Animator Career Guide

What Does an Animator Do?

Special effects artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media. They use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation, working as part of a team to develop movies, games, or visual effects. Animators research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs, edit animation based on feedback from directors and clients, and collaborate with other staff to meet deadlines. Many specialize in specific mediums like animated movies, video games, or visual effects for TV and film. Some focus on character design while others create scenery and backgrounds. About 62% of animators are self-employed, with others working in motion picture industries, software publishing, and computer systems design. Most work in offices or from home, with regular schedules that may extend to nights and weekends when deadlines approach.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field. Programs often include coursework in computer science, drawing, animation, film, painting, and sculpture.
• Certifications: No formal certifications required, though employers prefer candidates with strong portfolios and technical skills developed during degree programs or through self-study.
• Key Skills: Artistic talent, creativity, computer programming skills, proficiency in animation software, communication skills for teamwork, time-management abilities, understanding of color/texture/light.
• Experience: No prior work experience required. Portfolio of work is essential and typically developed during bachelor's degree program or through self-study projects.

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $99,800 ($47.98/hour)
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,220
• Experienced (90th percentile): $174,630
• Top-Paying Industries: Software publishers ($130,450), Computer systems design ($99,000), Motion picture and video industries ($97,940), Advertising/PR ($90,520)
• Employment: 62% self-employed, 12% motion picture industries, 8% software publishers, 5% computer systems design

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 5,000 job openings are projected annually, mostly from workers retiring or changing careers. Growth is driven by continued demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television, including more realistic video games, special effects, and three-dimensional movies. Mobile gaming and applications will also create opportunities. However, technological advancements, particularly AI-powered animation tools, may dampen demand for some routine animation tasks. Employment will grow from 57,100 jobs in 2024 to 58,000 by 2034, adding approximately 900 new positions over the decade.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: Earn a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or related field. Look for programs with courses in computer science, drawing, animation, and film. Consider specialized degrees in interactive media or game design. Online courses and bootcamps can supplement formal education.
2. Entry-Level Roles: Junior animator, animation assistant, background artist, character designer, storyboard artist, or freelance animator. Many start with internships or freelance projects.
3. Build Skills: Master industry-standard software (Maya, Blender, Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D). Develop strong drawing and design fundamentals. Learn programming/scripting if interested in technical animation. Practice 2D and 3D animation techniques. Build a diverse, professional portfolio showcasing your best work.
4. Network: Join professional organizations like ASIFA (International Animated Film Association), attend animation festivals and conferences, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, participate in online communities (CGSociety, ArtStation), engage with local game developer meetups.
5. Apply Strategically: Target animation studios (Pixar, DreamWorks, Disney), game companies (EA, Activision, indie studios), visual effects houses (ILM, Weta Digital), or software publishers. Post work on ArtStation and Behance. Use job boards like Animation World Network, CreativeHeads, and general tech job boards. Self-employment/freelancing is viable for 62% of animators.

Career Path & Advancement

Typical progression: Junior Animator → Animator → Senior Animator → Lead Animator → Animation Supervisor → Animation Director. Those with strong teamwork and time-management skills can advance to supervisory positions overseeing aspects of visual effects teams. Some advance to leadership roles like Art Director or Producer/Director. Individual contributors can specialize in character animation, environment design, rigging, technical animation, or VFX. Many experienced animators transition to freelance/consulting work or start their own studios. Specialization paths include feature film animation, TV animation, video game animation, motion graphics, or virtual reality experiences.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in animation, you might also consider:

• Art Directors - Oversee visual style in magazines, product packaging, films, and TV ($111,040 median)
• Graphic Designers - Create visual concepts for print and digital media ($61,300 median)
• Web Developers and Digital Designers - Design and build websites and digital interfaces ($95,380 median)
• Film and Video Editors - Manipulate moving images for entertainment and information ($70,570 median)
• Producers and Directors - Make creative and business decisions for productions ($83,480 median)
• Computer Programmers - Write code for software and applications ($98,670 median)