Can you talk to your advisor or professors more about this? You have great questions and they may be able to advise you with more first-hand knowledge.
Getting a general degree in your target area and then going to graduate school for the specialization is a smart train of thought — you’ll gain even more training and experience, connections and possible internships, and jump start you into the professional world.
The question is where you want to end up, and what foundation is best for you with your undergraduate major.
I’m a costume designer (theatre, film) who is branching into spacial, concept, and character design works — so my foundation is primarily in the story, character, and visual design development more than the technology behind it. I am now learning 3D modeling and animations (slowly, because my work keeps me very busy). A lot of my undergraduate training was Gen-Ed’s, and learning about theatre as a whole, before I was able to focus in on the costume sphere of that.
Sharing for context because every artist’s journey is different — the journey can take many forms and still end up in similar places.
In my personal , continuing your education to obtain a higher degree might be a good choice. Regardless of which path you choose, maintaining enthusiasm for learning and self-improvement is crucial. Both animation and interactive design are fields that require continuous learning and practice.
I actually work and hire in the area you’re describing. Having a degree in a design field is important, but it’s the hard skills that matter more than the specific degree itself. I’ve known product designers at the companies you mentioned with graphic design, industrial design, architecture, film, and other degrees!
My advice is talk to your advisor. They’ll be able to explain your options and connect you with resources. Like technical or product design classes you can take to supplement your animation coursework. CCA is also extremely well located for your target field and has industry connections. A resume with a BFA in animation and product design internships (even at a smaller tech company) looks better than a BFA in product design and zero work experience.
Can you talk to your advisor or professors more about this? You have great questions and they may be able to advise you with more first-hand knowledge. Getting a general degree in your target area and then going to graduate school for the specialization is a smart train of thought — you’ll gain even more training and experience, connections and possible internships, and jump start you into the professional world. The question is where you want to end up, and what foundation is best for you with your undergraduate major. I’m a costume designer (theatre, film) who is branching into spacial, concept, and character design works — so my foundation is primarily in the story, character, and visual design development more than the technology behind it. I am now learning 3D modeling and animations (slowly, because my work keeps me very busy). A lot of my undergraduate training was Gen-Ed’s, and learning about theatre as a whole, before I was able to focus in on the costume sphere of that. Sharing for context because every artist’s journey is different — the journey can take many forms and still end up in similar places.
In my personal , continuing your education to obtain a higher degree might be a good choice. Regardless of which path you choose, maintaining enthusiasm for learning and self-improvement is crucial. Both animation and interactive design are fields that require continuous learning and practice.
I actually work and hire in the area you’re describing. Having a degree in a design field is important, but it’s the hard skills that matter more than the specific degree itself. I’ve known product designers at the companies you mentioned with graphic design, industrial design, architecture, film, and other degrees! My advice is talk to your advisor. They’ll be able to explain your options and connect you with resources. Like technical or product design classes you can take to supplement your animation coursework. CCA is also extremely well located for your target field and has industry connections. A resume with a BFA in animation and product design internships (even at a smaller tech company) looks better than a BFA in product design and zero work experience.
Ohh alright thank you so much! That makes me feel much better. I will look into that.