Graphics animation specialists use a variety of tools to bring characters and presentations to life.
There are 79,000 multimedia artists and animators working in the United States as of 2008, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graphics animation specialists use a variety of tools to bring characters and presentations to life, and often work for entertainment or advertising companies. Beginning graphics artists earn a salary that is close to the median for all households in the United States, while experienced animators often earn pay that is above the national average.
Job Overview
Graphics animation professionals use computer and artist tools to create animated special effects. These animations may be for interactive computer games, advertisements, or movies and videos. Some graphics animators draw by hand, while others specialize in three-dimensional computer images. Some animators combine both computer and hand drawings to create unique characters and environments. Typically, graphics animation workers require a Bachelor's degree with a specialty in multimedia production or graphics design.
Typical Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly salary for multimedia animators is $56,330 as of 2008. The lowest 10 percent of graphics animators earn less than $31,570, while the top 10 percent earn above $100,390. According to AnimationArena.com, graphics animators often receive a significant increase in income after gaining around three years of experience. The highest-earning graphics animation professionals often are supervisors who oversee several other artists.
Salary Variations
The type of industry can influence income. According to the BLS, animators who work for film and video companies earn an average of $13,070 more per year than animators employed by advertising companies. Geographic location can also affect income. For instance, multimedia artists and animators in Los Angeles, California earn a median salary of $76,360 per year. In the smaller city of Raleigh, North Carolina, this median salary drops to $62,030. Large cities, particularly those with many advertising and entertainment companies, typically have the best employment options for graphics animators.
Career Outlook
The BLS reports that employment and wages for graphics animators is expected to increase steadily in the foreseeable future. The Bureau predicts that this profession will expand by 12 percent between 2008 and 2018. The demand for realistic animations in games and videos is projected to increase the need for qualified and experienced graphics professionals. Animators who have experience in creating media for emerging technologies, such as mobile phones and Internet videos, are expected to have good job prospects.
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