What Animators See as the Future of
the Animation Art Form---
One thing that came through very clearly in the survey is that animation
is an art form. Although animation uses computer technology as well
as drawing tools, it is not about programming or technical expertise.
Animation is about bringing to life believable characters within a
story that moves and inspires audiences.
It is being recognized more and more as an art form, not just as
children’s entertainment.
Although 3D tools and technology will continue to evolve
allowing animators to take more risks, many professionals see a
return to traditional 2D animation as a future trend. Others see a
convergence of the two art forms as 2D and 3D are used together,
borrowing techniques and ideas from one another in order to push
the art form even further.
# Types of Animation
The field of animation includes many specialties; there are many applications for animation skills including creating special effects
for live-action and animated films, TV shows, games and commercials. In addition, there are opportunities available in CGI, visual
effects, and character animation, as well as a variety of specialty jobs within each of these categories: lighting, rigging, rendering,
story-boarding, technical directing, etc. The survey respondents came from a variety of job titles with the majority falling into the
categories outlined below.
- Compositor,storyboard positions : Artist,Supervisor -- 1%
- Art Director, Technical Director -- 3%
- Modeler -- 4%
- Animator -- 65%
- Other -- 21%
# THE TOP FOUR SECTORS ANIMATORS WORK IN:
- 01. Computer and video games
- 02. Feature film character animation
- 03. Advertising/commercials
- 04. TV shows
EARNINGS RANGES FOR
PROFESSIONAL ANIMATORS
Animators often work on specific productions and frequently freelance as independent contractors. Because of this, many are not
on salary. In order to compensate, respondents were asked what their total annual earnings, as opposed to salary, were for 2007
and whether they anticipated an increase in 2008.
51% of professional animators among surveyed
respondents expect to earn between $40,000
and $80,000 in 2008.
Animators’ outlook for 2008 brightened in terms of
total earnings with less than 30% anticipating earning
below $40,000. The majority of respondents (51%) expect
to earn between $40,000 and $80,000. Respondents were
also optimistic about growth in the upper earning ranges with
4% more expecting to earn between $80,000 and $100,000, and
9% expecting to earn more than $100,000 versus 7% in that category
in 2007.
Overall, feature film animators and special effects experts tend to be the highest earners.
- Art Directors --$83,230
- Fine Artists --$48,110
- Multi-Media Artists and Animators --$61,010
- Set and Exhibit Designers --$47,620
- Producers and Directors --$77,070
- Film and Video Editors --$61,180
The income outlook for animators is bright. Average animator earnings are higher than the mean earned by U.S. workers, and there
remain excellent opportunities for career development and earnings growth. However, according to our survey, most animators
were more motivated by fun and creative expression than they were by money.
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