Practice, practice, practice. In order to become a successful animator, it really comes down to practice. As mentioned before, animation isn't something learned overnight. It's arguably one of the most difficult aspects within a 3D pipeline.
If you're taking the traditional route, it will take about 4 years to earn a bachelor's degree and become an animator. If you're entirely self-taught, it might take longer before you're ready to accept projects because you'll be learning everything about the craft and the tools on your own.
To pursue a career in animation, individuals usually need a sizable portfolio and a bachelor's or master's degree. Most colleges do not offer an associate degree in this field, but they may offer individual courses that help learners prepare for a four-year university animation program.
28.1% of all animators are women, while 71.9% are men. The average animator age is 40 years old.
California Institute of the Arts, or CalArts, was founded by the Disney family. Some of the school's most notable animation degree recipients have received Academy and Emmy Awards, and alumni have frequently been nominated for such prizes.
Animator salaries typically range between $52,000 and $112,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for animators is $36.95 per hour. Animator salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Animators earn the highest average salary in Nevada, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Delaware.
BLS data lists the 2017 median pay for animators at $70,530 a year. Glassdoor has the national average a bit higher at $74,000. Like many other fields, compensation for animators also depends on experience: it's not uncommon for senior-level animators or art directors to earn well into six figures.
To work as an animator, you usually require a bachelor's degree or a diploma in graphic arts, visual arts, animation or another related field. This degree takes up to four years to complete. Some animators choose to further their studies and specialise in a certain field, which may take an additional year.
High-pressure work environment
The work environment for multimedia artists and animators can be stressful. They might work under tight deadlines and significant pressure to get their designs completed as quickly as possible.
Math is in everything, and such is the case in animation too. Animation is a visual process that creates the illusion of motion and is all about timing and proportions, which heavily relate to mathematics.
Working as an animator can be exciting because you can contribute to creative projects in significant ways. For those passionate about specific animation styles, production studios or content types, this means you can find opportunities that resonate well with your professional goals.
Animator Salaries in Australia
The average salary for Animator is $86,400 per year in the Australia. The average additional cash compensation for a Animator in the Australia is $16,400, with a range from $4,125 - $40,450.
There is a massive demand in the Australian market for animators and digital illustrators. With an increase in the social media presence of companies and brands, there is a rise in demand for visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Fresh-minded artists and animators are being hired in large numbers.
The entry-level animation income in the USA is between $50,000 to $60,000 per year. The salary can widely vary depending on the factors such as - education, certification course, and many more. An entry-level job usually requires a bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience.
Animation requires a lot of sitting, critical thinking, creativity, and long hours at work. Nevertheless, an animator's job can be fun and exciting, According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average animator's salary is impressive, and the job outlook is encouraging.
Animation is a highly competitive field
It is a profession that often stems from a passion for art and the desire to obtain a dream job in the field. This means that many people are trying to become professional animators. And that means that, with a higher supply of potential workers, employers can pay lower wages.
Typically, the key animator does not make drawings for all 24 frames required for one second of film length. In large studios, a specialized inbetweener artist fills in the gaps between the key drawings. Only very fast movements require 24 drawings per second, which is referred to as animating "on ones".
Animation is one of the fastest-growing career options in our country these days. The want for more and more skilled animators has brought about a rise in job opportunities and ascended the demand for animation as a lucrative career option.
An animation major lets you hone key hard and soft skills, including computer literacy. Most animation degree-holders work in the film, TV, and video game industries. Animation degrees work well in an online format since most animation is done digitally.
United States of America
The US is home to many renowned animation studios such as Disney and Dreamworks, making it a popular destination for aspiring animators. There are also many top-quality animation schools in the US that offer a variety of courses for students of all levels.
Animators' salary (average) $70,000* per year (source: seek.com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience. Future career growth: Very strong (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).