Special Effects Artist or Animator

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

On the job, you would:

Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.

Important Qualities

Artistic talent. Animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of color, texture, and light. However, they may be able to compensate for artistic shortcomings with better technical skills.

Communication skills. Special effects artists and animators need to work as part of a team and respond well to criticism and feedback.

Computer skills. Many special effects artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work.

Creativity. Artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life.

Time-management skills. The workdays required by most studio and game design companies can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines. Artists and animators need to be able to manage their time effectively when a deadline approaches.

Personality

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Characteristics of this Career
		95%	Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
		79%	Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
		79%	Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
		77%	Adaptability/Flexibility - Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
		77%	Achievement/Effort - Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
		75%	Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
		75%	Stress Tolerance - Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
		74%	Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
		72%	Self-Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
		72%	Persistence - Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
		65%	Social Orientation - Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
		64%	Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
		61%	Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
		59%	Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
		59%	Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Strengths
		100%	Artistic - Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Values of the Work Environment
		78%	Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
		67%	Achievement - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
		64%	Working Conditions - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
		56%	Recognition - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
		56%	Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Aptitude

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Abilities \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		78%	Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
		75%	Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
		75%	Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
		75%	Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
		72%	Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
		66%	Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
		66%	Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
		66%	Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
		63%	Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
		63%	Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
		63%	Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
		60%	Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
		60%	Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
		56%	Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
		53%	Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Skills \| Cognitive, Physical, Personality
		57%	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
		55%	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		54%	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
		52%	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Job Details

Responsibilities

Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

Prepare production storyboards.

Draw detailed or technical illustrations.

Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

Develop artistic or design concepts for decoration, exhibition, or commercial purposes.

Draw detailed or technical illustrations.

Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.

Coordinate logistics for productions or events.

Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent
		100%	Electronic Mail - How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
		90%	Face-to-Face Discussions - How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
		89%	Spend Time Sitting - How much does this job require sitting?
		87%	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled - How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
		87%	Work With Work Group or Team - How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
		86%	Time Pressure - How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
		86%	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate - How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
		83%	Frequency of Decision Making - How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
		82%	Freedom to Make Decisions - How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
		82%	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls - How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
		78%	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results - How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
		77%	Telephone - How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
		76%	Contact With Others - How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
		70%	Level of Competition - To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
		67%	Structured versus Unstructured Work - To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
		67%	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results - What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
		66%	Deal With External Customers - How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
		65%	Coordinate or Lead Others - How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
		53%	Consequence of Error - How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
		53%	Physical Proximity - To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
		80%	Duration of Typical Work Week - Number of hours typically worked in one week.

A3	Your Strengths	Importance	Tasks & Values
		96%	Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
		96%	Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
		94%	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
		89%	Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
		84%	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
		76%	Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
		75%	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
		75%	Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
		71%	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
		63%	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
		62%	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
		61%	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
		61%	Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
		60%	Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
		56%	Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
		55%	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
		53%	Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
		52%	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
		52%	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
		51%	Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

What Special Effects Artists and Animators Do

Special effects artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models and animation.

Special effects artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.

Duties

Special effects artists and animators typically do the following:

Use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation (images that appear to move)
Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect
Research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs or animation
Edit animation and effects on the basis of feedback from directors, other animators, game designers, or clients
Meet with clients, other animators, games designers, directors, and other staff (which may include actors) to review deadlines and development timelines

Special effects artists and animators often work in a specific medium. Some focus on creating animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and television shows. Creating computer-generated images (known as CGI) may include taking images of an actor’s movements and then animating them into three-dimensional characters. Other animators design scenery or backgrounds for locations.

Artists and animators can further specialize within these fields. Within animated movies and video games, artists often specialize in characters or in scenery and background design. Video game artists may focus on level design: creating the look, feel, and layout for the levels of a video game.

Animators work in teams to develop a movie, a visual effect, or an electronic game. Each animator works on a portion of the project, and then the pieces are put together to create one cohesive animation.

Some special effects artists and animators create their work primarily by using computer software or by writing their own computer code. Many animation companies have their own computer animation software that artists must learn to use. Video game designers also work in a variety of platforms, including mobile gaming and online social networks.

Other artists and animators prefer to work by drawing and painting by hand and then translating the resulting images into computer programs. Some special effects artists use storyboards or “animatics,” which look like a comic strip, to help visualize the final product during the design process.

Many special effects artists and animators put their creative work on the Internet. If the images become popular, these artists can gain more recognition, which may lead to future employment or freelance work.

Work Environment

Special effects artists and animators held about 89,300 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of special effects artists and animators were as follows:

Self-employed workers	58%
Motion picture and video industries	19
Software publishers	6
Computer systems design and related services	5
Advertising, public relations, and related services	1

Many artists and animators work in offices; others work from home.

Work Schedules

Most special effects artists and animators work a regular schedule; however, when deadlines are approaching, they may need to work nights and weekends.

Getting Started

Education:

53%

Bachelor's Degree

40%

Some College Courses

How to Become a Special Effects Artist or Animator

Employers look for workers who have a good portfolio of work and strong computer programming skills.

Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field to develop both a portfolio of work and the technical skills that many employers prefer.

Education

Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field.

Bachelor’s degree programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art. Programs in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Programs in fine arts may include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Schools also may have specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design.

Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have a good portfolio and strong technical skills, both of which students may develop while earning a degree.

Advancement

Special effects artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director.

Other Experience

Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study. Special effects artists and animators can develop these skills to enhance their portfolios, which may make it easier to find job opportunities.

Job Outlook

Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 9,400 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Consumer demand will continue for more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. Additional special effects artists and animators will be required to meet increased demand for these enhanced visual complexities.

Furthermore, continued demand for computer graphics for mobile devices, such as smart phones, will lead to more job opportunities. Special effects artists will be needed to create animation for games and for mobile applications.

Contacts for More Information

For information about accredited schools of art and design, visit

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

For more information about careers in video game design, visit

Game Career Guide

Similar Occupations

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of special effects artists and animators.

Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Art Directors	Art directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions.	Bachelor's degree	$105,180
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Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators	Film and video editors and camera operators manipulate moving images that entertain or inform an audience.	Bachelor's degree	$62,420
Graphic Designers	Graphic designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers.	Bachelor's degree	$57,990
Producers and Directors	Producers and directors make business and creative decisions about film, television, stage, and other productions.	Bachelor's degree	$85,320
Web Developers and Digital Designers	Web developers create and maintain websites. Digital designers develop, create, and test website or interface layout, functions, and navigation for usability.	Bachelor's degree	$80,730

Special Effects Artist or Animator

What they do:

On the job, you would:

Important Qualities

Personality

Characteristics of this Career

Strengths

Values of the Work Environment

Aptitude

Abilities | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Skills | Cognitive, Physical, Personality

Job Details

Attributes & Percentage of Time Spent

Tasks & Values

What Special Effects Artists and Animators Do

Duties

Work Environment

Work Schedules

Getting Started

How to Become a Special Effects Artist or Animator

Education

Advancement

Other Experience

Job Outlook

Employment

Contacts for More Information

Similar Occupations