Rhode Island may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but The Ocean State is big on art and design. For starters, Rhode Island is home to several top art schools including Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and the Art Department of Rhode Island College. Next, the state hosts the Rhode Island International Film Festival (animated films welcome) and RI is famous for providing one of many backdrops for the cult film There’s Something About Mary. Finally, Providence, the state’s largest city, is the setting for the Providence Anime Conference—Rhode Island's first anime conference.
Many Rhode Island animators work in the film and video industry, while others work in advertising, technology, or education. Just a few employment options include Floating Pear Productions, A & M Productions, Video and Vision, and the Community College of Rhode Island. In addition, the state is home to more than 200 technology firms, offering even more opportunities for animators interested in working in the technology sector.
Rhode Island is small, but it is home to dozens of unique cities and towns. However, some of the best opportunities can be found in principal cities such as Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket.
Rhode Island Animation Schools
The number of accredited colleges across the U.S. has fluctuated over the last few years. Colleges gain and lose accreditation each year, so just over a year ago, Rhode Island was home to around 20 accredited colleges and universities. The most recent IES report states that Rhode Island is home to 13 accredited colleges and universities. This figure does not include community colleges. Of the 13 colleges and universities here, nearly half offer art and design programs. Several standouts offer animation programs. Take a look at the list below to review Rhode Island’s best options for aspiring animator’s and what they have to offer.
Bristol
Roger Williams University - Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design Communication, B. F. A. Visual Arts Studies with Concentration in Film, Animation and Video or Photography and Digital Media
Providence
Rhode Island School of Design - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Film/Animation/Video, Graphic Design, Illustration; M. F. A. Digital + Media, Graphic Design; Certificate Animation
More Animation related programs to consider:
- Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong, France, and Online via SCAD eLearning
- Animation – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Film and television – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Motion media design – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Illustration – B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Interactive design and game development – B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Sequential art – B.A., B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Visual effects – B.F.A., M.A., M.F.A.
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#7) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#15) - 2019
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#6) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Graphic Design (#13) - 2019
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#27) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#24) - 2019
- Top 10 in Florida for Graphic Design (#4) - 2019
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#21) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#28) - 2019
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#40) - 2019
- Online
- Introduction to 3D Animation - 6 months
- Introduction to 3D Modeling - 6 Months
- Introduction to Concept Art - 6 Months
- Foundations for VFX & Game Design - 10 Months
- Advanced 3D Animation Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced 3D Modeling Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced Concept Art Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced Illustration Diploma - 10 Months
Rhode Island Animation Schools – Other Options
If you’re interested in taking animation courses to help you decide if B.A. program is the best route for you, the Community College of Rhode Island (est. 1964) has a digital art program that may be useful. The CCri Studio Program (Digital Art 1 and 2), offers of 8 hours of instruction, including animation courses. Students may also take 2D Design, 3D Design, Graphic Design, or Individual Study.
Employment and Salary Trends for Rhode Island Animators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent report (March 27,2012), Rhode Island is home to 40 multimedia artists and animators. They average $57,380. The mean annual wage for animators nationwide was $62,810 in 2009 and $63,440 in 2010. As of March 27, 2012, the average salary was $68,060. The lowest paid animators average $34,800 and the highest paid animators average $109,370.
