Animation Education in the Age of AI: Evolution or Erosion of Skill?
Animation has long existed at the crossroads of multiple disciplines, which blend visual art, storytelling, performance, and technology into a single expressive form. To become an animator has never simply meant learning software or mastering a set of tools, in actuality, it has required the gradual cultivation of an artistic voice. This process demands both technical precision and creative exploration, where artists learn not only how to create movement, but why that movement matters. For decades, formal education served as the primary gateway into the animation industry. Universities, art schools, and specialized institutions offered structured learning, mentorship, and access to industry-standard pipelines. These environments provided a foundation in principles such as timing, spacing, anatomy, and storytelling, which are skills that remain central regardless of technological shifts. However, as technology advanced, so too did the demands of these pathways. Software became...