Job Description
An animator creates a large series
of images that form the animation as seen in movies, commercials, television
programs or video games. He or she usually specializes in one of these media
and may more over concentrate on specific areas like characters, scenery or
background design. For doing animations the animator’s
use a computer software to do the animation work. The animator is a member of a
team that consists of other animators and artists who work together on
projects.
Employment Facts
Almost 69,000 people worked as multimedia artists and animators* in 2012. More than half are
self-employed. Some work for movie, television and video game studios and
software publishers.
Animators typically work in offices,
sometimes in their own homes. They spend a lot of time sitting in front of
computer screens. To meet the deadlines can lead to working long hours which
include weekends and evenings.
Educational Requirements
Candidates who had gained Bachelor
of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Animation, Computer Graphics or a related
discipline is mostly hired by employers. But it is not necessary to have a
college degree for becoming an animator. People who want to create animation
for video games can earn a degree in video game design or interactive media.
Other Requirements
Animators need more than artistic
talent to work in this occupation. In addition to the technical skills he or
she learns in an academic program, one needs certain soft skills to be
successful. Because animators must function as part of a team, good
communication skills, including strong listening and speaking skills, are
extremely important.
Tight deadlines call for good time
management skills. Without the ability to think creatively, one will not be
able to generate ideas and bring them to reality. Strong computer skills are
necessary because much of an animator's work involves using complex computer
software and sometimes even writing code.
Job Outlook
There will be an increased
demand for skilled animators, their employment in the United States is expected
to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2022. This can
be attributed to employers hiring people from overseas who are willing to work
for lower pay than American workers.
Earnings
In 2009 animators earned a median annual salary of $61,370 in the US. Hourly wages were $29.50.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much animators currently earn in your city.
A Day in an Animator's Life:
On a typical day an animator may:
- Either create subjects or items using computer software or sketch or draw them by hand
- Transfer drawing or sketches to computer graphics design software
- Use computer generated imagery (CGI) to create visual effects
- Map out scenes by using storyboards
- Work together with other animators, clients and producers
- Make changes to animations using feedback from his or her team
- Prepare artwork for camera or press
- Write story copy
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