An animator creates an extensive series of images that form the animation seen in movies, commercials, television programs, and video games. They typically specialize in one of these media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters, scenery, or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do their work. They are members of a team that consists of other animators and artists who collaborate on projects.
Animator Duties and Responsibilities
Typical job responsibilities may include:
Create expressive character animation portraying a wide range of emotionsRecommend the best approaches to integrate 3-D components into final commercial quality productsCreate high-quality animations by utilizing both hand key animation and motion capture dataGive and receive constructive, creative feedback across teamsCollaborate with other animators, clients, and producersCreate prototypes and mock-ups of new types of productsBrainstorm and conceptualize ideas, with the ability to produce concept sketches and quick concept editsComprehend and execute direction from the lead animator or animation supervisor
Animator Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017, salary information for multimedia artists and animators was:
Median annual salary: $70,530 ($33.91/hour)Top 10% annual salary: $123,060 ($59.16/hour)Bottom 10% annual salary: $39,330 ($18.91/hour)
Education Requirements and Qualifications
Animators should have the following education and experience:
College degree: While an animator isn’t required to have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, fine arts, or a related discipline. If you want to create animation for video games, you should earn a degree in video game design or interactive media. Courses: Coursework includes painting, drawing, and sculpture. Degrees in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Many schools have specialized degrees in interactive media or game design. Self-study: Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study and can improve a job candidate’s portfolio. The website Animator Guide offers workshops, tutorials, and other resources for those wanting to learn animation. Internships: Internships are a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. For example, if you are interested in video game animation, you can contact GameDesigning.org, which provides internship information for aspiring animators. Internships.com also provides internship opportunities.
Animator Skills and Competencies
An animator needs more than artistic talent to work in this occupation. In addition to the technical skills learned in an academic program, they must have certain soft skills:
Communication and interpersonal skills: Function as part of a team.Listening and speaking skills: Understand and convey accurate information for creating the requested animation.Time management skills: Meet scheduled deadlines.Creativity: Generate ideas and bring them to fruition.
In addition, these skill requirements are from job announcements posted on Indeed.com:
Must be able to take direction, communicate with other artists, as well as external contractors, and work with engineers to ensure that art and animations are properly implemented in the gameAbility to illustrate and storyboardOutstanding work ethic, character, integrity, and professionalismMust be able to prioritize, multitask, and meet tight deadlinesStrong design, communication, and project management skillsMust have a positive attitude and be a team player
Multimedia artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can even advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026 due to an increased demand for more realistic animation and visual effects in video games, movies and television, as well as more advanced computer graphics for mobile devices such as smartphones.
Work Environment
About half of all animators are self-employed and work from home. The job is concentrated in the motion picture and video industries. Animators may also work in a business office, such as a publishing company, advertising agency, or software company.
Work Schedule
Animators are expected to work late hours, weekends and holidays, depending on approaching deadlines.
Apply
Those seeking employment as an animator, can search popular job sites, such as Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Animation Magazine also provides career opportunities in this field.
In addition, attending conferences provides networking opportunities that can lead to employment:
Conference Series.com CTN Animation eXpo Animation World Network
Comparing Similar Jobs
If you are considering a job as an animator, you may also want to view these similar positions:
Art Director: $92,500 Computer Programmer: $82,240 Graphic Designer: $48,700 Web Developer: $67,990
Description Median Annual Wage (2014) Minimum Required Education/Training
Fashion Designer Creates clothing and accessories $64,030 Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design (preferred)
Graphic Designer Communicates messages using visual elements $45,900 Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design
Photographer Tells stories and records events by taking pictures $30,490 Bachelor’s Degree in Photography
Fine Artist Creates art to sell or exhibit $43,890 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does a Visual Artist Do?
Important Job Skills for Graphic Designers
What Does a Web Developer Do?
What Does a Fashion Designer Do?
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does an Actuary Do?
What Does an Architect Do?
What Does a Desktop Publisher Do?
What Does a Photographer Do?
What Does a Copywriter Do?
What Do Writers and Editors Do?
What Does an Advertising Agency Creative Director Do?
What Does an Animal Photographer Do?
What Does a Movie Makeup Artist Do?
What Does a Movie Animal Trainer Do?
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An animator creates an extensive series of images that form the animation seen in movies, commercials, television programs, and video games. They typically specialize in one of these media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters, scenery, or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do their work. They are members of a team that consists of other animators and artists who collaborate on projects.
Animator Duties and Responsibilities
Typical job responsibilities may include:
Create expressive character animation portraying a wide range of emotionsRecommend the best approaches to integrate 3-D components into final commercial quality productsCreate high-quality animations by utilizing both hand key animation and motion capture dataGive and receive constructive, creative feedback across teamsCollaborate with other animators, clients, and producersCreate prototypes and mock-ups of new types of productsBrainstorm and conceptualize ideas, with the ability to produce concept sketches and quick concept editsComprehend and execute direction from the lead animator or animation supervisor
Animator Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017, salary information for multimedia artists and animators was:
Median annual salary: $70,530 ($33.91/hour)Top 10% annual salary: $123,060 ($59.16/hour)Bottom 10% annual salary: $39,330 ($18.91/hour)
Education Requirements and Qualifications
Animators should have the following education and experience:
College degree: While an animator isn’t required to have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, fine arts, or a related discipline. If you want to create animation for video games, you should earn a degree in video game design or interactive media. Courses: Coursework includes painting, drawing, and sculpture. Degrees in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Many schools have specialized degrees in interactive media or game design. Self-study: Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study and can improve a job candidate’s portfolio. The website Animator Guide offers workshops, tutorials, and other resources for those wanting to learn animation. Internships: Internships are a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. For example, if you are interested in video game animation, you can contact GameDesigning.org, which provides internship information for aspiring animators. Internships.com also provides internship opportunities.
Animator Skills and Competencies
An animator needs more than artistic talent to work in this occupation. In addition to the technical skills learned in an academic program, they must have certain soft skills:
Communication and interpersonal skills: Function as part of a team.Listening and speaking skills: Understand and convey accurate information for creating the requested animation.Time management skills: Meet scheduled deadlines.Creativity: Generate ideas and bring them to fruition.
In addition, these skill requirements are from job announcements posted on Indeed.com:
Must be able to take direction, communicate with other artists, as well as external contractors, and work with engineers to ensure that art and animations are properly implemented in the gameAbility to illustrate and storyboardOutstanding work ethic, character, integrity, and professionalismMust be able to prioritize, multitask, and meet tight deadlinesStrong design, communication, and project management skillsMust have a positive attitude and be a team player
Multimedia artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can even advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026 due to an increased demand for more realistic animation and visual effects in video games, movies and television, as well as more advanced computer graphics for mobile devices such as smartphones.
Work Environment
About half of all animators are self-employed and work from home. The job is concentrated in the motion picture and video industries. Animators may also work in a business office, such as a publishing company, advertising agency, or software company.
Work Schedule
Animators are expected to work late hours, weekends and holidays, depending on approaching deadlines.
Apply
Those seeking employment as an animator, can search popular job sites, such as Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Animation Magazine also provides career opportunities in this field.
In addition, attending conferences provides networking opportunities that can lead to employment:
Conference Series.com CTN Animation eXpo Animation World Network
Comparing Similar Jobs
If you are considering a job as an animator, you may also want to view these similar positions:
Art Director: $92,500 Computer Programmer: $82,240 Graphic Designer: $48,700 Web Developer: $67,990
Description Median Annual Wage (2014) Minimum Required Education/Training
Fashion Designer Creates clothing and accessories $64,030 Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design (preferred)
Graphic Designer Communicates messages using visual elements $45,900 Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design
Photographer Tells stories and records events by taking pictures $30,490 Bachelor’s Degree in Photography
Fine Artist Creates art to sell or exhibit $43,890 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does a Visual Artist Do?
Important Job Skills for Graphic Designers
What Does a Web Developer Do?
What Does a Fashion Designer Do?
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does an Actuary Do?
What Does an Architect Do?
What Does a Desktop Publisher Do?
What Does a Photographer Do?
What Does a Copywriter Do?
What Do Writers and Editors Do?
What Does an Advertising Agency Creative Director Do?
What Does an Animal Photographer Do?
What Does a Movie Makeup Artist Do?
What Does a Movie Animal Trainer Do?
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
An animator creates an extensive series of images that form the animation seen in movies, commercials, television programs, and video games. They typically specialize in one of these media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters, scenery, or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do their work. They are members of a team that consists of other animators and artists who collaborate on projects.
Animator Duties and Responsibilities
Typical job responsibilities may include:
Create expressive character animation portraying a wide range of emotionsRecommend the best approaches to integrate 3-D components into final commercial quality productsCreate high-quality animations by utilizing both hand key animation and motion capture dataGive and receive constructive, creative feedback across teamsCollaborate with other animators, clients, and producersCreate prototypes and mock-ups of new types of productsBrainstorm and conceptualize ideas, with the ability to produce concept sketches and quick concept editsComprehend and execute direction from the lead animator or animation supervisor
Animator Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017, salary information for multimedia artists and animators was:
Median annual salary: $70,530 ($33.91/hour)Top 10% annual salary: $123,060 ($59.16/hour)Bottom 10% annual salary: $39,330 ($18.91/hour)
Education Requirements and Qualifications
Animators should have the following education and experience:
College degree: While an animator isn’t required to have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, fine arts, or a related discipline. If you want to create animation for video games, you should earn a degree in video game design or interactive media. Courses: Coursework includes painting, drawing, and sculpture. Degrees in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Many schools have specialized degrees in interactive media or game design. Self-study: Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study and can improve a job candidate’s portfolio. The website Animator Guide offers workshops, tutorials, and other resources for those wanting to learn animation. Internships: Internships are a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. For example, if you are interested in video game animation, you can contact GameDesigning.org, which provides internship information for aspiring animators. Internships.com also provides internship opportunities.
Animator Skills and Competencies
An animator needs more than artistic talent to work in this occupation. In addition to the technical skills learned in an academic program, they must have certain soft skills:
Communication and interpersonal skills: Function as part of a team.Listening and speaking skills: Understand and convey accurate information for creating the requested animation.Time management skills: Meet scheduled deadlines.Creativity: Generate ideas and bring them to fruition.
In addition, these skill requirements are from job announcements posted on Indeed.com:
Must be able to take direction, communicate with other artists, as well as external contractors, and work with engineers to ensure that art and animations are properly implemented in the gameAbility to illustrate and storyboardOutstanding work ethic, character, integrity, and professionalismMust be able to prioritize, multitask, and meet tight deadlinesStrong design, communication, and project management skillsMust have a positive attitude and be a team player
Multimedia artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can even advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026 due to an increased demand for more realistic animation and visual effects in video games, movies and television, as well as more advanced computer graphics for mobile devices such as smartphones.
Work Environment
About half of all animators are self-employed and work from home. The job is concentrated in the motion picture and video industries. Animators may also work in a business office, such as a publishing company, advertising agency, or software company.
Work Schedule
Animators are expected to work late hours, weekends and holidays, depending on approaching deadlines.
Apply
Those seeking employment as an animator, can search popular job sites, such as Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Animation Magazine also provides career opportunities in this field.
In addition, attending conferences provides networking opportunities that can lead to employment:
Conference Series.com CTN Animation eXpo Animation World Network
Comparing Similar Jobs
If you are considering a job as an animator, you may also want to view these similar positions:
Art Director: $92,500 Computer Programmer: $82,240 Graphic Designer: $48,700 Web Developer: $67,990
Description Median Annual Wage (2014) Minimum Required Education/Training
Fashion Designer Creates clothing and accessories $64,030 Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design (preferred)
Graphic Designer Communicates messages using visual elements $45,900 Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design
Photographer Tells stories and records events by taking pictures $30,490 Bachelor’s Degree in Photography
Fine Artist Creates art to sell or exhibit $43,890 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
An animator creates an extensive series of images that form the animation seen in movies, commercials, television programs, and video games. They typically specialize in one of these media and may further concentrate on a specific area, such as characters, scenery, or background design. Animators typically use computer software to do their work. They are members of a team that consists of other animators and artists who collaborate on projects.
Animator Duties and Responsibilities
Typical job responsibilities may include:
- Create expressive character animation portraying a wide range of emotionsRecommend the best approaches to integrate 3-D components into final commercial quality productsCreate high-quality animations by utilizing both hand key animation and motion capture dataGive and receive constructive, creative feedback across teamsCollaborate with other animators, clients, and producersCreate prototypes and mock-ups of new types of productsBrainstorm and conceptualize ideas, with the ability to produce concept sketches and quick concept editsComprehend and execute direction from the lead animator or animation supervisor
Animator Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017, salary information for multimedia artists and animators was:
- Median annual salary: $70,530 ($33.91/hour)Top 10% annual salary: $123,060 ($59.16/hour)Bottom 10% annual salary: $39,330 ($18.91/hour)
Education Requirements and Qualifications
Animators should have the following education and experience:
- College degree: While an animator isn’t required to have a college degree, most employers prefer to hire job candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in animation, computer graphics, fine arts, or a related discipline. If you want to create animation for video games, you should earn a degree in video game design or interactive media.
- Courses: Coursework includes painting, drawing, and sculpture. Degrees in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Many schools have specialized degrees in interactive media or game design.
- Self-study: Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study and can improve a job candidate’s portfolio. The website Animator Guide offers workshops, tutorials, and other resources for those wanting to learn animation.
- Internships: Internships are a great way to gain experience and build your portfolio. For example, if you are interested in video game animation, you can contact GameDesigning.org, which provides internship information for aspiring animators. Internships.com also provides internship opportunities.
Animator Skills and Competencies
An animator needs more than artistic talent to work in this occupation. In addition to the technical skills learned in an academic program, they must have certain soft skills:
- Communication and interpersonal skills: Function as part of a team.Listening and speaking skills: Understand and convey accurate information for creating the requested animation.Time management skills: Meet scheduled deadlines.Creativity: Generate ideas and bring them to fruition.
In addition, these skill requirements are from job announcements posted on Indeed.com:
- Must be able to take direction, communicate with other artists, as well as external contractors, and work with engineers to ensure that art and animations are properly implemented in the gameAbility to illustrate and storyboardOutstanding work ethic, character, integrity, and professionalismMust be able to prioritize, multitask, and meet tight deadlinesStrong design, communication, and project management skillsMust have a positive attitude and be a team player
Multimedia artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can even advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026 due to an increased demand for more realistic animation and visual effects in video games, movies and television, as well as more advanced computer graphics for mobile devices such as smartphones.
Work Environment
About half of all animators are self-employed and work from home. The job is concentrated in the motion picture and video industries. Animators may also work in a business office, such as a publishing company, advertising agency, or software company.
Work Schedule
Animators are expected to work late hours, weekends and holidays, depending on approaching deadlines.
Apply
Those seeking employment as an animator, can search popular job sites, such as Monster, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Animation Magazine also provides career opportunities in this field.
In addition, attending conferences provides networking opportunities that can lead to employment:
- Conference Series.com
- CTN Animation eXpo
- Animation World Network
Comparing Similar Jobs
If you are considering a job as an animator, you may also want to view these similar positions:
- Art Director: $92,500
- Computer Programmer: $82,240
- Graphic Designer: $48,700
- Web Developer: $67,990
Description Median Annual Wage (2014) Minimum Required Education/Training
Fashion Designer Creates clothing and accessories $64,030 Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design (preferred)
Graphic Designer Communicates messages using visual elements $45,900 Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design
Photographer Tells stories and records events by taking pictures $30,490 Bachelor’s Degree in Photography
Fine Artist Creates art to sell or exhibit $43,890 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does a Visual Artist Do?
Important Job Skills for Graphic Designers
What Does a Web Developer Do?
What Does a Fashion Designer Do?
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does an Actuary Do?
What Does an Architect Do?
What Does a Desktop Publisher Do?
What Does a Photographer Do?
What Does a Copywriter Do?
What Do Writers and Editors Do?
What Does an Advertising Agency Creative Director Do?
What Does an Animal Photographer Do?
What Does a Movie Makeup Artist Do?
What Does a Movie Animal Trainer Do?
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does a Graphic Designer Do?
What Does a Visual Artist Do?
What Does a Visual Artist Do?
Important Job Skills for Graphic Designers
Important Job Skills for Graphic Designers
What Does a Web Developer Do?
What Does a Web Developer Do?
What Does a Fashion Designer Do?
What Does a Fashion Designer Do?
What Does an Actuary Do?
What Does an Actuary Do?
What Does an Architect Do?
What Does an Architect Do?
What Does a Desktop Publisher Do?
What Does a Desktop Publisher Do?
What Does a Photographer Do?
What Does a Photographer Do?
What Does a Copywriter Do?
What Does a Copywriter Do?
What Do Writers and Editors Do?
What Do Writers and Editors Do?
What Does an Advertising Agency Creative Director Do?
What Does an Advertising Agency Creative Director Do?
What Does an Animal Photographer Do?
What Does an Animal Photographer Do?
What Does a Movie Makeup Artist Do?
What Does a Movie Makeup Artist Do?
What Does a Movie Animal Trainer Do?
What Does a Movie Animal Trainer Do?
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LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
Home
Home
Entertainment
Careers
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About Us Advertise Careers Privacy Policy Editorial Guidelines Contact Terms of Use EU Privacy
About Us
Advertise
Careers
Privacy Policy
Editorial Guidelines
Contact
Terms of Use
EU Privacy
Entertainment
Careers
Activities
Humor
LiveAbout is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Cookies Settings Reject All Accept Cookies
