3D motion graphics technology
Get ready for a creative career in film, gaming, advertising or interactive media. Stark State College’s 3D motion graphics technology program equips you with in‑demand 3D animation, motion graphics and storytelling skills while helping you build a professional portfolio.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Applied Science
PROGRAM FORMAT
In person*
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
4 semesters
CAREER COMMUNITY
Computer science, information technology, security and digital media
*Please note: Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options.
Program overview
Master the art and technology that brings 3D visuals to life.
Learn how to create compelling visual content for film, television, video games and advertising using cutting-edge 3D software and video production techniques.
Program details
In Stark State’s 3D motion graphics technology program, you’ll acquire an arsenal of the latest skills, such as:
- Creating assets for film, video and games.
- Demonstrating the ability to generate mood, emotion, character and story.
- Mastering animation and motion graphics software and technology.
- Creating animations using both 2D and 3D techniques.
- Understanding workflow and production processes in animation and motion graphics.
Industry-experienced instructors will help you develop a professional design portfolio that you can showcase to prospective employers – or augment your existing work to advance your career.
Careers and outcomes
The job outlook is very strong for animators and motion graphics artists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth for special effects artists and animators. The explosion of content for streaming services, the massive growth of the video game industry, and the increasing use of motion graphics in advertising all contribute to high demand for skilled 3D artists.
When you graduate, you’ll be preapared to work in many areas including, but not limited to, video games, movie and television special effects, interactive media, 3D animated movies, health care, manufacturing, marketing/advertising or mobile technologies.
Your possible career paths may include:
- 3D/2D motion graphic designer
- 3D animator/artist
- 3D animator and concept artist
- 3D artist
- 3D designer
- 3D modeler
- Animator
- Effects artists, digital artist
- Media artist
- Media designer
- Motion graphics artist
- Special effects designer
- Visual artist
- Visual designer
FAQs
This degree opens doors to exciting, technology-driven careers in the entertainment and media industries. Common jobs include:
- Motion graphics artist. Design and animate titles, logos and graphics for videos, commercials and films.
- 3D modeler. Build 3D objects, characters and environments for games, films and simulations.
- 3D animator. Bring characters and objects to life through movement.
- VFX (Visual Effects) artist. Create and composite digital effects for live-action footage.
- Video editor. Assemble and refine video footage to tell a story.
- Architectural visualization artist. Create realistic 3D renderings of buildings and spaces.
Yes. Many successful film and gaming artists start their careers with a focused, two-year technical degree. In the 3D and animation industry, you demonstrate your skill through a demo reel – a short video showcasing your best work. Stark State’s program is intensely focused on building the technical and artistic skills you need to create a powerful demo reel that will get you hired.
While there is overlap, our 3D motion graphics degree is highly technical and software focused. We concentrate on the digital production pipeline, from modeling and texturing to animation and compositing. Traditional film programs may focus more on live-action directing and cinematography, while traditional animation programs might be centered on 2D, hand-drawn techniques.
You will gain hands-on experience with the software used in major production studios. This typically includes Autodesk Maya or Blender for 3D modeling and animation, Adobe After Effects for visual effects and compositing, and Adobe Premiere Pro for video editing.
Yes, 3D modeling and animation are among the most demanding tasks you can perform on a computer. A powerful machine with a modern processor (CPU) and a strong, dedicated graphics card (GPU) is essential for success in this program. We provide detailed hardware specifications for incoming students.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
Lowest tuition around
Put your money toward your goals – not debt.
Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.
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Rene Eneix, MA, CRI
Department Chair, Digital Media and Administrative Technologies
330-494-6170 ext. 4876
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Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.