When undergraduate programs require you to submit a portfolio, you can include various types of creative work from high school, hobbies, clubs, volunteer work, and community projects.

Animators and computer artists begin to develop their professional portfolios during college. You can include examples of work you've done independently or as part of a team. Projects you complete during your internship become an important part of the portfolio.

Students may have to buy their own computers and animation software.

Internships are available in animation and special effects. Many are in California near the motion picture industry.

Computer techniques in visual arts are essential to a developing portfolio of creative work in this program. Advanced degrees are needed to teach and often to specialize in highly technical work.