Computer Animator Training
Computer animators bring characters, images, logos and text to life. By combining static images, these artists create the illusion of movement for everything from animated feature films to online advertisements. Animation used to be done with pen and paper, but today computer technology is central to all animated media.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most multimedia artists and animators work in television, film, advertising or computer systems design. They work with others to develop storyboards and create the animation seen in commercials, films and video games. While animation used to belong mainly to cartoons, today's live-action movies turn to computer animation for special effects. Computer animators must consider color, texture, light and shadow to simulate realistic movement.
Though computer technology is central to computer animation, animators often sketch by hand during the early planning stages. Many animated characters are drawn by hand before they are entered into the computer. The computer animator then uses computer technology to transform his character into a moving two- or three-dimensional figure. A 2008 industry report by AnimationMentor.com predicted that 3D animation will continue to grow as technology improves, so animators should have a thorough understanding of both two- and three-dimensional animation techniques.
What's the job outlook for computer animators?
Computer animators are in demand in a variety of fields, including film, television, advertising and video game design. According to the Los Angeles Times, animated films have been a bright spot in an otherwise slow 2011 film market: "If there's been one hopeful Hollywood story at the box office this year, it's that of the animated family film," wrote Amy Kaufman in April 2011. Demand for computer animation also springs from non-animated movies, which rely on computer-generated imaging to create backgrounds and special effects.
The 2008 AnimationMentor.com industry report indicated that record growth in the advertising and video game industries would play a central role in boosting the worldwide media industry to $2.2 trillion by 2012. Gaming is a fast-growing component of the industry, and investment banker Paul Heydon put the market capitalization of public gaming companies at over $100 billion in 2010.
Considering these trends, it's easy to see why the BLS predicts that multimedia artists and animators will be the fastest-growing group of professional artists from 2008 to 2018, with predicted employment growth of 14 percent. Though outsourcing will take away some animation jobs, increased demand for special effects, 3D animated movies and realistic video games will more than offset the loss. Competition will exist for computer animator positions, but the job market should be relatively strong.
What is the salary for computer animators?
While exact salary varies, computer animators generally earn above-average wages. According to the BLS, the average salary for all multimedia artists and animators was $63,440 in 2010. Indeed.com, a job posting aggregator, reports even higher average salaries for computer animators: as of April 2011, the average posted salary for a computer animator was $76,000.
In addition to experience, location and industry play a part in determining salary. The BLS reports that the motion picture and video industry employed the largest number of multimedia artists and animators in 2009 and paid an average annual wage of $70,960. Artists and animators in California tend to earn more than those in other states, with an average annual salary of $76,010 in 2009. After California, New York and Washington are the states with the most multimedia artists and animators.
What training or certification is needed to become a computer animator?
Computer animation requires technical expertise in addition to artistic talent, so a bachelor's degree in animation, media arts or a related field is usually required. In addition to general liberal arts courses, students pursuing a bachelor's degree in animation often take courses in the following subjects:
- Drawing
- Principles of animation
- Cinematic storytelling
- 2D animation
- 3D animation
- Computer modeling
- Web animation
- Digital editing and effects
Some art schools also offer certificate programs for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree, but want to begin a career in computer animation. Certificate programs generally focus closely on studio work and prepare students for the technical aspects of an animation career. In addition to formal training, computer animators should have natural artistic talent, be able to communicate effectively with others, and manage time efficiently.
Computer Animator Training Courses
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DeVry University
- Online
- Other Locations:
- Chicago, IL
Ashworth College
- Online
- Other Locations:
- Norcross, GA
Additional Computer Animator Training Schools & Courses
11 Concepts LLC
Johns Creek, GA- Programs:
- PMI: CAPM
- PMI: PMP
www.11concepts.com
1Staff
Omaha, NE- Programs:
- EC-Council: CEH
- VMWare: VCP
www.1stafftraining.com
20/20 Business Insight
Houston, TX- Programs:
- PMI: CAPM
- PMI: PMP
www.2020businessgroup.com/us/
2Mobius Technology Solutions, Inc. - Anchorage
Anchorage, AK- Programs:
- Citrix: CCA
- Citrix: CCEE
- Citrix: CCIA
www.2mobius.com/index.html
2Mobius Technology Solutions, Inc. - Burnaby
Burnaby, BC- Programs:
- Citrix: CCA
- Citrix: CCEE
- Citrix: CCIA
www.2mobius.com/index.html
3Soft USA
Vienna, VA- Programs:
- Cisco: CCNA
- Cisco: CCNP
- CompTIA: A-Plus
www.3softusa.com
4PM.com - The Hampton Group, Inc
Denver, CO- Programs:
- PMI: CAPM
www.4pm.com
4th Echelon
Carrollton, TXwww.4thechelon.com
6D Tech Inc.
Dallas, TXwww.6DTech.com
A HEWITT Engineering, Management and Training
Cooksville, TXwww.hewitt1.com
