Animators

Employment for special effects artists and animators is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, due to increased demand for special effects and animation in video games, movies, and television. The growing trend of sophisticated special effects in motion pictures should create opportunities at industry effects houses such as Sony Pictures Imageworks, DreamQuest Software, Industrial Light & Magic, and DreamWorks Animation.

Employment will be good in the computer and video game industry because the demand for games continues to grow steadily and technologies make new kinds of games possible. Competition for jobs should be strong since many creative and technically savvy people want to be part of this business. Demand is also increasing as animation is increasingly used in mobile technologies and in non-entertainment-based fields such as scientific research or design services. Because so many creative and talented people are drawn to this field, however, competition for jobs will be keen.

Animated features are not just for children anymore. Much of the animation today is geared for an adult audience. Interactive computer games, animated films, network and cable television, and the Internet are among the many employment sources for talented animators. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 58 percent of special effects artists and animators are self-employed, but freelance work can be hard to come by, and many freelancers earn little until they acquire experience and establish a good reputation. Those with an undergraduate or advanced degree in animation, art, or film will have better chances of securing work. Experience in action drawing and animation software is a must.