Telecommute Computer Animator/Video Career
Do you love to tell a story by means of moving graphics? Perhaps you want to become a computer or video animator? One of the most lucrative careers, animation gives you an opportunity to share your message in the most creative and technological way.
What career is this and what are its job functions?
Usually, when one mentions the word “animator,” the first thought that comes into mind is Disney or Pixar. But animators are also hired in other fields besides entertainment. As an animator, clients will task you with providing active graphics using computer animation or Flash animation without snuffing out the story or message. This career will require you to collaborate with the marketing or creative team of a company, as well as contribute to creative concepts.
What are the specific benefits of pursuing this career?
Many animators love the job because it allows them to express their creativity and play around with new technology and video/animation tools. Collaboration also makes every project more fulfilling; nearly all animators find sharing and execute ideas very gratifying. Most of all, animation is one of the most in-demand jobs in the market today.
Why is this type of career in demand right now?
The popularity of 2D and 3D is one of the many reasons why companies, studio and ad agencies seek animators these days. Businesses have also learned to find more innovative ways in bringing their message to their target market in a more engaging, fun manner.
What type of person would love this career?
Many animators usually start as graphic or website designers. But normally the successful ones are those who have a knack of telling stories with a combination of sounds, texts, and videos or images.
What are some disadvantages/obstacles in this career?
Animation demands more than just creativity. Usually, you need to know how to sketch, not to mention tell a story. Since you are telecommuting, you will be the one to provide all of the software programs that you need, and they do not come very cheap. A number of animation projects are also very lengthy, thus time-consuming and mentally and physically draining.
What skills do you need?
Animation is not a regulated profession, so you do not need any formal education. Nevertheless, you should take short animation courses to enhance your knowledge and expertise in the subject. You also should train yourself to become more creative visually, analytical, collaborative, and open to new methodologies and technologies.
How do you break into this career?
You can be a graphic or website designer before you move on to animation. While you are in these types of jobs, you can play around with certain editing and graphics applications such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and 3D Max. You can opt to post some short clips of your work in your own blog, website, or video channel.
Who usually hires in this field?
- Film outfits
- Gaming companies
- Applications developers
- Advertising agencies
What is the average pay rate / salary?
For those who are starting, you may earn a little over $30,000 every year. However, this may increase to $80,000 or even more, usually in two to three years’ time. You can definitely increase your earnings by working as a creative director or producer of the animation.
How and where to find jobs / clients?
You should be ambitious and reach out to well-known animation companies in entertainment such as Pixar and Walt Disney. If you’re studying, you can ask for referrals from your faculty, who usually knows someone in the industry or who operates an animation company.
