Animation offers a wide range of career opportunities, from traditional drawing to computer-generated imagery. Animators can work in film, television, web design, and video games, among other areas. Extensive knowledge or experience in computer programs or drawing/painting skills are often required.
Career opportunities in animation are vast, especially since the advent of 3D animation and computer animation. Larger production companies often have numerous animators on staff, as well as computer technicians and other professionals responsible for preparing animations for television, cinema or the Internet. A person with extensive knowledge or experience in various computer programs can take advantage of animation career opportunities, as can artists with drawing or painting skills. Other jobs in the animation industry may include accountants, writers, advertisers and marketers, maintenance personnel, and information technology specialists.
The animation process has evolved over the years, and in modern times there are several types of animation. Many animation career opportunities will be focused on one type of animation, while others may be focused on all different types. A CGI professional creates and manipulates computer-generated imagery (CGI). These images can be used in cartoons, although they can also be used in live-action movies and television shows. A CGI artist will mostly work with specific computer programs which are often quite complex; therefore, intensive computer training will be required to qualify for these animation career opportunities.
More traditional animation involves drawing a series of figures with ink, pencil, pen or ink. Some specific animation career opportunities will focus exclusively on this type of animation and therefore the best job candidate will have extensive knowledge, experience or skills with painting or drawing. Some artists draw pencil sketches as a basis for animation, and a painter paints them to add depth and color. Someone else may be responsible for compiling the footage and creating the moving picture, essentially filming the movement.
The Internet has opened up a treasure trove of animation career opportunities completely outside of film or television. An animator can be responsible for web design and/or content, creating graphics for various websites or even short films for companies. Freelance animators often work in these settings, creating content for companies or individuals who need a more compelling web presentation.
Video games have also opened up career opportunities in animation. An animator might work exclusively for a video game company that creates new characters and settings from scratch. An animator is likely to work closely with a video game producer or editor, as well as the writer, to produce visual content that can be manipulated by the game player. This is complex work that will require significant skills and training.
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