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Animators
Overview » Industry Pathways » Audio and Video Technologies 
Animators combine creativity and technology to design complex graphics. They apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create scenes and characters on film, tape, CD-ROM, or other media.
They create animated special effects as required by the script using two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion using computer animation or modeling programs. To complete the animation process, sound effect artists add sound effects including voice and music. The final product can appear very real or totally imaginary, depending on the animator’s goal.
The movie industry has seen a major audio/video transformation evolving from special effects seen in Star Wars to movies like Titanic, Finding Nemo, and Shrek. Animators play key roles in making products that keep viewers informed, connected, and entertained.
Many people are excited about the possibility of working in this field, especially in television or the film industry. Growth in the motion picture and video industries will provide new job opportunities for illustrators and animators. Competition for most jobs, however, will be strong, because job opportunities are relatively few and the number of people interested in these positions usually exceeds the number of available openings. Employers should be able to choose from among the most qualified candidates. To find a job in this field, you will need to be among the best!
The best way to prepare for this job is to obtain a degree in art from a technical school, community college, or college. You should obtain training in computer techniques through the program you choose. Computers are used widely in the visual arts, and knowledge and training in computer graphics software are critical elements of many jobs in these fields. Bachelor's and Associate degrees in such areas as Real Time Interactive Simulation, Computer Engineering, and 3-D Computer Animation are important sources for training if one is to be prepared to do the creative work this field requires.
A graduate of an art program should be able to display evidence of their talent and skill in a portfolio. The portfolio is an important factor used by art directors and clients in deciding whether to hire an individual. The portfolio is a collection of handmade, computer-generated, photographic, or printed samples of the animator’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills usually developed in a bachelor’s degree program or through other postsecondary training in art or video communications.
Typical annual earnings of salaried multi-media artists and animators were $54,550 in 2007.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
National Association of Schools of Art and Design: http://nasad.arts-accredit.org
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center.
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