Idaho Animation Schools

Idaho is home to a tight knit group of artists working in a variety of environments from galleries to production studios to academic institutions. However, many of the state’s animators work in the film industry. Thanks to the efforts of the Idaho Film Office, the state attracts a number of productions each year.  Just a few popular films made in the country’s 13^th largest state include Napoleon Dynamite, Dante’s Peak, and Pale Rider.

Animators are typically hired to help out with production, post-production, and advertising and promotions. The state is home to a number of production studios located mainly in major cities such as Boise City, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello. In addition to an active animation scene, Idaho has several schools that offer degree programs for aspiring animators and more than a dozen that offer animation classes. Aspiring animators can choose from a variety of versatile majors ranging from digital media to illustration.

Idaho Animation Schools

Idaho is home to an interesting mix of community colleges, four-year universities, and technical schools that offer a hodgepodge of programs for aspiring animators and other artists. Many of these programs may be customized to fit your goals.  Scroll through the list below to review Idaho’s top schools for digital art and animation and what they have to offer.

Boise

Boise State University  - Degrees Offered:  B. F. A. Graphic Design/Philosophy, Illustration

ITT Technical Institute - Degrees Offered:  A.S. Graphic Communications and Design; A.S. Information Technology with Multimedia Option or Web Design Option; A.S. Visual Communications

Moscow

University of Idaho  - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design; B. A. or B. S. Broadcasting and Digital Media; B. S. Virtual Technology and Design; M. F. A. Studio Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

More Animation related programs to consider:  

Employment and Salary Trends for Idaho Animators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently updated its site to reflect the number of animators living in Idaho. Idaho is currently home to around 50 multi-media artists and animators working in a variety of industries. Many others are self-employed. The population of salaried animators has remained steady here since 2002, meaning, it hasn’t increased or decreased—even during the recession. What’s more promising is salaries are on the rise.

In 2002, Idaho animators earned an average of $35,480 per year. As of May 2009, they earned $49,230-$51,600 per year. The mean annual wage for animators nationwide was $62,810 per year in 2009. The lowest paid animators earned $32,360 per year and the highest paid animators earned $99,130 per year.