Set the Scene: Become an Art Director

By Debbie Wilson
debbie.wilson@computeranimationschoolreview.com
Computer Animation School Review Columnist

Art directors do more than just design, write, and produce art. They decide how to present images so they're eye-catching and appealing to the viewer. In the field of animation, the art director plays a crucial role in creating a successful production.

Take, for example, the hit animation movie Madagascar. With incredible design sense, art director Kendal Cronkhite sets the scene for a true blockbuster on the big screen. Find out how you can become an art director and enjoy a rewarding and challenging career in animation too!

Kendal Cronkhite hits the mark as art director in the movie Madagascar. With credits such as Antz (1998) and James and the Giant Peach (1996) throughout his career in animation, it's no wonder Madagascar is so amazing. In this movie, an animal from New York's Central Park Zoo is found missing from its cage. When the other animals find out, they join the search. A lion (Ben Stiller), a zebra (Chris Rock), a giraffe (David Schwimmer), and a hippo (Jada Pinkett Smith) find themselves on a ship en route to Africa. But coincidentally, their ship is hijacked, and the animals must now learn first-hand what life can be like in the wild. Cronkhite brings the drama to life, coordinating the animation landscapes and characters.

Explore Your Creative Side as an Art Director

Like Kendal Cronkhite, you, too, can enjoy a rewarding career in animation. As an art director, you will be responsible for developing and reviewing artwork and designs that are to appear in periodicals, newspapers, or digital media. You might also be responsible for directing other artists in layout, design, and copywriting. Today, there is a great need for artists to illustrate and animate, especially in the motion picture and video industries. And while competition will be strong, a formal education in art and computer techniques could be the critical elements in landing the perfect career in animation as an art director.

So what are you waiting for? With so many qualified colleges, universities, and independent technical schools, a degree in art and design is just there for the taking. And with some raw talent and a lot of perseverance, you can become a great art director.

About the Author
Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion.

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