If you want information on animation careers, check out this article! Animation is a good major for individuals with a creative mind and a passion for animated art. There is an increasing demand for qualified professionals in the field. Animation entered the entertainment world as a creative force for children’s genres. But over time, it has evolved into an essential art form for many industries beyond media and entertainment. It is now a staple for almost all industries. Computer animation is particularly well used in:
- education
- healthcare
- business
- software publishing
- related sectors
This has led to the demand for skilled animators who can combine their talent and know-how to meet various industry needs. In addition to traditional or 2D animation, professionals can use software solutions with advanced features to create more magic.
A degree in animation will open doors to many opportunities for students interested in a creative career path. These include jobs in the entertainment world and animation careers in various industries. Those passionate about art and creativity will find that animation is a good major to consider. The intersection of art in traditional animation and technology in modern animation gives another layer to the degree. Plus, it increases the demand for jobs. An undergraduate degree in animation teaches students fundamental animation skills. These may be required to pursue various career paths and employment in animation. They learn to create art forms by hand and use advanced software to express ideas and information.
Featured Programs
What does an animation degree mean, and how can it prepare students for jobs in the animation field?
Animation majors focus their studies on the techniques, skills, and theories to create moving, sequential images. The booming animation industry offers them endless opportunities. These opportunities are even better for students with a credential in animation. They can explore various courses and animation degree programs to help them get started. These programs cover hand-drawn or computer-generated animation to tell stories or sell products. They are especially attractive to students and professionals who are passionate about hand drawing and technology-assisted design and illustration.
Students can pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in animation. They can do so at a traditional four-year college, community college, or art school. Animation programs offer rigorous training in the theory and practice of animation. These can be Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees awarded upon completion. They can be offered both on campus and online. Several colleges and universities now provide animation degrees online.
What will you learn in an animation program to prepare for jobs in the animation field?
Students enrolled in online animation and design programs learn artistic techniques to create visual concepts. They may do so using various manual, computer, and interactive methods. An online animation course of study trains students to be successful in careers such as:
- animators
- graphic designers
- web designers
- multimedia artists
- computer programmers
Most animation programs include general education courses. Students must complete these alongside required computer animation courses in video and audio technology areas. These online programs train students in a variety of techniques. These may include visual effects, composition, and design for various animator jobs. The curriculum may cover fundamental topics. Examples include 2D and 3D computer-based animation, digital art, and motion graphics. Students become experts in storytelling, gaming, multimedia, and web design. They also become proficient in 3D modeling, character design, and career-specific software programs. These proficiencies prepare them to succeed in jobs in the animation field.
Online animation degree programs allow students to develop and hone their creative skills. They learn to build content by designing and composing art-related multimedia content. Animation graduates differentiate themselves from competitors and excel in animation careers. They are prepared for many successful careers. These include:
- gaming
- marketing
- advertising
- movies
- graphic design
- television positions
Choosing an accredited online program that demonstrates credibility and high-quality education is essential. The best online animation schools listed above are all accredited. Some even have programmatic accreditation, which is essential for animator careers.
What are the different types of degrees, and how can they help one get into an animation career?
These programs help students learn the skills needed to enter several career areas and jobs in animation. Graduates can work in various fields and focus on 3D modeling, web design, graphic design, and imaging. Students can choose specific specializations. This can help tailor their degrees toward future animator jobs like video game designer, graphic designer, art director, or multimedia artist and animator. Animation degrees offer many different job prospects with plenty of growth opportunities.
Choosing a program can be confusing with so much information out there. Students should consider various factors. These include the kind of school they want to attend, costs and accreditations, formats, and flexibility. In short, they should consider what type of program can help them achieve their animation career goals and jobs in the animation field. Many universities offer on-campus animation degrees. Still, some are beginning to offer accredited programs and online multimedia degrees as well. These programs are designed for working adults. They allow students to take courses from the comfort of their homes and set their own schedules based on their availability.
Most online programs offer a blend of affordability and flexibility, which is attractive to students. That does not mean that these courses do not cover the essentials of animation or are not recognized by employers. On the contrary, they are highly rated for their coursework and faculty profiles. Even though they are online, they often include a project or internship component. This is so students can get a hands-on learning experience and prepare for future jobs.
Online Master’s Degree in Animation
A master’s degree in an animation program is designed for students who have completed a bachelor’s program. Master’s-level animation students seek further education and go deeper into the concepts, techniques, and software they have learned. They may focus on mastering one or more areas. Some necessary coursework includes design for mobile devices, stylism, 3D modeling, and aesthetics. Students can specialize in:
- Animation Character Set-Up
- Digital 3D Effects
- Computer-Generated Modeling & Design
- Character Development
- Film Animation
- 3D Cartoon Character Animation
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Animation
Individuals working towards a bachelor’s degree engage in foundational general education classes. Additionally, they have the opportunity to participate in courses related to animation and 3D modeling. These students begin by acquiring fundamental knowledge and progressing to advanced courses, integrating theoretical concepts with practical applications. They emphasize developing proficiency in 3D character animation and building a strong foundation in classical animation. Mastery of computer software, including but not limited to Adobe Creative Suite, is an integral part of their education. Specialization options may consist of:
- Digital Sculpting
- Introduction to Media Arts
- Interactive Animation
- Design and Color Theory
- Digital Imaging
- Video Game Design
Online Associate Degrees in Animation
Most employers prefer their animators to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. But some offer entry-level jobs to associate degree holders.
An associate’s degree in animation combines core education with career-specific courses. Along with those, students take animation-focused courses. Examples include:
- 3D animation
- image manipulation
- media
- motion
These courses focus on helping students develop their animation skills and unique style. The specific curriculum for an associate degree program can vary. Still, students often encounter the following topics:
- Motion Graphics
- Lighting and Rendering in Animation
- 3D modeling
- Simulations
- Perspective
Online Certificates in Animation
Many certificate programs in animation are designed to supplement a degree program. They may also focus on helping professionals upgrade their knowledge. Students learn various techniques to apply their artistic talents. They also create digital images used in movies and video games. Introductory content covers the areas of character design, 3D animation, and digital storytelling. Coursework may include:
- Fundamentals of Animation
- Animation Motion Studies
- Production Design
- 3D Animation
- Game Animation
What is the job outlook for animation careers?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% growth rate for jobs in animation, which is on par with the average job growth rate. Jobs in the animation and video industries are growing exponentially, which has led to a rise in demand for animation degree programs. The median pay is $78,790 per year or $37.88 per hour. Steady job growth and a higher-than-average median wage have created a robust job market.
Animation credentials help students build on technical skills. These include 2D Animation Basics, Digital Effects and Animation, Flash Animation, and Image Editing Techniques. They cover fundamental topics such as:
- 2D and 3D Computer-Based Animation
- Digital Art and Motion Graphics
- Digital Characters and Color Theory
- Digital Design
- Scriptwriting
- Game Mechanics
- Storyboarding
- Visual Design
Students can choose specific specializations. These concentrations can tailor their degrees toward future careers and job opportunities.
Related FAQ:
Graduates can take on animation roles like multimedia artists, art directors, illustrators, graphic artists, web designers, or video game designers. Most companies prefer a bachelor’s degree in animation, but students who hold an associate’s degree can also have entry-level job opportunities. They learn from industry professionals and focus on 3D modeling, web design, and graphic imaging.
What jobs can I get with a degree in animation? And what is a job in animation worth?
A credential in animation offers students immense opportunities to explore various career paths. Here is a quick look at some careers an animation major can enter with a degree.
- Animation artist: An animation artist or animator creates various kinds of animations. They do so by adding moving images to still art. They might develop animations for commercials or promotions when they work as an animator in advertising. They could create characters that come to life for their audience as character animators. They work for various businesses, gaming or tech companies, in television and film. Animators in mobile game development companies develop characters and avatars for games according to production schedules. Those who go into advertising, marketing, and digital media companies create digital animation advertising and branding campaigns. The average annual salary for an animator is $78,790.
- Web Developer: This career path focuses on creating, updating, and maintaining websites. Web developers work for various companies and across industries. Their animation and design skills combined create unique and creative design elements. The average annual salary for a web developer is $78,300.
- Graphic Designers: Graphic designers use computer software to create logos, advertisements, digital brochures, and web pages for companies. They are visual storytellers who use traditional and computer animation. Graphic designers use graphic design and animation skills to create digital models and other visual concepts. These concepts then communicate ideas and inform customers. They combine art, technology, and marketing to tell a brand’s story. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for graphic designers is $50,710.
- Film and video editors: These animation professionals work primarily in the television and motion picture industries. They shoot, record, and edit motion pictures, television shows, news, sporting events, and documentaries. They perform various video editing and animation tasks, including working with digital footage. These tasks are required to make a commercial, TV series, movie, or even reality shows. The average annual salary for film and video editors is $62,680.
- Desktop Publisher: The publishing industry is a career path for animation degree graduates with many options. Desktop publishers work with computers and web publishing software. They may include designing page layouts for magazines, books, websites, and other company materials. Animators work with the Internet, PDFs, email newsletters, and electronic books. They create visual information displays for commercial and electronic distribution. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for desktop publishers is $46,910.
Other animation positions include:
- Digital Illustrators
- Multimedia Artists and Animators
- Art Directors
- Digital Designer
- Animation Producer or Director
- Special Effects Artist in Advertising
- Cartoonist
- Sound Engineering Technician
- Video Game Designers
- Storyboard Artist
- Forensic Animator
- Motion Picture and Video Editor
- Flash Animators
- Stop Motion Animators
- Digital Model Makers
The average salaries for these graphic arts roles can differ significantly among companies, industries, and regions. They also vary based on animation experience. The median annual wage for other animation careers and titles like art directors is $100,890. Meanwhile, multimedia artists and animators can earn an average salary between $46,000 and $131,370, depending on the sector. Larger organizations have higher salary structures than smaller companies.
Students can major in animation and choose from alternative majors like computer graphics, fine arts, or a related field. Technical expertise in these areas helps students meet their animation interests and career goals. While a bachelor’s in animation is a prerequisite for many of these careers, some offer easy entry with an associate’s degree. Animation is a competitive field, so more advanced degrees will give students an edge over others in the job search. Students can choose the major or concentration best tailored to their goals. This is a way to be more strategic about getting into their dream careers.
A credential in animation provides students with invaluable experience and essential skills. There are many different animation jobs with high earning potential that one may pursue with a bachelor’s degree in animation. Talented individuals can get into the field without the prerequisite qualifications. Still, most employers emphasize a bachelor’s degree in animation. Thus, graduating from an animation program increases students’ chances of securing an animation job and becoming successful animators, art directors, or graphic designers. They learn necessary specialized skills and technologies that prepare them to face the professional world once they graduate.
Some students take certification courses to upgrade their skills and add to their qualifications. Others may opt for master’s degrees to get into more senior animation jobs.
Sources
- Bachelor’s in Film Studies: Top 30 Values
- Top 30 Best Graphic Design Degree Programs
- Top 10 Associate’s in Graphic Design Online
- Is An Animation Degree Worth It?
- Top Online Community Colleges
- Highest Paying Associate Degree Jobs