Two Approaches to Graphics and Animation Design

• In the graphics world in the Unites States, there are two types of designers: artists and developers. Artists approach graphics and animation design with backgrounds in illustration, digital photography, layout and similar areas of study. They use software packages like Flash, Dreamweaver and 3D which allow them to be creative without knowing any programming. Developers, on the other hand, create their designs straight from programming code, and often have little skill for drawing and layout. Each type of approach has its advantages and some projects (like commercial games) need the expertise of both approaches.
  
  

The BCA Degree

• A Bachelor of Computer Applications degree is a higher-education degree that is awarded only in India, and it concentrates on the technical aspects of computer applications, specifically programming code and its various languages like C+, ColdFusion and Javascript. Because of this, students take more of a developer approach to graphics and animation design rather than an artistic one. It is a three-year program and has many sub-field concentrations like databases and animation. Graphic design is simply one course subject out of many in the program's curriculum. If the job being applied for requires a Bachelor's degree and development skills, then a BCA would suffice.
  
  

Graphic and Animation Design Degrees in the US

• In the United States, there are various recognized degree programs for graphics and animation design. The first is an Associates Degree, which is typically a two-year program from a community college or vocational school. The next is a Bachelor Degree, which is a standard college degree from a four-year institution. A Master's Degree is more advanced, and is usually a two-year program. Finally, one can get a PhD in the field, although it is not common to do so unless the student also wants to teach graduate-level graphic and animation design courses.
  
  

Requirements in the Workplace

• For most commercial jobs, only an Associates or Bachelor's degree is necessary, and even then, someone with a wonderful portfolio can be hired even if he has nothing but a high school diploma. More than anything, employers want to see the designer's portfolio of work, because it will say more about the candidate's ability than the fact of simply having a degree. Most position descriptions will require an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree "or equivalent professional experience." Higher-level degrees like Masters and PhDs are only needed if one wants to teach the subject.
  
  For the right position, a BCA can be used in place of a Bachelor's Degree.