When you are jolted by the gigantic Velociraptor rushing towards you in the movie theatre, or the “life-like” zombies trying to grasp a limb of the escaping protagonist, it is the animation designer who needs to be thanked. Even advertisements and brand campaigns use CGI and animation extensively just like the heartwarming ad for Sainsbury featuring Mog. According to a Nielsen research, use of animation in ads has increased by 200% since in the beginning of the last decade alone. Now that puts things in perspective!
What does an animator do?
Before getting into the intricate details and pros and cons of being an animator, let us try and comprehend the work of an animator. Grossly speaking, the basic work of an animator is to create images and effects, leveraging his technical expertise with animation tools, and his creativity. Any animator begins by doing an extensive research on all aspects of the requirement, right from the artifacts of the story’s era, idiosyncrasies of characters, and real world details of geographical locations. Then he/she proceeds to create a storyboard and design the character. Each frame is then created to coordinate movements.
What should drive you to become a professional animator?
When most animation enthusiasts are questioned on their career choice, they site artistic freedom as the prime motivator. However, in this dog eat dog world, art is just not enough to get by. So here are a few humble reasons why you should consider becoming a professional animator-
1)Beyond the Laughs and Giggles, there’s real Money
- According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 29,000 employed animators across USA who draw an average salary of 69,410 USD per year.
- Also according to the USA’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean income of animators working on mainstream movies and video industries is upwards of $73,950 per annum.
- Animators who are working for ad firms make about $63,650 on an average per annum. Check out eHowTech’s video about the kind of remunerations that animators enjoy.
(All the data presented here are according to their BLS’s 2014 survey)
2)If you hate the idea of donning formals and traveling by the subway every morning, this is the job for you!
- In addition to the money, you will enjoy flexible working hours, amicable working environment without any kind of enforced dress code; plus, you can also choose to work from home.
- Besides working for a firm you can take up freelance projects for extra dough. Animation provides ample opportunities for self employment.
- You can take online interactive classes for aspiring amateur animators sitting at home.
3)An Ideal Life Excursion For Non-Conformists
It is not necessary for brilliant and successful animators to be alumnus of Ivy League colleges. Most well known animators are self taught and do not have a formal degree. So if you are deft with Illustrator, Corel Draw and other software you are already qualified enough. However, if you already have a degree in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, or Game Design, from any of the best schools of animation studies, congratulations. This speaks out that you have attended courses which teach you the latest techniques and tools required for animation, and puts you on a pedestal when you pitch for assignments from big clients.
4)Be Your Own Boss – The Dream, Achieved
If you have always dreamt of owning your own office or studio, then this is the right profession for you. Freelancing gives you to opportunity to turn your solo venture to a larger operation. In this case, you can become the art director of your own company and can start taking up work from bigger brands. And of course bigger labels mean more money.
5)Learn and Earn – Does it Get Any Better?
Not only do you get paid to work as an animator, you also get paid to learn – yes, you read that right. Every day, new tools and techs are coming up for animation and designing; staying in the industry keeps you in touch with the progress and helps you evolve along with the target audience. The ability of a good animator is not judged by the number of degrees he has earned, but by his work portfolio. The more versatile and innovative the work, the better are your chances to fame.
6)Free Vacations – You Got ‘Em
Although most animators are used to working in closed studios post production, some are also taken to the sets of film while they are being shot. This is nothing less than a free vacation since you work for only a few hours a day; the rest of the time you are free to let the traveler inside you take over.
7)Meet Sharp People
Working for animation companies gives you to opportunities to attend seminars, parties and conferences. These are the prime zones to meet the ad gurus and animation experts who are always on the lookout for fresh talent. Not to mention, working for a good company or even owning your own office sharpens your social skills.
Final Words
Make no mistakes, the life of an animator involves long work hours, uncertainty of employment, unbelievable pressures of parallel deadlines, and working on weekends or holidays. Of course, life would be pretty dull if there were no challenges, and for animators, there are probably more rights than wrongs.
