Job Description of Animators:
Animators create the large series of pictures that form the animated images seen in movies, commercials, television programs, and computer games.
Employment Facts - Animators:
87,000 people were employed as animators in 2006.
Educational Requirements - Animators:
Although formal training, such as a Bachelor or Master degree in Fine Arts (BFA or MFA) isn't always required, it can help one who wants to work as an animator develop sought after skills. These programs often include course work in art history, studio art, computer techniques, and core subjects such as English, social science, and natural science.
Other Requirements - Animators:
Animators, in addition to having artistic talent, must have good listening skills, good time management skills, and good reading comprehension skills.
Job Outlook - Animators:
Employment of animators is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.
Earnings - Animators:
Median annual earnings of animators were $54,550 in 2007.
Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much animators currently earn in your city.
A Day in an Animator's Life:
On a typical day an animator may:
- Sketch or draw subjects or items;
- Use computer graphics design software;
- Draw storyboards;
- Create art from ideas;
- Prepare artwork for camera or press;
- Write story copy;
Source:
- Bureau Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Artists and Related Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos092.htm (visited July 28, 2008)
- U.S. Department of Labor (Developed by National O*NET Consortium). O*Net Online, Multi-Media Artists and Animators, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/27-1014.00 (visited February 20, 2009).

