Riding the digital wave

MANILA, Philippines – Despite the global economic crunch, digital animation continues to be a multi-billion-dollar  industry with bountiful opportunities for artists.

“Digital artists, graphic artists, and animators continue to be in high demand here and abroad. The best thing about a full computer arts course is that it’s relatively inexpensive compared to a four-year college course and one can secure a high-paying job in a short span of time with a very low financial investment,” says First Academy of Computer Arts marketing manager Ciel Luy.

A study by the Princeton Review shows that starting salaries of digital artists in the US depend on the programs they know and the extent of their experience. Baseline illustrators can earn a decent wage while skilled animators and illustrators are paid about $20 per hour. 3D artists can command a minimum of $35 an hour, often close to $50.

The opportunities are very promising at a time when professionals like engineers, nurses, financial analysts, etc. are losing their jobs and many countries in recession are sending home Filipino contract workers.

An illustrator can work on storyboards for movies, music videos or television commercials while an animator can move from the Internet into film.

 A graphic designer can make the transition to packaging design, outdoor advertising, and designing book covers for publishing companies.

First Academy hones the artist’s creativity and harnesses his marketability with courses in multimedia arts, 2D and 3D animation, web development, digital photography, digital storytelling, film making, etc. Many artists who have graduated since it opened in 2001 have been successful in web development, 3-D animation, advertising, computer gaming, etc.

“The school also provides personal career advice, access to regularly updated employer information, resume and interview guidance, and contact with industry professionals. The programs and instructors mirror the real-life working environment in intensity and professionalism,” she adds.

Class sizes are limited, taught by experienced industry professionals and instructors from top universities with a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Computer–student ratio is 1:1 and the equipment is state-of-the-art and professional-grade. The popular six-month digital arts program trains students to master skills in print arts and various multimedia arts programs while the digital filmmaking training program covers every subject and area that the independent filmmaker needs to know in creating a feature-length film from pre-production to post-production.

For information, go to www.firstacademy.net; visit the 2/F Saville Bldg., 8728 Paseo de Roxas corner Buendia, Makati City or call 898-2724 to 26.