Animation

ANIMATION

Many of the most beloved animated characters are complex. Animated heroes and heroines (with a few notable exceptions) need more than anvils and Acme rockets to develop their portliness. Which is one reason why animators need more than drawing ability and technical skill to have successful animation careers. They need to be storytellers with a flair for the dramatic.

Animation has come a long way in the last few decades. It has applications from advertising to special effects to video games. Animation is not just for kids to enjoy after school or on Saturday mornings while eating sugary cereal. Whether online or on the big screen, animation is in high demand—which makes this a great time to consider an animation career.

Everyday Tasks in an Animation Career
While there is a high degree of variation in animation applications, there are some common tasks that animators in any field may complete in the course of a normal day's work
* Drawing storyboards and creating models * Designing an animated environment that includes backgrounds, sets and objects * Designing characters * Creating each frame * Working out the timing of movements and making sure things meet the script and soundtrack requirements * Using computer software, including Flash, Maya, Light wave and others * Working as part of a team * Working with clients (developing concepts, pitching ideas, etc.) What's an Animation Career Like?


Many of the most beloved animated characters are complex. Animated heroes and heroines (with a few notable exceptions) need more that anvils and Acme rockets to develop their plot lines. Which is one reason why animators need more than drawing ability and technical skill to have successful animation careers. They need to be storytellers with a flair for the dramatic. Animation has come a long way in the last few decades. It has applications from advertising to special effects to video games. Animation is not just for kids to enjoy after school or on Saturday mornings while eating sugary cereal. Whether online or on the big screen, animation is in high demand—which makes this a great time to consider an animation career.

A career in animation requires strong artistic skills and a solid familiarity with the latest in computer animation technologies. It also requires the ability to turn creative thoughts into compelling images, using them to effectively communicate an idea. Is this industry right for you? Could you become an animator?

There are a number of different career paths for animators. We often think of animators as the talented artists who create the cartoons we love, either for film or movies. Animators continue to work in these areas, but increasingly, many are employed creating animated graphics for a variety of projects.

This can include websites, online advertisements and video games. Animators can find full-time employment with movie or television production companies, with advertisers, web design firms, video game companies or with animation firms. Free lance work is another option for animators, particularly those specializing in web animation.

Most entry-level positions will require an animator to have a bachelors degree in a related field such as fine arts or media. There are a number of animation schools that offer course work specifically in computer animation and associated technologies. In addition, a strong portfolio of work, which a training program can help you to develop, is an essential part of landing a job in computer animation and becoming an animator.