Do you have artistic talent? Interested in a creative career that is constantly expanding and pays well? If so, consider becoming an animator.
In this article, we'll take a look at the education and other requirements to become an animator and give you a step-by-step process to help you reach your goals.
Steps to Become an Animator
So, are you interested in becoming an animator? Follow the steps below.
1. Develop Your Skills
You can begin preparing for your animation career while you are still in high school.
Take elective classes on graphic design, drawing, animation, and related subjects if available. Take local community classes on these topics if you can find them.
Learn how to use Adobe software programs and create basic animations. Learn all you can about the animation process and the skills involved.
Look for opportunities to work on your projects or job shadow professional animators to find out if you want to pursue animation as a career.
Developing your knowledge and skills early will give you an edge as you begin your journey.
2. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Some animators have broken into the field without a bachelor's degree, but doing so requires many years of trial and error to build up an extensive portfolio.
Most employers prefer candidates with at least a bachelor's degree. If possible, pursue a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation, graphic design, or a similar field.
Most bachelor's degrees take about four years to complete. Depending on your school, you may be able to obtain your degree online.
3. Gain Work Experience
While you are still in college, find out about internship opportunities in your area. Working in an internship is a great way to build on-the-job skills, learn from professionals, and grow your network.
You can also look for entry-level animation jobs while in school or after graduating. Some animators start as assistants to gain experience and build their resumes.
You can also do freelance work during or after school. Creating your website and offering low-cost services to private clients can be a great way to build your portfolio.
4. Create a Portfolio
Having a solid portfolio showcasing your animation abilities is essential as you begin pursuing animation jobs.
Many college programs will teach you how to create this portfolio. It will typically be a website with samples of your animation work from school, internship, or freelance projects.
The more work you can showcase through your portfolio, the better. Try to include various types of projects and different animation styles to give a well-rounded snapshot of what you can do.
You can then use this portfolio to land higher-level animation jobs.
5. Consider an Advanced Degree
As you advance through your career, you may want to pursue an advanced degree to open up more job opportunities.
Obtaining a Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts in Special Effects Animation or a related field can help you stand out from the competition and make you eligible for higher-paying jobs.
A master's degree can also help you pursue management or leadership roles within a company. For example, you could oversee a team of animators or an entire animation department.
Having a master's degree is not required to become an animator, but it can help you advance to better opportunities in your career.
What Does an Animator Do?
An animator creates digital images that are used to create animated movies, TV shows, video games, commercials, and more.
There is often a team of animators working on any one project, with each animator specializing in a specific part of the process.
Some of the various job duties an animator may perform include:
- Creating mockups, motion graphics, and concept animations
- Using software programs to edit images
- Producing stop-action videos
- Collaborating with other members of the team and other production teams
- Meeting tight deadlines
Animators often work in movie and television studios. They may also work in the medical industry and for publishers, police departments, educational institutions, and any company requiring animation services.
Some animators also start their businesses or work from home as freelancers.
What Skills Do Animators Need to Have?
Becoming an animator requires a good blend of hard and soft skills.
They need to be adept at using various software programs such as those available through Adobe Creative Suite.
They are often expected to be skilled at 3D modeling, prototyping, video editing, and designing a workable user interface.
Animators must be patient and diligent, as the process of animation can take a long time and be quite tedious. Those who don't enjoy the process will likely get bored or burn out.
Animators should have an excellent eye for detail and are willing to receive constructive feedback. They are exceptional team players who are willing to collaborate and compromise.
Become an Animator Today
If you enjoy bringing pictures to life and think you have what it takes to become an animator, follow the steps in this article to pursue this career today.
