Job Description
An animator creates a large series of images that form the animation seen in movies, commercials, television programs or video games. He or she typically specializes in one of these media and may further concentrate on a very specific area like characters, scenery or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do their work. The animator is a member of a team that consists of other animators and artists who collaborate on projects.
Employment Facts
Almost 69,000 people worked as multi-media 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. Impending deadlines can mean working long hours which include weekends and evenings.
Educational Requirements
While an animator isn't required to have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Animation, Computer Graphics or a related discipline. Some people who want to create animation for video games 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 fruition. Strong computer skills are necessary because much of an animator's work involves using complex computer software and sometimes even writing code.
Job Outlook
While 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:
An animator creates a large series of images that form the animation seen in movies, commercials, television programs or video games. He or she typically specializes in one of these media and may further concentrate on a very specific area like characters, scenery or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do their work. The animator is a member of a team that consists of other animators and artists who collaborate on projects.
Employment Facts
Almost 69,000 people worked as multi-media 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. Impending deadlines can mean working long hours which include weekends and evenings.
Educational Requirements
While an animator isn't required to have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Animation, Computer Graphics or a related discipline. Some people who want to create animation for video games 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 fruition. Strong computer skills are necessary because much of an animator's work involves using complex computer software and sometimes even writing code.
Job Outlook
While 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
- Collaborate 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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