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What are some tips for starting a career in animation?

What skills, knowledge, and background must I have? #animation #art #artist

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Doc’s Answer

Michelle animation is an art form that focuses on creating pictures that move, including both two- and three-dimensionally. Animators frequently create special effects for different forms of media, such as video games or movies, and they are usually required to have a bachelor's degree. Candidates interested in this field will need to demonstrate their education and skills to potential employers will need to develop an extensive portfolio of work through art courses and internships.

HOW TO BECOME A MULTIMEDIA ARTIST OR ANIMATOR

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST & ANIMATORS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Most employers require prospective animators to have a bachelor's degree in animation or related field, as well as a professional portfolio, although some animators hold only a certificate or an associate's degree. Students typically take courses in drawing, 3D programming, computer graphics, video effects, and graphic design. Degree programs may also provide training in sound and video editing, as well as kinematics. Some of these courses may also cover portfolio presentation and self-marketing to help students find jobs after they graduate.

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST & ANIMATION DREEGE OPTIONS
Although there are some undergraduate degrees in animation, those wishing to have a career in the field could also pursue degree in a related field. Some examples include bachelor's degrees in fine arts, entertainment design, computer graphics, and art and illustration. Some of these degrees even have the option of specializing in animation.

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST & ANIMATORS JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Upon graduation, students may look for employment with motion picture and video production companies, as well as advertising and public relations firms. Animators may also find work with software publishers and computer system design firms. With additional training, these professionals may also become:

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST & ANIMATORS CAREER OUTLOOK
This career is expected to grow by 4% through 2028, which is considered as fast as average and should result in nearly 3,000 job openings. Animation technology continues to advance, allowing for the creation of more and more realistic shows and games. To become a multimedia artist and animator, you will typically need a bachelor's degree in a field like art or computer graphics.

MULTIMEDIA ARTIST & ANIMATORS SALARY
The average Multi-Media Artist or Animator salary in the United States is $60,500 as of May 28, 2020, but the salary range typically falls between $50,000 and $75,500. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
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Darin’s Answer

Hi Michelle, wow John really hit it on target with his answer. If I can add on to his, explore local colleges. Many of your local colleges have associates classes for animation in a wide variety of fields, from movies to video games to everyday art that will teach you the basics if you have no prior experience with animation and will also help you hone your experience if you already have some. If you want to move right on to your bachelors degree though then go for it. Your universities will teach you everything you'll learn from an associates course plus more
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Joe’s Answer

Depending on how old you are you can simply start with drawing on paper with a pencil. If you have extra money and you find yourself enjoying art then you can move towards computers and tablets. Animation as a career is much more accessible now in college then when I started. You can find a college with an Arts program that may even have a focus on animation. My first college did not have an undergrad with animation so I eventually went on to get my MFA in Animation. Then, even after that, I enrolled in online classes for animation which might also be another step to decide if you have the passion for becoming an animator. There are many online schools which will offer classes such as Animation Mentor or AnimSchool and some others.
Autodesk offers Maya LT for free to students if you have a computer. Maya is generally the industry standard for animation and I would strongly encourage learning that as well. Youtube has many tutorials on Maya, animation and character rigging to help get you started!

https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/maya

Good luck on your journey!
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Sharool’s Answer

Sketching, drawing and deep interest in computers is always considered essential to gain entry into the animation industry.
It would be very appropriate to study fine arts at the college level and Bachelor in Fine Arts is an ideal way to give career in
animation a big push.

Creativity and imagination is the major skill you require.
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Mansi’s Answer

How to Become a Successful Animator
Take animation courses or a degree program. For most people, going to school is the first step for how to become an animator.
Dedicate yourself to developing your skills.
Create a stellar portfolio and demo reel.
Get a variety of work experience.
Explore Animation Programs & Courses.
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Gabrielle’s Answer

I just got into animation, so I am no expert. I went out and bought an iPad and searched on youtube how to create animation on the app Procreate. It also can be downloaded on your phone! It is the best ten dollars I have ever spent, there is so much you can learn for free on youtube from people who have made teaching virtually a career. I've signed up for classes, Patreon and a few other things where new content, styles of animation and digital art as a whole are coming out daily. I went from a beginner to making my own art within a few months. There is so many different opportunities that are free out on the internet that can help you now, before all of the college decisions. John above also provided amazing information that you should definitely look into.
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David’s Answer

A regular diet of life drawing and a copy of the Illusion of Life would be a great start. I also recommend doing as much stop motion animation practice as you can stand. Stop motion projects really help with animation timing and can foster creative new ideas at the same time. If you can find a mentor that has animation experience then by all means find that person and learn as much as you can from them. Always do hands-on projects whenever possible since we all learn by doing.
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