New Mexico Animation Schools

From Abstract Expressionism to Kinetic to Native American, the New Mexico art scene has something for every type of art lover under the sun. The state has also made a name for itself in the world of digital art and design, making it a great place to launch a career in animation, graphic design or even gaming. Not only this, but the film industry has taken notice over the years and called on New Mexico to host such productions as True Grit, The Book of Eli, and Iron Man 2—to name a few. Hollywood productions such as these bring plenty of employment opportunities for film animators.

In addition to being a great place to find work in film, graphic design, and gaming, animators can study and train in New Mexico. The state is home to a number of reputable art schools, colleges, and universities that offer everything from a B.F.A. in Art with a focus in Animation to a Bachelor of Creative Media in Filmmaking. 

New Mexico Animation Schools

New Mexico is home to dozens of accredited schools that offer multiple degree paths that can lead to a career in animation. Scroll through the list below to review New Mexico’s best options for aspiring animators and other digital artists, and what they have to offer.

Albuquerque
University of New Mexico - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art Studio with Electronic Art Specialty, B. F. A. Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media; M. F. A. Art Studio with Concentration in Electronic Art

Las Cruces
New Mexico State University  – Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Creative Media in Digital Film Making, Animation and Visual Effects, B. F. A. Studio Art with Graphic Design Emphasis; M. F. A. Studio Art with Graphic Design Emphasis

Las Vegas
New Mexico Highlands University – Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Media Arts, M. A., M. S. Media Arts and Computer Science

Portales
Eastern New Mexico University – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Animation, Media Arts and Design or Graphic Design Emphasis

Santa Fe
Santa Fe University of Art and Design – Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design with Concentration in Motion Graphics or Web Design
Institute of American Indian Arts  – Degrees Offered: A. F. A., B. F. A. New Media Arts

Silver City
Western New Mexico University - Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A., B. S. Interdisciplinary Expressive Arts

More Animation related programs to consider:  

Employment and Salary Trends for New Mexico Animators

As of 2009, 70 animators, nearly 700 graphic designers, and hundreds of producers and directors worked in New Mexico. The number of animators and multi-media artists working here has increased over the last decade from 50 in 2002 to 70 in 2009. Salaries are on the rise as well. In 2002, New Mexico animators averaged $43,510. In 2009, they averaged $51,070. The mean annual wage for animators and multi-media artists nationwide was $62,810 in 2009. The lowest paid animators averaged $32,360 and the highest paid animators averaged $99,130.

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