SO YOU WANT A CAREER IN ANIMATION? Of the students surveyed who participate in the Orange County Animation Project, over 80% state that they plan to attend college upon graduating from high school. Many of those students express interest in exploring careers in animation, video game design, graphic design and other areas of multimedia. Some may not be so sure and may need more information on what it takes to become an animator, pursue a career in animation, or even learn what an animator’s wages may be. Some may also want to know which schools have animation courses, certificates or degree programs. Since this can be an overwhelming task, we have started the research for you.
Animation is as diverse as the techniques involved. That also goes for the careers and industry segments that use animation skills. To assist in your exploration for the perfect career fit, we have put together a list of skills you’ll need, along with some of the tasks performed by animators and what you might expect to earn in your chosen field. You may also wish to check out Animation School Review for more information.
EVERYDAY TASKS IN AN ANIMATION CAREER
WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BE AN ANIMATOR?
PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN MULTIMEDIA
APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS, & RUNNERS
WHAT CAN AN ANIMATOR EARN?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Artistic Ability: Creative thinking, understanding of composition, and the ability to draw are cornerstones of an animation career.
Storytelling Ability: You need to be a good storyteller, with an excellent sense of timing and pacing along with an understanding of character development.
Technical Skill / Software Knowledge: To say that animation is becoming more technical is an understatement. You will need training in various software programs including computer generated imagery (CGI). You will also find a general knowledge of math and physics helpful.
Teamwork and Communication: The ability to work well with others is essential. Animation projects are team driven. You must be able to meet deadlines, communicate clearly and effectively with others. You must also have excellent verbal, visual and written skills.
California Occupational Guide Report
The use of computers to bring together text, graphic art, sound, animation and video to educate, inform and entertain is essential. Specialized occupations are emerging that require specific knowledge and skills. Multimedia has recently become recognized as a rapidly growing new industry, creating many career and job opportunities for skilled, knowledgeable workers. For descriptions of the following occupations, visit California Occupational Guide Report. There is also a list of resources, certificate programs, books and periodicals.
| Executive Producer | Scriptwriter | Video Producer |
| Producer | Editor/Moderator | Videographer |
| 2D Animator | 3D Animator | Technical Lead |
| Programmer | Visual Designer | Lighting, Props, Sets |
| Sound Producer | Sound Engineer/Editor | Creative Director |
| Voice Artist/Vocalist | Performer/Actor | Composter/Musician |
| Effects Specialist | Test Manager | Tester |
| Game Designer | Designer | Customer Support |
| Financial Consultant | Lawyer | Content Expert |
| Agent | Recruiter |
Another useful website, Animation Arena provides descriptions of the following occupations:
- Broadcast Design
- CD-ROM Design
- Web Design
- Simulations
- CD-ROMs
- Film Effects, Characters & Props
- Television Effects, Characters & Props
- Location Based Entertainment (Disneyland, Knott’s, etc.)
- Game Design
Many animation companies offer internships. Although these positions are generally unpaid, they do provide students the opportunity to work in their chosen area while attending school, obtaining valuable work experience along with a potential "foot in the door".
Many websites list jobs, both paid and unpaid, however, because salary is based on education, skill and experience, specifics are not included. You may want to check out an interesting web site from England, Skillset, which cites the required skills for a long list of animation positions that include job profiles describing what the job is, the typical career route for that position, knowledge and skills needed, along with training and required qualifications.
Another area to explore is " Runners in Animation". Runners are interns or apprentices. Runners often enter the industry as Production Assistants and are usually required to have some skill in drawing, digital imaging or model making. Some of the larger studios offer on-the-job training to runners.
Other Sites to Search
Disney
DreamWorks/PDI - Look under Studio, A Day in the Life, Department Technical Directors
Sony Pictures Imageworks - Contains a list of recommended colleges, schools, and reading resources
Rhythm & Hues
Digital Domain - Look under Careers, Schools
Pixar for New Graduates
Pixar for Interns
ILM
LAIKA
WETA
The Animation World Network is chock full of information on careers, events, competitions and much more.
3D World Magazine
VFX World
Animation Industry Database: Use this database and free downloadable directories to find animation, visual effects and related companies located throughout the world.
About.com
Animation and Cartooning Careers
Careers in Animation: More than Just Pen and Paper
Walt Disney Feature Animation: Careers
Moven - Inertial Motion Capture
UCLA Anderson - School of Management - Entertainment and Media Management Institute
Over 800 UCLA Anderson alumni have found unique paths to various areas of the Entertainment and Media businesses. The list below is just a sample of companies where UCLA Anderson School of Management Alumni are employed and the types of positions they hold.
Bloomberg News, West Coast Editor
Cablevision Systems, VP Financial Planning
Classic Media, CEO
Disney: SVP Treasurer, President, Walt Disney Internet Group, President, Buena Vista International, CFO, Disney Kids Publishing, SVP Walt Disney Productions, VP, Publicity Walt Disney Studios, VP, ABC Family World Wide
Sony Pictures: SVP, Sony Pictures Entertainment, SVP Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, VP Business Development, VP Corporate Development, VP, Columbia Television, VP, Operations Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
Time Warner: EVP, Warner Bros. International Theaters, SVP Marketing Services, Castle Rock Entertainment, VP/GM Cartoon Network New Media, VP, Marketing, VP The WB Television Network, VP, Business Development
A more complete list can be viewed at www.anderson.ucla.edu
What Can an Animator Earn?
Many factors will influence your salary as an animator, including:
- The company you work for
- How much experience you have
- Your education level
- Where you live
- Whether you work on contract, are freelance or are a full-time, permanent employee
Starting salaries, as you begin your career, will be in the range of $700 - $800 per week. Once you have some experience, you can expect to earn $2,000 – $4,000 per week.
Video game design is a rapidly growing industry, generating over $7 Billion in revenue annually. According to Game Makers Salary Survey, the following wages are what you can expect.
| Beginning | 3-6 years | Over 6 |
| Programmers and Engineers | $50,000.00 | $66,000.00 | $ 88,000.00 |
| Lead Programmers | 56,000.00 | 83,000.00 | 90,000.00 |
| Video Game Technical Dir. | 60,000.00 | 73,000.00 | 110,000.00 |
| Artist & Animators | 41,500.00 | 53,300.00 | 66,700.00 |
| Video Game Animators | 46,700.00 | 67,000.00 | 75,000.00 |
| Lead Artist/Animator | 64,000.00 | 80,000.00 | 215,000.00 |
| Video Game Designer | 46,000.00 | 55,600.00 | 70,000.00 |
| Creative Director or Lead Designer | 45,000.00 | 81,000.00 | 180,000.00 |
| Producers | No figures | 62,000.00 | 80,000.00 |
| Executive Producers | No figures | 50,000.00 | 200,000.00 |
| Quality Assurance | 32,000.00 |
| 50,000.00 |
| Lead Quality Assurance | 40,000.00 | 60,000.00 | 215,000.00 |
| Sound Design or Engineers | 50,000.00 | 66,000.00 | 74,000.00 |
| Musicians or Composers | 55,000.00 | 62,000.00 | 90,000.00 |
The wages listed above were compiled from a survey and adequately reflect the average salaries for each position described.
Source: Animation Arena
I’m interested in teaching animation. How do I get started? Review the Orange County Animation Project website, particularly Getting Started and Teacher Resources. For additional information, contact Vivian Goldschmidt.
What equipment do I need in my classroom? The basics include a light box and Pencil Test System along with software such as Toon Boom or Macromedia Flash. For more information along with pricing and vendors, see Animation Equipment.
I’ve taken animation in high school and am considering pursuing it further. Any suggestions? Check out our list of community colleges, colleges and universities. We also provide a list of skills you’ll need, professional occupations, and some wage information.
I have been animating in class and/or on my own. Where can I get some exposure and feedback on my work? If your class is involved in the Orange County Animation Project, you will have access to ACME Animation’s online network of peers, college students, instructors and professional animators who provide critiques and feedback to students. Once you are satisfied with your animation, there are a number of competitions you can enter. There are also lots of events in Southern California you might want to attend to see what others are doing, meet professionals and more. Through OCAP, we offer a number of additional opportunities throughout the school year at animation studios, conferences and other special events.