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Animator Job Description

Do you see yourself imagining wild and creative animations like Toy Story? Or have you tried creating basic animations in your personal computer? Well, you surely have a bright future in venturing a career in animation especially if you are a fast learner and have knowledge about the basics of animation. This is your chance now to further develop you skills and creativity!

If you have a strong passion in this type of career, fine arts animation degree programs can definitely help you prepare and widen your horizon of success.

Obtaining Animation Degree

Animation degrees are being offered in three ways as associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fine arts according to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Let us explain one by one:

  • In an associate’s degree (AFA) program, the only requirement you need to have is a high school diploma. The program can last for at least one to three years.
  • A bachelor’s degree (BFA) program usually lasts for four years and the requirement again is your high school diploma and a portfolio of your work. Here is a tip: Be creative in your craft to have an impressive compilation of your portfolio before applying to the program.
  • In a master’s degree (MFA) program, it would last for at least two years. The requirements for this program are a bachelor’s degree and an assorted portfolio of your work. It is strongly recommended that you have a work experience whether as an intern or at a job.

Employment and Salary

The AFA program or the associate’s degree focuses mainly on studio work which requires hand drawing and computer animation, this is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BFA and MFA programs have a general education classes in addition to the AFA’s program. Moreover, major courses are included such as art history, advertising design, photography, and visual theory. These programs serve as a foundation to students in building a working portfolio for entry to the work force. A portfolio serves as a resume or interview upon application of the job.

With a degree in AFA or BFA, you can enter the work force at an entry-level position as a computer animator. If you hold BFA, you are more likely to advance to a more creative position. The BLS states that animators should take responsibility for the tasks like designing complex graphics and animation, formulating two and three dimensional models, planning animated story lines, and developing multimedia campaigns and presentations. There are also ordinary tasks which are still part of your scope of responsibility such as creating simple illustrations and gathering proofs. However, an MFA holder would most probably advance to an art director. Art directors’ main responsibility is to formulate the overall general design concept and the project or brand’s creative direction.

The median wage for an animator is roughly around $58,250, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is such a big salary compared to other jobs. The employment rate is likewise anticipated to increase 14 to 19 percent from 2008 – 2018. It is indeed faster than the national prospected growth. Among the states with the highest rate of employment include Oregon, Minnesota, Washington, California, and New York. While the industries with the highest rate of employment are advertising and public relations, software publishers, motion picture and video production, specialized design services, and motion picture and video production.

Obtaining such a degree in animation can be a medium for you to harness your creative skills in creating artistic animations. So, have you made up your mind? Do not limit yourself with your talent. There are no boundaries to achieving your dream if you pursue it with sincerity and dedication.

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