Animators are responsible for forming an extensively systemic series of images, forming a moving graphic, also known as an animation.
And we see these everywhere – in commercials, video games, movies, and television programs!
Animators usually gain specialization in any of these media platforms and can then concentrate further on a particular area, like background design, characters, or scenery.
Moreover, they usually use computer animation software to do their work, and they work in teams as members with other artists and animators who will collaborate on projects together.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment prospects for animators and multimedia artists are projected to increase by 8% by 2026.
And this is because of an increase in demand for more realistic visual effects and animation in television, movies, and video games.
Is Animation A Good Career In The US? Are Animators In Demand?
There has been an increased demand for advanced computer graphics for smartphones as well. Here are some industries with the highest level of employment in this occupation:
| Industry | Hourly mean wage (USD) | Annual mean wage (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 35.25 USD | 73,320 USD |
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | 48.51 USD | 100,910 USD |
| Specialized Design Services | 38.72 USD | 80,530 USD |
| Software Publishers | 40.46 USD | 84,150 USD |
| Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services | 35.83 USD | 74,530 USD |
What Are The Duties And Responsibilities Of An Animator
An animator must carry out specific tasks to excel at the job. These responsibilities and duties include:
- Developing animation projects storyboards
- Scenes, characters, backgrounds, and various elements of animation's ideas conceptualization
- Designing an animated environment's sets, backgrounds, and other elements
- Based on the audio requirements, developing pacing and timing of a motion
- Animation dialogue recording where required
- Based on design briefs, designing new animations' character sketches
- Merging multiple animation layers by working with story editors
- Collaboration with various creatives including photographers, designers, and other animators for project finalization
What Skills Do You Need To Become An Animator In The US
If becoming an animator is the dream job for you, you should consider working on skills and talents, including:
- Teamwork
- Good memory
- Creativity
- Organizational skills
- Quick learning
- Passion for animation
With that said, let's delve into some of these:
Teamwork – Animators Need To Collaborate With Others
As pointed out before, most animation studios work as a team on a single project. Therefore, working as a team is an essential skill for any animator.
When multiple creative people share a similar office, undoubtedly, disagreements regarding the trajectory of collaborative projects will be plenty.
Therefore, the key to success in this situation is to stay calm and cooperate with your fellow teammates.
As they say, choose your battles wisely. And this holds quite true for an animation studio; maintaining an amicable working relationship with everyone in the studio becomes critical, especially when a single project can last many years.
Animators Need To Be Highly Creative
An artist needs to have creativity in their heart and soul. Because of animation's surreal nature, artists who enter the field must have a well of inspiration and ideas to turn to.
As an animator, you should have the skill to turn the real world around you into a part of a fantasy world.
To do it efficiently, as an animator, you should make every motion memorable. If your animation does not stand out, it may be forgotten.
Animators Need To Learn To Pay Strict Attention To Detail
As graphical conformity of visual entertainment increases, so will the audience's expectation about the level of detail.
Most of the movies and games these days are rendered in 4K resolution. With so many pixels at once on the screen, there are many details you must get right.
One skill all animators should develop is to perfect various minute details. Things like individual hair blades flowing through wind can now be animated, but they require exquisite care.
Due to this, 3D animators must comb over every frame meticulously to add as many features as they can.
Even if your audience does not consciously pick on everything, the unconscious mind will notice every pixel not being displayed.
Animators Need To Be Quick Learners To Grasp New Concepts And Technologies Easily
Since there are various software tools present in the market, an animator must learn new programs. This becomes especially true when you start a new project or switch studios.
The user interface of every program may be entirely different based on the publisher. Therefore, learning new layouts and skills quickly is critical to mastering any form of animation.
If you as an animator become comfortable learning entirely new software in a matter of days, there will always be a plethora of positions open to you.
Animators Need To Have An Excellent Memory – Recalling things Should Be Easy
Even though you must learn things quickly, information becomes redundant quickly if forgotten.
At any point in your career as an animator, you might be asked to use an old technique or program to emulate a particular style.
As an animator, you are expected to remember what to do accurately and quickly do it. Therefore, having a great memory is critical to becoming a successful animator.
Animators Need To Have Exceptional Organizational Skills
Many individuals who work in a creative environment overlook the benefits a solid organizational system provides, and as an animator, it will make your life much easier.
When you become an animator, you are not learning to draw from scratch. There are things you know and certain stuff you do not. But unless you are organized, you will not get far.
These days, most animation projects involve creating hundreds of smaller files individually. Therefore, organizing everything into folders is an ideal way for you to lower wasted time searching for the right files.
Also, as an animator, if you have a poor memory, you can make up for it by organizing and maintaining design notes.
As a result, if you must go back into an old software or brush up on any technique, you will always get back up to speed through this quick reference.
Animators Should Have The Desire To Overcome Challenges And To Push Boundaries
Yes, creating animation can be loads of fun; however, every project will come with hundreds of obstacles and hurdles.
Even though a combination of persistence and willpower will make overcoming all these obstacles much more accessible, the way to success is via appreciating and loving every challenge as it comes.
Since some projects may last for a long duration, you as an animator should be comfortable facing challenges if you expect to complete your assignment without burning yourself out.
It all, however, goes much beyond simply loving a challenge. Mediocre animation can also be challenging, and if an animator has to create something truly diverse and memorable, you must push your limits.
That innovative spark is critical to making something that will truly resonate with your audience. Introducing something entirely new is what differentiates an award-winning masterpiece from just a piece for solid entertainment.
What Career Opportunities Are Available For Animators In The US?
Animators are employed by the television and film industry, and once you become an animator, you will find jobs in fields like sales, print media, and education. You might also find freelance work.
Here are some jobs you can get if you are an animator:
Experienced Animators Can Become Art Directors In The US
It is one of the high-level posts in any animation team. Most of the creative staff reports to the art director, and a career path in it will typically require moving up from a junior role.
Depending on the scale of your project, the average salary range is 70 to 80 thousand USD.
Animators Can Opt To Pursue A Career In Stop-Motion Animation In The US
To become a stop-motion animator, you will need attention to detail an extreme amount of patience and skill.
As a stop-motion animator, you must set physical rigs before using special software. Most stop-motion animators are self-taught these days and have honed their skills by working as freelancers.
The average salary earned by stop-motion animators is close to 60 thousand USD per year.
Animators Can Choose To Become Flash Animators In The US
Mixing illustration skills, graphic design, and composition, you will be able to work on Adobe Suite. This niche usually involves freelance work, and you will find more flash animators working as freelancers than any other, and their median salary is around 60 thousand USD.
An Experienced Animator Can Opt To Become A Compositing Artist In The US
Becoming a compositing artist means taking on colossal responsibility for how the animation will appear as a finished product.
To reach this position, you will have to work up from SFX or junior animator level and earn around 50-75k USD per year.
With The Right Merits, Animators Can Choose A Career In 3D Modeling In The US
After becoming a 3D modeler, you will work with industry-grade tools to render models and bring an environment to life.
Many who want to become 3D animators attend a 3D animation school before starting their internship. A contracted 3D modeler may earn around 100,000 USD at a famous studio.
Animators Can Become Storyboard Artists In The US
Even though it does not come strictly under the domain of animation, storyboard artists typically work with filmmaking and animation teams.
Connections and a good portfolio will ultimately help you progress in this field. Even though, as a storyboard artist, you can earn around 80-100k per year; however, it can be much lower for locations other than LA.
A Seasoned Animator Can Pursue A Career As A Mathematical Modeler In The US
It is typically the most specialized branch of animation and requires the use of complex models and formulae.
You will most possibly need a basic education in engineering or math and experience in animation to become a mathematical modeler, and you may earn around 80k or more per year.
An Animator Can Choose To Become A Forensic Animator In The US
Forensic animators are responsible for helping investigators collect evidence by recreating a crime scene. You will also require 2D and 3D experience along with Terragen software.
Sometimes experienced animators transfer to this field, and since this position is generally freelance, based on your experience, you will charge around 20-100 USD per hour.
An Animator Can Opt To Pursue A Career As A Render Wrangler In The US
They are also known as data wranglers, and this position typically requires rendering down animations to a public consumption format.
Along with animation skills, you will also require computer science skills to progress in this job, and data wranglers typically earn around 15 USD per hour.
Becoming A Texture Artist Is Another Promising Role For Animators In The US
As a texture artist, you will work on finishing terrain and models to form a realistic appearance. Texture artists typically have a background in graphic design.
Based on the location, a texture artist may earn around 60-80k USD.
Want To Become An Animator In The US – Superprof Is Here To Help
Usually, to become an animator, you must have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration, Animation, Fine Art, Graphic Design, or any related discipline.
These courses will provide modules in:
- Illustration
- Drawing
- Visual effects
- Lighting
- Modeling
- Rendering
Though it is not uncommon for animators to have an associate degree in the field, a postgraduate degree in web publishing or film animation can go a long way with the right skill in any specialization.
Wondering where you can attain the skills required to become a good animator?
Superprof has hundreds of animation tutors near you who can help you learn animation and put you on the path to success. So, why the wait? Head to Superprof and get your animation skill learning journey started!
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