How to Become a 3D Animation Artist?
Steps to Become an Animator
Animators create visual works for television shows, movies, social media networks, and other forms of media. While formal training is necessary, animators possess skills that you can't learn in the classroom. Successful animators excel at creative problem-solving, time management, and organization. Animators typically have to meet tight deadlines and be prepared for any changes to a project that an employer or client might request. If you can accept feedback with professionalism and adapt to all sorts of workplace situations, you're ready to take the following steps:Pursue a bachelor's degree in animation.
Pursuing a bachelor's Degree in animation will help you hone your artistic skills and learn about the standard techniques and technology in the industry. Foundational coursework includes art, drawing, and multimedia classes. Many bachelor's degree programs allow you to concentrate on a specialty such as website animation, film animation, or gaming animation in your junior and senior years. While most employers only expect animator candidates to hold a bachelor's degree, completing a master's degree will qualify you for managerial and teaching positions.
What type of degree should you pursue to become an Animator?
100% of people working as an Animator earned a Bachelor's Degree
What skills do you need to be an Animator?
- Maya
- Illustration
- Zbrush
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Rendering
- Windows Os
- Photoshop
- Adobe Creative Suite
Participate in animation competitions.
While you're completing your degree, you'll have the opportunity to participate in school-sponsored and corporate-sponsored animation competitions. Entering an animation competition is an excellent way to get feedback on your work from industry professionals and attract the attention of potential employers. Plus, you can add your competition piece to your portfolio.
Apply for animator internships.
Potential employers will expect you to have some practical experience in the animation field. An animator internship will give you that experience and allow you to grow your professional network. Animation interns typically provide whatever support senior animators need while getting hands-on experience in using tools and technology necessary to the industry. If you've completed your bachelor's degree, you may qualify for an apprenticeship, which is typically a paid position and is more likely to become a permanent position with the company. If you do accept an apprenticeship, prepare to commit to it for at least nine months.
Apply for a job as an entry-level animator.
After completing your degree and gaining experience as an intern, it's time to start applying for animator jobs. Typically, first-time hires start in assistant positions, so don't get discouraged if you don't land your dream job right away. An entry-level position will give you time to hone your skills, build your portfolio, and acclimate to a studio environment.
Join the Animation Guild.
Animation is a constantly evolving field, so it's vital to continually develop your skills. Joining a professional organization, such as the Animation Guild, will give you access to educational resources and entry to seminars and workshops. As you continue to learn new animation concepts, be sure to add them to your portfolio. Keeping your portfolio up-to-date is essential to advancing your career.
3D Animation Artist Career Path
Animator
Senior Animator
Lead Animator
Total Pay Trajectory
3D Animation Artist Career Path
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