Considering a leap into the vibrant world of motion graphics? Choosing the right school for motion graphics is an adventure in its own right. In this article, you'll find the top schools from these rankings, ensuring you're looking at the best of the best as you plot your career path.
Considering a leap into the vibrant world of motion graphics? Fantastic choice! Motion graphics is more than just animating visuals; it’s about weaving motion into stories, amplifying messages, and yes, unleashing your creative spirit in exciting ways. With the digital media landscape expanding, the demand for skilled motion graphics artists is soaring like never before.
Choosing the right school for motion graphics is an adventure in its own right. You're on the lookout for a place that not only covers the technical foundations but also encourages you to push the boundaries of your creativity, work on groundbreaking projects, and perhaps even prepares you for your dream role in the industry.
To compile this list, I’ve turned to the prestigious Rookies Global School Rankings for 2023, a comprehensive compilation of insights from the remarkable achievements of students who have excelled at the Rookie Awards 2023. These rankings shine a spotlight on schools that excel not only in nurturing creativity but also in equipping students with the skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving motion graphics scene.
Here are some key statistics from the rankings based on Rookie Awards 2023, providing a glimpse into the extensive evaluation process:
Below, you'll find the top schools from these rankings, ensuring you're looking at the best of the best as you plot your career path.
ESMA is a higher education establishment specialising in CG Animation and Special Effects, which also offers courses in interior architecture, graphical design, video game design and concept art, with campuses in Bordeaux, Lyon, Montpellier, Nantes, Rennes and Toulouse in France, but also in Montreal, in Canada.
Each of our campuses in France, are equipped with student housing, thus facilitating the needs of foreign students looking to study at ESMA.
ESMA offers a comprehensive professional course, over a 5-year cycle, dedicated to learning the ropes of CG Animation and FX (certified Lv7 RNCP, which is equivalent to the French Bac +5), allowing students to receive a complete and professional training in every aspect of the CG production pipeline. The campuses in Lyon and Montpellier also offer this course in English for international students.
After graduating, the students are ready to join the industry in cinema, video games, advertising, TV, etc. Within 6 months of graduation, 92% of our students get hired, and many of them join renowned studios, seeing their names in the credits of many a blockbuster or hit TV show.
During its 30 years of expertise, ESMA earned international renown. Every year, it is counted in the top 10 schools in the world in rankings recognised by the industry, and the movies created by our students receive awards and nominations in the greatest film festivals.
Established in 1991 as a private art college, The One Academy of Communication Design soon proved its worth producing industry-standard graduates. For over three decades, we have been providing education excellence in art, design, creativity & technology to nurture generations of young creative talents.
Through our “Masters Train Masters” teaching philosophy where we believe that the best educators nurture the best students, our faculty team consists of industry professionals and we regularly invite leading experts from various industries to share their knowledge and provide insight into their fields.
TOA has made monumental achievements in the global creative education scene. We ranked World’s No. 1 for Best Production Excellence in Game Design & Development (Immersive Media) in The Rookies 2022, 8th in the ‘Top 25 International Animation Training Programs 2021’ by Animation Career Review (ACR), and were named ‘Creative School of the Year’ by the Kancil Awards in 2018, 2019 & 2022.
We offer internationally-recognised Bachelor's Degree and Diploma courses in Digital Animation, Illustration, Film Visual Effects, Advertising & Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, Interior Architecture and Design, Fine Arts and Fashion Design & Pattern Making. Through our collaboration with DigiPen USA, we now also offer programmes in Game Design and Computer Science.
U-tad is a higher education institution that was founded in 2011 by pioneering entrepreneurs in the technology and digital art sectors, who identified there was an urgent need in the industry to serve the existing demand for highly qualified professionals in the digital economy. In years prior, U-tad’s founders had created Pyro Studios (Videogame Studio that created world famous ‘Commandos’) and Ilion Animation Studios (which premiered succesful landmarks of Spanish animation such as the international launch ‘Planet 51’).
U-tad offers official Undergraduate Degrees, Vocational Education and Masters in Animation, VFX, Digital Design, Videogames (Art, Design and Engineering), Computer Science, Physics and Mathematics, AR/VR and Cybersecurity. It counts over 1,900 students and a faculty of over 320 professors of which 80% are active professionals in the industry.
U-tad is rated among the top 10 International Universities for Videogame studies in the ‘Game Schools Ranking’ (by GAMEducation), among the best 25 universities in which to study Animation (by ‘Animation Magazine’), and Top 10 Computer Science Excellence University (by ‘SEDEA Excellence Ranking’).
U-tad was the first Spanish education institution to develop study programs in which students work on real, multidisciplinary projects that emulate the industry work dynamics. This practical ‘learning by doing’ teaching methodology and project-based learning means that U-tad’s students develop reels and projects which will become their presentation portfolio to companies upon completion of their studies. Being able to achieve job opportunities in major companies worldwide and to win important international awards.
E-artsup is a leading French institute dedicated to digital creativity. It's a gateway to a plethora of career opportunities in digital arts, particularly in motion design, animation and video game design. Its curriculum is broad, innovative, and immersive, with a focus on developing both technical skills and artistic vision. E-artsup boasts state-of-the-art facilities and expert instructors who bring real-world experience to the classroom. The institute encourages a dynamic learning environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, thus preparing students to become key players in the animation and video gaming industry. It also maintains a strong connection with industry professionals, enabling students to engage in exciting internships and projects. For those who adore the magic of animated cinema or the interactive world of video games, e-artsup is the place to turn your passion into a thriving career.
Nanyang Polytechnic SDM is a future-ready school of tech-savvy creatives and we are on a mission to empower learners for work and life. We are co-creators with the creative industries for growth and sustainability. We are Singapore’s most established school for the design and media industries given our pioneering efforts in the areas of architecture, animation and visual effects, experiential product and interior design, game art and development, interaction design, motion graphics and visual communication. We have deep knowledge of the creative industries and have a long history and experience in nurturing emerging talent in the areas of art, design, media and technology. Our faculty is made up of experienced and award-winning visual storytellers, content creators, animators, game artists, developers and motion graphic designers from around the globe who have worked on award-winning design projects and animated feature films.
3dsense Media School is a leading digital arts school in Asia, preparing students for careers in the creative entertainment industry since 2003. We focus on providing industry-based training for Visual Effects, Animation, Game Art, Motion Design, Concept Art, Illustration and Toy Production. Since 2015, 3dsense has been consistently ranked amongst the Top 10 Art Schools globally by “The Rookies World School Rankings”, the world’s most respected ranking system for creative media schools. Besides education, the school also plays a major role in fostering a vibrant arts & design industry through its events and masterclasses. These include CGOverdrive, CG Hero Awards, and “Behind the Pixels”, a YouTube interview channel providing unparalleled access to industry veterans sharing vital knowledge and insights.
Savannah College of Art and Design prepares talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning in a positively oriented university environment. SCAD is continually recognized for educational and professional excellence, affirming our commitment to the highest standards of achievement in art and design in the U.S. SCAD constantly researches and reimagines programs to instill the critical skills and knowledge students need to succeed in their chosen careers. SCAD consults industry leaders, gathers data on business and design needs and collects student feedback to inform the genesis and evolution of every degree taught at the university. SCAD offers more programs and specializations than any other art and design university in the U.S., with 40 undergraduate, and 61 graduate degree programs. SCAD is one university and offering degrees in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, and online via eLearning, with additional study abroad opportunities in Lacoste, France. Each SCAD location provides a new experience, and students can choose to study in any location, at any quarter during their education. At every location and online, in every discipline, SCAD students are educated through comprehensive curricula and sophisticated technology so that they may create their most ambitious visions. Designed to exceed the leading-edge resources found in top design firms and global headquarters, SCAD resources instill in-demand technological agility. With licensure for more than 100 software packages and remote access to next-gen programs.
Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. For more information, please visit www.ringling.edu.
When applying to motion graphics programs, ensure your portfolio demonstrates these crucial skills:
By emphasizing these skills in your motion graphics portfolio, you'll position yourself as a well-rounded candidate ready to excel in a motion graphics program and, ultimately, in the industry.
When selecting a motion graphics school, it's crucial to look beyond flashy advertisements and alumni testimonials to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are some essential questions to ask schools during your research process:
Armed with these questions, you can make an informed decision and find the right animation school to nurture your talents and kickstart your career in the creative industry.
Choosing the right school for motion graphics is a significant but thrilling step. It's about preparing for a future that's as creative, challenging, and fulfilling as you've imagined. Take the time to explore your options, research thoroughly, and listen to your instincts.
The realm of motion graphics is expansive and diverse. Whether you envision yourself crafting compelling narratives for major brands, animating data visualizations that inform and engage, or creating stunning visual effects for films and television, there's a path for you. So, embark on this journey with confidence, pursue your passions, and let's create something incredible together.