Want to be a Disney Imagineer? BEST COLLEGE MAJORS
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- Опубликовано: 26 мар 2021
- What should you major in if you want to be a theme park designer? What are important SKILL SETS you need to have? These are questions I’ll answer in this video.
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A lot of theme park designers have very “vague” sounding job titles such as… “Art Director,” “Attraction Designer” and “Creative Designer” - but what does it all really mean? You often hear that the job of Themed Entertainment Designers is to tell stories, and create guest experiences - but can you get a bit more concrete? What exactly do you do?
In my opinion, these are the fundamental skill sets and software you should know (or at least start out with).
1) Skill: Concept Art - Creating sketches and paintings of theme parks
Recommended Software: Photoshop
2) Skill: Drafting - Creating blueprints and show-set designs
Recommended Software: AutoCad
3) Skill: 3D Modeling - Creating 3D visualizations of the theme park design
Recommended Software: SketchUp
4) Skill: Engineering - Creating engineering documents used to build the theme park design
Recommended Software: 3DSMax, Revit, Solidworks
5) Skill: Graphic Design - Creating signage, banners and graphics around the theme park
Recommended Software: Adobe Illustrator. InDesign
I think it’s more important to master the foundational skill, than it is to get the “correct” degree. Many people become Themed Entertainment Designers from all sorts of backgrounds. If you are deciding what to major in college, or wondering what classes to take, these are majors that you could choose if you are interested in Theme Park Design. They provide you with a wide range of skill sets.
1) Architecture (Residential, Commercial, Landscape, Industrial, Urban Designer)
2) Engineering (Civil, Structure, Mechanical, Electrical)
3) Theater (Set Design, Stagecraft, Theatrical Production)
4) Art/ Design (Illustration, Entertainment Design, Industrial Design,
Graphic Design, Interior Design)
5) Other Specialized Skills (Robotics, Creative Writing, etc…)
If you are not going to college yet, start learning software like Photoshop, Illustrator, AutoCad, and SketchUp. They will be useful to you later. It’s never to early to start!
You can go to SkillShare.com to take classes to learn these skills. Thank you for Skillshare for being our video sponsor. (Haha, just kidding. I’m not getting sponsors on this youtube channel yet. But I hope I will one day! Make sure to LIKE and subscribe!)
What are you planning on majoring in college? Let me know in the comments below! :)
I'm doing a bachelor's degree in architecture (almost finishing) and i want to work in the Themed Industry, i'm still looking how 'cause it's so broad that you really don't know where to start. But this really helped and cleared my mind on what i can do on the design process!
Awesome Good luck man!! If you can, I really recommend you enter the imaginations competition! Even if you don't get a Disney internship out of it, if you place in the semifinals or something it still looks good on a resume! And it will be a great portfolio piece.
Nice quick overview.
Currently studying engineering, business, and film. IMO film has a lot of crossover with theatre as set design principles certainly come into play, as well as storytelling. Hopefully I’ll be able to make use of it all one day!
Cool. Good luck!!
@@MrChrisArtStudio what should i choose for creative director in imagineering
Hey! I just wanted to say I really liked the video. I ‘m from Latin America and I’m still in high school, but my dream is to become an Imagineer someday, and your video really helped, it gave me an idea of what I might study in college
good luck!
Thanks for the video. Lots of interesting info.
Just wanted to shout out UCF. They have an MFA and MS degree in Themed Experiences. (Also SCAD does as well).
Nice thanks for the comment man! Yeah thanks for pointing that out - I'll link to the UCF program below: www.ucf.edu/degree/themed-experience-ms/
Here is the SCAD Themed Entertainment program in case anyone is interested: www.scad.edu/academics/programs/themed-entertainment-design
LCAD has a entertainment program for Illustration. I believe this is an undergrad degree. The UCF and SCAD are all Master degrees - which means you still need to complete an undergraduate degree as a prerequisite.
www.lcad.edu/entertainment-design/program/program-overview
I’m still in middle school but I plan on majoring in Mechanical Engineering and becoming a roller coaster and ride designer
Sweet Luke! You should look into companies such as Vekoma and other roller coaster manufacturers.
Just a tip though, when you go down the engineering route, you don't get to do much design or creative work. They are kind of two separate parts of the process.
If you want to do the design work, make sure you have a little bit of drawing and Photoshop abilities as well. Then you will be very valuable if you can do both design and engineering. ;)
Thanks!
I’ve literally wanted to work for Disney since I was in 7th grade… I decided I wanted to be an imagineer in 9th grade. I’m in 10th grade now, and for a while I wanted to work with animatronics, but I decided I want to do themed entertainment design.
good luck!
I'm majoring in civil engineering and I want to work in themed environment design or on sustainability projects involving water use in theme parks.
Oh sweet that's a great major to have! Yeah water use theme parks with super important. I'm in California right and we have constant droughts.
There’s some civil firms out there that do theme park projects, not much design though
hello! i am really interested in becoming a creative director for WDI. do you think that a BA major in architecture and minor in creative writing is a good way to go to pursue that?
loved the video
I think so! But that BA in architecture is gonna be hard!!
I was wondering if you know what the best major is for ride design mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering or electrical engineering? Although I like the creative and mechanical aspects of ride design considering that do you have any different suggestions for possible majors?
Thanks.
Hi there! I'm so sorry - but I'm totally not qualified to answer this question. lol
I would look up a company that does that kind of stuff. Look up "Oceaneering" or "Birket Engineering" - email them. Maybe they will respond to you.
Good luck! :)
@@MrChrisArtStudio Thanks!
@@cosmog4213 did you get an answer? I'm also interested :)
Hey! I want to pursue my studies in urban planning or something along the line but I really want to do the same kind of thing but with theme park and like designing it, is it the good degree for that or am I completely off line, great info in the video 👌!
I don't know too much about urban planning - so this isn't a definitive answer. I think I had a coworker at the theme park design firm who majored in it, and in his job, he mainly did boring CAD drawings, tracing over existing plans. He didn't find his job very fulfilling or interesting, he wished he could take on more challenging and creative roles. Based on that one example, I don't think urban planning would be the best major. While it's okay, I would recommend architecture as a much more suitable major if you want to design theme parks. It's a more rigorous field and opens up opportunities for a broader range of roles.
Architects probably can do a bit of urban planning. But urban planners can't do a lot of the things that architects do.
@@MrChrisArtStudio alright thank you!
I know this video is aimed at younger people however I am someone nearly 40 planning on a career change into the themed and immersive entertainment industry, as it aligns to my passion and purpose. Although high level and general, this is still very useful content, especially since I am still figuring out which discipline to focus on as a core skill out of the many that are available. I think I have a good idea but this helps to affirm it. Thank you.
Hey Chaz! That's awesome man. I'm glad you liked the video. Good luck with your career transition! Out of curiosity - which discipline do you think you are going to focus on?
So did you go for it?
@@ianquinn7058 Indeed I am still going for it. Better to try and fail then not try at all. Work in progress. It will take a little time.
@@MrChrisArtStudio Hey Chris. I thought I’d replied to this. Clearly not. I’m focusing on tech - specifically the growth and opportunities of interactive tech and Metavese technologies. Watch this space.
@@chazg723 Nice - very lucrative industry! Exponential growth here.
Hi ! I am very interested by the theater, but I don’t know what it really means, like what type of program do you need to follow for it ?
Hey man thanks for the comment. Great question. I think you would need to follow something like set design and that will be really applicable to theme parks. I personally went to Carnegie Mellon University and had a minor in theater. The drama program there is pretty good. I'll post the link here as an example. You just need a Google set design programs: www.drama.cmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/acting-music-theater/#:~:text=The%20School%20of%20Drama%20Acting,to%20a%20B.F.A.%20in%20Drama.
How do you become a Disney fine artist? What’s required and what’s involved in terms of task?
Sorry buddy. I really have no clue in terms of becoming a Disney fine artist. Lol :)
If I major in mechanical engineering and minor in graphic design with a background in music is it possible to get a job as a creative director or would I be limited to the engineering and design roles?
Mechanical engineering is a solid foundation. Graphic design is helpful, but not necessarily a standout skill. Many individuals, including graphic designers, artists, interior designers, and architects, possess some level of graphic design proficiency. You might only need 1-2 classes, not an entire minor.
A background in music is a nice addition but may not significantly impact your prospects.
With this skill set, you may be well-suited for engineering roles, but potentially not as much for design positions and very far away from creative direction (in my opinion). I have a close friend and co-worker with a background in mechanical engineering who took numerous art and Photoshop classes. You can try to aim to have this level of proficiency with software and design.
ericcabico.wixsite.com/portfolio1
I recommend focusing on mastering Photoshop, 3D modeling, and drawing. While graphic design is useful, it's a common skill. Developing expertise in these specific areas can enhance your competitiveness in both engineering and design opportunities.
is it possible to find work in this industry with no college experience at all? im an oil painter but i have experience with a lot of different things in theatre and set design. if i get even more professional experience with art and design would that be enough?
Hey Bagels -
Possibly. In your situation, I was consider looking for work at a scenic studio. Go ahead and google the term "Scenic Shop Themed Entertainment" and you will get a lot of results. I post a couple below. Doing scenic work is pretty difficult and hazardous work. You gotta work with a lot of chemicals like foam and resin. That is more "blue. collar" type work - I think you will be okay with having no college degree. I've done that type of work before - and it is really fun and fulfilling.
Here is a job requirements for a scenic painter at a company called "Nassal" - I've toured their shop before and they treat their workers good. They still do require 2 years vocational school/ trade school training. The use of the resin/ automative paint is still quite technical.
companiesofnassal.com/careers/scenic-painter/
Other companies..
www.jk2.com/scenic/
americanscenic.com/team/
www.hudsonscenic.com/fabrication
www.lansirlartstudios.com
www.adkstudios.com
bungalowscenic.com
Hi. So I want to work on what the rides/buildings look like. Would architecture be the best choice?
Or would graphic design be better
@@uhhhhhhh4040 oh for sure architecture. Buildings = architecture. You will learn graphic design in architecture school too. Architects can do some graphic design. But graphic designers can't do architecture.
@@MrChrisArtStudio thanks
I’m working on my bachelors in interior architecture here in LA. What parts do interior designers work on? My goal is to eventually intern at WDI and then hopefully work there.
Great question Camron. I had a coworker who had an interior design degree - and she worked a lot on 3D modeling. Do you guys also do a lot of graphic design? She also put together a lot of the presentations I think.
If you want to intern at WDI, you should definitely check out the Imaginations competition and enter. They've cancelled it this year due to covid - but check out the past competition winners and see the quality of work you need to be able to do.
disneyimaginations.com/internships/
@@MrChrisArtStudio Right now I'm going to Santa Monica College. I'm gonna transfer to Woodbury University next year once I finish my first year just so I can save some money.
Yeah, interior designers definitely do some graphic design. I'm trying to decide what I want to minor in. Right now I'm deciding between Graphic Design, Game Art, Filmmaking, and Architecture structures.
I really want to work on designing restaurants, gift shops, and other miscellaneous places around the park. Also, I'd love to design the interiors of rides too :) That's why I'm focusing on interior design.
I'm definitely gonna plan on doing the Imaginations competition when I'm in my third or fourth year! I need to find a team for it. I'm gonna look for an architecture major and an animation major to team up with me for it from my transfer school.
@@MrChrisArtStudio Hey, I'm gonna reach out to you on Instagram :)
Awesome good luck man! Oh here's the bonus tip for you. Check out slice creative network. On that website you can find a lot of portfolios of professional theme park designers. It should give you an idea of the type of work and portfolio you need to create slicecreativenetwork.com/
Do you think pursuing a career in film can possibly overlap with being a creative in a theme park?
Hey John. I'm not too familiar with film, so I'm not too sure about that. But a lot of people in themed entertainment have a background in theater. I feel like theater and film have a lot of similarities.
I know there are definitely a lot of 3D movies out there in themed attractions. If you're either an animator, or modeler for animated films, that would definitely be an overlap.
I’m Majoring in Industrial Design right now
Cool man. That was my major too! Where do you go to school?
Make sure you have those AutoCad and 3D modeling skills in top notch shape!
@@MrChrisArtStudio Finishing up my first year at CSULB rn! Will do thanks for the advice!
@@ethanbray9452 Cal state long beach ⛱️ sweet! Good luck bro!
@@MrChrisArtStudio Thanks! Looking forward to seeing what videos you put out next!
I'm planning on majoring in industrial design but I also like the digital art major too (animation, modeling and concept art). Wich would be better to become an imagineer?
Hey Alenka! Geez that's a really tough question. The reason why it's difficult is because the job market might be really different in four or five years. Technology moves so fast, that 5 years can change a lot of things.
Let me tell you the trends that I'm seeing. Digital artists are becoming more and more like 3D modelers. They can create a sketch, put it in 3D, and then put it in a VR space, all in an afternoon. That is a workflow that used to take a team of people months to make. But because computers are so powerful now, one person can do so much more.
I feel like regardless of which major you choose, you'll probably need to do a lot of coursework on your own personal time. Make sure to strengthen your 3D modeling skill sets (and maybe VR)... I think if we are looking at a time frame of about four or five years. That will probably become industry standard.
@@MrChrisArtStudio Thank you very much!! I really appreciate your answer ❤️
@@alenkavenx2056 No problem! Good luck
@@alenkavenx2056 Hey Alenka! I'm going to add something to my previous comment. Many imagineers will tell you there is no one right "major" - to follow your passion. I agree. But if your goal is to become an imagineer, I would give you these considerations.
1) Engineering degree - is good because high paying, and lots of jobs. You can always take digital art classes online, build a portfolio, and it will look very impressive to have both an engineering degree and art skills. However, if you get an art degree, and take engineering classes online, it will not look as impressive.
2) Architecture and Theater (set design) degrees -from my experience, and watching my friends, these two fields are good because they are about designing "spaces." Architecture is a very hard major and builds great technical skills. Theater is good too, and builds great teamwork, because you actually have to make the theater set in the end. Both of these degrees are very popular in themed entertainment. (I believe I don't have a bias, because I am an Industrial Design major.)
3) Industrial Design and Digital Art is okay, but I don't recommend them. Industrial design is about designing small products, rather than large spaces. Digital art is good, but is often focused on character design, games and movies. If you are already getting your degree already, it's still good.
But if you haven't chosen yet, I think Architecture and Theater are some of the best degrees to become an Imagineer - in my opinion. (Although again.. no right/wrong answer).
@@MrChrisArtStudio Oh, ok. I haven't decided yet, I'm gonna look the architecture program. Thank you!
I've been struggling to figure out what I want to do with my life. I went to college for audio engineering. Is there a job or place for audio or music compilation/production in the industry?
I'm sure audio engineers work in the industry - but you need experience first. First make some money, and get some work experience first. Worry about the rest of your life later. One step at a time.
Hello! I am currently in university and I am studying chemical engineering. The idea of working at Disney always seemed cool to me, but it was something I haven’t really thought about it till now. Is it possible to still possibly pursue imagineering with a chemical engineering degree?
Personally you'll probably make way more money doing chemical engineering, then doing Imagineering. A lot of the salaries for Disney imagineering is based on the salaries of the architecture industry. Ask around how much architects make. Ask around how much chemical engineers make. It might be better for you to just do chemical engineering as a day job, and have fun and go to theme parks on the weekends.
I can't think of a reason how chemical engineering could apply to imagineering. That doesn't mean to say it's impossible. You may need to do extra studies, personal projects, or an additional major.
What if you have a trade, like an electrician, plumber or diesel mechanic, can you become an imagineer from that?
Good question Chris. I don't think it's common. If you have a specialized trade skill... I think what Imagineering may need are people specialized in advanced robotics and stuff. I think a lot of the scenic work such as sculpting rocks... Are outsourced to other companies.
what about urban planning?
Hey that's a really great question Turbine Turnip. I like your channel name by the way.
Walt Disney imaginary does offer a master planning internship. www.wayup.com/i-Media-Production-j-Disney-535804155641947/
I don't know that much about urban planning or landscape architecture to be honest. However I do have some colleagues who had that level of training and expertise.
From my experience, the people who do the master planning, are very senior high level professionals. It's a super important job and reserved for the experts. I would not say it's an entry-level position. The master planning is something that is probably the most nitpicky thing in the themed entertainment design process. They are changing that AutoCAD file for weeks and months.
If your major is in urban planning, make sure you're really good at AutoCAD, Revit and 3D modeling too I guess.
Landscape architect here. Disney/universal does have planners and LA’s but they mostly hire out other firms to do the design work for them. Same for architecture.
Do you think that majoring in one of those areas but minoring in another is a good way to find yourself across all aspects of the pipeline?
Potentially! We would probably need to specify which majors we are talking about. One could potentially do a major in engineering and a minor in art. I know some people who do that. But I think that a degree in architecture or theatrical design, offers a more comprehensive set of skills for the student.
On the other hand if you have a major in architecture, and a minor in theater, I think that would be home run. A lot of the skill sets would overlap, and you would have a wide application of how to use those skills in different real world contexts.
@@MrChrisArtStudio Awesome! Thank you so much!