Michigan Animation Schools

Whether you call it the Great Lakes State or the Wolverine State, Michigan is one of the nation's favorite places thanks to its rich history, beautiful scenery, and reputation as a survivor. Detroit's many trials and tribulations may have something to do with that. Hollywood seems to be fascinated with the state too, which is one of the reasons many major productions film here. The Michigan Film Office offers incentives for filmmakers of all kinds as well as resources for productions, big and small. This creates opportunities for animators, crewmembers, and other production staff.

While the film and video industry is a major employer of animators, in Michigan, animators also work in advertising, game design, graphic design, web design, and even education. The state's 105 accredited colleges and universities offer a variety of opportunities to help train the next generation of animators.

Michigan Animation Schools

Michigan is home to a number of art schools, technical schools, and traditional colleges that offer a variety of degrees from broadcast and cinematic art to film and video production with an animation/new media emphasis. Scroll through the list below to review Michigan’s best options for aspiring animators and other artists, and what they have to offer.

Adrian
Siena Heights University – Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Allendale
Grand Valley State University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A., B. A. Art and Design with Emphasis in Graphic Design, Illustration; B. A., B. S. Communications: Film and Video Production with Animation/New Media Emphasis

Ann Arbor
University of Michigan - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art & Design

Bloomfield Hills
Cranbrook Academy of Art – Degrees Offered: M. F. A. 2D Design (Graphic Design)

Detroit
College for Creative Studies – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Entertainment Arts/Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration; M. F. A. Design

Grand Rapids
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University - B. F. A. Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration

Kalamazoo
Western Michigan University  – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Photography and Intermedia

Mount Pleasant
Central Michigan University - Degrees Offered: B. A. or B. F. A. Art with Graphic Design Concentration; M. A. Broadcast and Cinematic Arts: Electronic Media Management or Electronic Media Prod

Southfield
Lawrence Technological University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Game Art, Graphic Design, Imaging – Digital Arts

More Animation related programs to consider:  

Employment and Salary Trends for Michigan Animators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently updated salary and employment information for Michigan animators and multi-media artists. In 2002, Michigan was home to 650 animators and multi-media artists. The talent pool decreased to 300 in 2009, but in 2010, the figure increased to 480. Salaries have been on the rise since 2002. The average salary for Michigan animators and multi-media artists was $47,830 in 2002. In 2009 they averaged $53,400 and in 2010, salaries increased to $56,020. The mean annual wage for animators and multi-media artists nationwide was $62,810 in 2009. The lowest paid animators earned $32,360 and the highest paid animators earned $99,130.

It is important to keep in mind that many Michigan animators are self-employed and the Bureau does not include employment and salary figures for this large community of artists.  In addition, average salaries overall vary greatly by industry, location, type of company, experience & education, and other factors.