BA Animation

SouthernBelle

Can anyone give a rough idea of cost of books etc. for 1st year Animation?

Also, are the days "structured" - ie 9am-4pm or is it a case of 2 hours of classes on a Monday, 4 on a Tuesday, etc.



Thanks in advance.

SouthernBelle

Anyone?

melissavm

Books aren't essential. I went through first year without buying any books, although they do recommend you have a copy of The Animator's Survival Guide or a similar book on character animation. As you decide what field you enjoy most and specialise, that's when it would be a good idea to start buying books for your own personal learning. This is generally late second year/third year!

You will need to pay for pencils and paper throughout the year but they're not hugely expensive (i think €2 for a pencil and a tenner per ream of 12 field paper - which will last a long time, and pegbars are a fiver)
It's not necessary that you have a laptop as most of the work in hand drawn but it is good to have one! Once your digital module begins, they will also recommend that you buy a wacom tablet (Although this is avoidable for first year, as I think they have some in storage now). For a bamboo, you're looking at around €100-€300 depending on which size you want. A small did me just fine in first year, but I ended up buying a medium size in third year for better accuracy.
And obviously, there are sketchbooks and some generic art materials for classes like design.
All in all, not a lot of money if you stray from buying the digital stuff. Most people end up buying a new laptop and tablet between first and second year (Animation software can be heavy on old or generic type laptops) so it might be an idea to save your pennies for that day. Otherwise I wouldn't worry!

In first year, days are mostly scheduled. You might have a half day here and there but it's generally not too far off secondary school format classes (ie. a lecturer will teach you and give you homework for a future date). You will also have academic classes at the same time every week. I think the timetables changes slightly every year though so I couldn't tell you what your exact days will be!

If you have any more questions feel free to get in contact with me! My name is Melissa, i'm going into fourth year so i'll be seeing you in September

SouthernBelle

Thanks a million for your reply melissavm - very informative. It's actually my daughter who is hoping to do this course next year. I'm just trying to get a rough idea of what costs to expect... I stupidly hadn't anticipated accommodation costs as I thought she'd be attending our local Uni & staying with mammy for the duration! :-D She loves animation though, so I just want to see her happy in the course she chooses. :-) Do you like the course?

melissavm

I see! Accommodation can be a real pain in the ass in the Dun Laoghaire area, but it's such a lovely place to live. Personally, I think choosing Animation might be the best decision i've ever made. I love the course. In first year I was a little unsure if I was good enough (I think everyone feels that way though) but once you begin to specialise everything falls right into place. The lecturers are fantastic and there's a great sense of family within the course as a whole (We have an Animation Society and an annual Animation Debs!). Everyone I've met in my three years in the college, and in the industry as a whole, have been really friendly and supportive so no doubt your daughter will be in good hands!

SouthernBelle

Sounds great melissavm - thanks again. She's mulling over the possibility of doing a year's FETAC Animation course first, to see if it's definitely the course for her. Of course, I'm all in favour of this as it gives me an extra year to save!!