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From a film like Ratatouille to a game like Halo 3, computer animation is changing the way we tell stories, play games and see the world. Animators are the designers behind the scenes. They create the rich, virtual worlds where we see the impossible come to life.
Computer animators work primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising, and computer game design. They use computers to create the animated images or special effects seen in movies, television programs and computer games.
Computer animation schools offer postsecondary training. Training may lead to an Associate or Bachelor's degree. Different programs often focus on particular career paths, such as game art and design, film animation, or graphic design and multimedia.
Computer animation combines vector graphics with programmed movement. Animators use a variety of computer animation programs including Flash, Maya, Lightwave and others. While there is variation in any animation job, there are common tasks that animators in any field may encounter in a normal day's work:
Animators need more than artistic ability, although that is certainly a requirement. Animators also need storytelling skills to make characters react in a believable fashion. Computer animators should have good technical skills, including knowledge of various computer animation programs and operating systems. (A bit of math and physics can be helpful, too.) Animators also need to be good team players, able to work with others on large projects.
In 2004, approximately 94,000 artists in the U.S. were employed as multimedia artists and animators. Animators should have better job opportunities than other artists, but will still experience competition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand will increase as consumers continue to seek more realistic video games, movie and television special effects and 3-D animated movies.
In May, 2004, the average annual earning for someone in the multimedia arts or computer animation field was between $37,980 and $70,730. The highest 10% earned more than $94,260.
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Salary Range:
$18,610 — $96,860
Education Level (minimum):
Bachelor degree or program certificate
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
20 – 30%
