. Know your deadlines, stick to a plan, prioritise your tasks, set reminders and keep your work organised. Staying on track will boost productivity and even the quality of your creations.
Transitioning from student to working professional to known artist or just maintaining your vision and keeping up with demands can get intense. You might have days where you feel you’ve hit the proverbial wall of creativity. In cases where you’re fighting to find your mojo, it pays to keep pushing through. Find inspiration through the world around you, other creatives, and music, believe in yourself and just keep going.
Problems will creep up in every project you take on, and no, you can’t ghost them. Just take a step back, regroup and work with your team to find the best solution. Even with bigger issues, there’s always a solution - take your time to crush every problem into bite-sized steps and tackle them one at a time.
The key to turning your love of animation into a long, fulfilling career lies in finding the perfect alignment between passion, talent, and skills mixed with a whole lot of persistence.
Remember, animation is a skills-based industry. Artistic techniques and technologies will always evolve - usually it’s quite rapid. You need to become a sponge. Absorb every new trick, and remember each lesson. This will not only boost your abilities, but also your chances of success within this industry!
Animators generally don’t work on projects alone so collaboration is key. You need to know how to communicate your vision to your client or the numerous players in your team. At the end of the day, the story, visuals, engine, tools, and sound all have to work together harmoniously. This won’t happen if you’re unable to clearly express your ideas.
One of the biggest obstacles you’ll face after graduating is getting your foot in the door. Studying at a University College carved out specifically for creatives will keep you connected with a legion of like-minded people and industry experts. Use your people skills to make those connectionsthe more people you know in your chosen field, the greater the opportunities.
Dive into our courses that could lead you to your dream role, or even set you up for studying your next qualification like our Master of Creative Industries.
Unlock all levels for the ultimate career win
DIPLOMA OF 3D ANIMATION PRODUCTION 7 CORE UNITS
Stage 1 / Foundations
Develop the essential technical skills and the knowledge required to collaborate with other creative media students and professionals.
· Animation Studies and Practice
· Drawing of Animation
· Foundations of Computer Graphics
· Introduction to Animation
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Applied Animation Techniques
· Animation Studio 1
ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN ANIMATION 11 CORE UNITS
Stage 2 / Refine & Expand
Broaden your scope to work on complex multidisciplinary projects in accordance with industry-standard practices.
· Animation Studies and Practice
· Drawing of Animation
· Foundations of Computer Graphics
· Introduction to Animation
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Applied Animation Techniques
· Animation Studio 1
· Media Studies
· Animation Studio 2
· Animation Studio 3
· Cultural Perspectives
BACHELOR OF ANIMATION
16 CORE UNITS
+ 1 ELECTIVE
Stage 3 / Showcase
Execute a project of your own design which is of a high quality and externally published, with the knowledge to commercialise if you choose. You’ll also apply your skills through industry work-placement.
· Animation Studies and Practice
· Drawing of Animation
· Foundations of Computer Graphics
· Introduction to Animation
· Project Design and the Entrepreneur
· Applied Animation Techniques
· Animation Studio 1
· Media Studies
· Animation Studio 2
· Animation Studio 3
· Cultural Perspectives
· Major Project Development
· Major Project Production
· Animation Studio 4
· Creative Business Development and Marketing
· Work Integrated Learning
· Elective
MASTER OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
9 CORE UNITS
+ 7 ELECTIVES
Stage 1 / Graduate Certificate in Creative Industries
The graduate certificate provides a foundation for learning and a pathway to the master’s program.
· Graduate Studio 1 - CIM400
· Creative Practice Research - CIM417
· Leadership and Collaboration in Creative Industries - CIM418
· Discipline - Elective 1
Stage 2 / Graduate Diploma of Creative Industries
Choose to deepen your knowledge and skills within your existing discipline or complement this experience with cross-discipline electives.
· Discipline- Elective 2
· Discipline- Elective 3
· Graduate Studio 2- CIM401
· Critical Inquiry- CIM402
Stage 3 / Master of Creative Industries
Produce your planned capstone project and showcase your knowledge with applied learning.
· Discipline - Elective 4
· Research Design and Methods - CIM515
· Creative Industries Perspectives - CIM503
· Capstone Project - CIM516
Our animation pathway takes you on a journey of practical exploration and self-discovery. At SAE, we’re determined to give you the practical experience we’re renowned for and help amp up your skills as you begin to make your mark in the industry.
When it comes to the creative world, understanding how the industry works, networking with fellow professionals, mastering your skills, and gaining hands-on experience is what will set you up for long-term success.
Diving into a career in Animation may feel daunting as there’s so much to learn, but don’t let that deter you. With our digital expertise, long-standing industry connections, and expert mentors, SAE is here to ride along with you. We see you, we hear you, and we know how to support you.
Take your first step into our world of Animation and we’ll help you open doors that will change your life.
There are NO ATAR MINIMUMS HERE. Our entry requirements are your determination and creative potential - we’ve got you covered for the rest.
All you need to show us to start your Diploma, Associate or Bachelor degree is one of the following requirements:
1. Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (your Year 12 certificate) or equivalent; OR
2. Completion of an Australian Diploma level qualification (for example a TAFE Diploma) or higher; OR
3. Experience-Based Entry – for applicants who do not meet the requirements of entry criteria 1 or 2 above.
There’s also study pathways, including credit transfers or recognition of prior learning.
So if you’re down to make your mark and master your passion for animation, your future starts here –ENROL NOW.
SAE University College will help you to find the area of the Animation industry you fit in best, assist you in developing your own style and perhaps most importantly, immerse you into the next generation of creatives. You will get to work across all of the disciplines and form some great friendships.
ADRIAN BRUCH SENIOR LECTURER MELBOURNE
ANIMATION / AUDIO / COMPUTER SCIENCE / CREATIVE INDUSTRIES / DESIGN / FILM / GAMES / MUSIC / VFX & VIRTUAL PRODUCTION / Start your animation career here SAE.EDU.AU/APPLY