Enjoying a Career in AnimationCalifornia is full of animators hoping their cartoon or comic strip will become the next sensation. Some artistic flair is necessary, but most animators need more than talent with pen and paper, computer skills are an integral part of today's animations. Take a look at the ever popular South Park®. The animations team does not draw figures, instead they started with cardboard cutouts to create the always lovable, but sometimes crude main characters Stan, Kyle, Eric, Kenny, and their families and friends for a couple of episodes. After that, they switched solely to computer animations. It is important to realize that a career in Animation takes time and energy. Many of today's best animators got their start on the very bottom of the career ladder. A college degree in media arts is required and then most animators start out as low-level assistants and work their way up. Gaining a college degree is not as easy as it may seem! San Francisco is home to one of the best art universities in California. Academy of Art Institute debuted in 1929 and has honed the skills of many including Deanne Maurice, a Pulitzer Price winner; Mari Matsumoto, a highly praised fashion designer; and John Seasick, producer and director of Voyeur. The professors are also well known. Many of them have worked on some of today's top films including The Lion King, Mars Attacks, Men In Black II, Star Wars Episode II, and Tarzan. Anyone trying to become an animator must be ready to work long, difficult hours. Work loads can be heavy one month and then low the next. At Academy of Art Institute, 132 credit hours are necessary to gain a Bachelor's degree. Required courses include:
Other electives are required to fill in Math, History, Science, English, and Physical Education requirements. After four years, those who have completed the necessary requirements will gain a degree and then need to find jobs. Many graduates find it easier to find teaching jobs first and then build up experience while waiting for their dream job. Others manage to land starting positions with animations companies and then must slowly work their way up the career ladder. Looking at Monster, there are a few positions that those with degrees in animations could accept. It is important to understand that the market is highly competitive and thinking out side of the box is often necessary. One listing states they will consider anyone with a Bachelor's degree, but they would prefer applicants to also have knowledge of website programming. Dreamworks often hires animators, but they require three years of experience before considering anyone for a job. Finally, one of the major television studios is looking for production assistants that have a degree in animations and are willing to be a gopher. Duties include running computer programs, picking up food and beverages for meetings, running the president's personal errands, answering phones, researching necessary items on the internet, and picking up or making deliveries. The job duties are varied, but it is a way to get your foot in the door. Starting salaries tend to begin at $550 a week, which can be hard to live on in certain areas of California. After a few years of experience, an average salary is $58,000 per year. Dreamworks has an entry-level position that may appeal to those needing to start their career. Animations Technical Director/Engineers must handle all data saves and backups, monitor available disk space, test software, help with production control, and handle all other jobs assigned by the management. Walt Disney is another option. Their entry-level jobs often require expertise in Flash Animations, web design knowledge, and strong verbal and written skills. All of these jobs require skill with Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash. HTML knowledge is also important. The programs you learn in college can be a huge help in finding a decent job after graduation. When at all possible, take as many different computer classes as possible for electives. Those interested in a career in animations must gain a degree, take as many computer courses as possible, and be prepared to work hard to reach decent salary levels. Many animators will say the most important thing to realize is that animators are a dime a dozen, it is your perseverance that helps you achieve your dream. View a list of schools in California offering animation programs. |