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Successful animators combine drawing ability, technical skill, and storytelling savvy with a flair for the dramatic. Animators work on video games, special effects, web animation, advertising, and e-learning, as well as traditional film animation.
Turning your artistic talent into an animation career requires training and education. Colleges, technical schools, and art institutes offer associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, diploma, and/or certificate programs in animation and related fields. Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as fine arts or media. Many programs are available online.
A number of computer animation schools offer coursework specifically in computer animation and associated technologies. Programs tend to be practical and prepare students for real-world jobs. As part of this preparation, training programs help students develop a portfolio of their work, which is essential for getting an entry-level job as an animator.
Before you decide what school or program to enroll in, think about the work you want to do after you graduate. Different schools focus on different areas of animation and you want to be sure to go to a school that offers courses in your area of interest. Find out the kinds of jobs recent graduates have gotten. Ask if the major companies hire graduates of that school.
Computer-animated movies have been gaining at the box office over the last few years, and their popularity is not just among young people. Animation studios are working with animation schools to help them prepare students for jobs. Talented animators are in high demand.
Experience, education, type of work, company, and location all influence an animator’s salary. The median annual salary for animation director with 10-20 years experience is $85,000. The median wage for animators ranges from $47,00 to over $60,000 a year. Of course, experienced animators with the major animation companies can earn a lot more.
