Hot Jobs in Computer Animation
by Gabriel Traverso
gabriel.traverso@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist
As a result of enhancements in animation software artists are no longer required to have the level of drawing or painting skills previous generations of animators needed to succeed. Your love for cartoon animation and your love for computers can help you launch a career in motion pictures, advertising, graphic design, or cartoon animation.
Cartoon Animation—The Olden Days
How many of us were raised as latch-key kids coming home to the old standby sitter, the television? Your favorite cartoons were always on in the afternoons when you got home and certainly there for you on Saturday mornings. Perhaps for you they held a career attraction leading you to art and a desire to become an animator. In years past cartoon animation required solid artistic abilities in painting and drawing. Production was a painstaking process taking months before the finished product was released. With advances in animation software you now have the opportunity to launch a successful animation career without spending years in art school developing technical skills.
What Does It Take To Become An Animator?
You don’t need to be able to draw perfectly from sight, but it can help. Much of the work “old-timers” used to do by hand is now done using animation software. The real challenge for today’s animators is keeping pace with changes in the technology. From one year to the next your tools might change dramatically. Becoming a technological chameleon will be integral to your success in your animation career.
Getting Started in Computer Cartoon Animation
While competition in the motion picture industry is extremely high, the US Dept. of Labor predicts better job prospects for multi-media artists and animators—especially for those with 3d animation skills. If you learn new software tools quickly, then get started by absorbing as many computer animation programs possible. Take computer classes to learn the basics. Look for internship opportunities first. Those with both software skills as well as real-world animation experience will be given preference in the job market. With the proper training and experience, you too could be able to watch your own cartoons all day long!
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About the Author
In addition to being a freelance writer Gabriel Traverso is also an independent musician and artist. He resides in Reno, NV.
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Filed under: Animation
