I majored in animation. I can tell the landlord very bluntly. It's really late to start studying painting-related majors in junior year, but it's ok if you are willing to work hard for two or three years.

There are two skills in the animation industry: two-dimensional and three-dimensional.

Two-dimensional is plane animation, master some software such as FLASH. The requirements for painting are higher. Suitable for animation companies.

Three-dimensional is to build an animation model with MAYA 3DMAX and other software. Suitable for game companies.

But no matter which direction you plan to go. Everyone should master considerable painting knowledge and ability.

Painting has two main contents:

Modeling (that is, drawing lines) and coloring.

There is always only one way to learn modeling, and that is death's painting and familiarity with the shape of objects. Such as the structure of human body, bones and superficial muscles. The ratio of the vanishing point of the scene to the object. These can be learned by buying related books, but observation in life is very important.

Secondly, coloring, coloring must train the understanding of color. Different colors mix and match to create different tones and atmospheres. I'm not good at this. The way to learn is to look at the colors used in some famous paintings or professional illustrations. And draw a deep impression with gouache.

The above is just an exercise of the manuscript. But it is also the most critical and difficult.

Then there is the use of software. Mainly PS. You can also choose other illustration software such as painter and AI. Find yourself and use the most skilled painting.

You should color, adjust and decorate your line drawings on the computer. Either the landlord wants to buy a scanner, upload the manuscript, and then modify it with the mouse (the effect depends on personal skills). Or you can buy a drawing board and draw line drawings directly on the computer. However, although the mouse can be used for coloring, it is better to use the tablet.

As for the diploma. If you can produce an excellent stuttering work, it is definitely better than any diploma. This major speaks with strength.

Line drawing: See personal understanding. Basically be diligent, and there will be obvious results after one year.

Coloring: You should be able to master the basics in a few months.

Software: you can master it in a few months.

So personally, if you want to learn well, you can reach the professional level in two years. If you have a talent for painting, that year will do. If you have a talent for painting and work hard, it will take eight or nine months.