Multimedia artists and animators held about 71,600 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of multimedia artists and animators were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 59% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 12 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 6 |
| Software publishers | 5 |
| Advertising, public relations, and related services | 3 |
Many artists and animators work in offices; others work from home.
Work Schedules
Most multimedia artists and animators work a regular schedule; however, when deadlines are approaching, they may need to work nights and weekends.
Most multimedia artists and animators need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field to develop both an impressive portfolio of work and the strong technical skills that many employers prefer.
Education
Employers typically require a bachelor’s degree, and they look for workers who have a good portfolio and strong technical skills. Multimedia artists and animators typically have a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art courses.
Bachelor’s degree programs in art include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Degrees in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Many schools have specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design.
Advancement
Multimedia 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. Multimedia artists and animators can develop these skills to enhance their portfolios, which may make it easier to find job opportunities.
Multimedia artists and animators typically have an interest in the Creating interest area, according to the Holland Code framework. The Creating interest area indicates a focus on being original and imaginative, and working with artistic media.
If you are not sure whether you have a Creating interest which might fit with a career as a multimedia artist and animator, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Multimedia artists and animators should also possess the following specific 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. Multimedia artists and animators need to work as part of a complex team and respond well to criticism and feedback.
Computer skills. Many multimedia artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work. Those with artistic talent, however, may be able to find work that does not require strong computer skills.
Creativity. Artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life.
Time-management skills. The hours required by most studio and game design companies are long, particularly when there are tight deadlines. Artists and animators need to be able manage their time when a deadline approaches.
The median annual wage for multimedia artists and animators was $75,270 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,250, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $139,940.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for multimedia artists and animators in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Motion picture and video industries | $86,270 |
| Software publishers | 80,290 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 71,980 |
| Advertising, public relations, and related services | 70,510 |
Most multimedia artists and animators work a regular full-time schedule; however, when deadlines are approaching, they may need to work nights and weekends.
Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Projected growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Job growth may be slowed, however, by companies hiring animators and artists who work overseas. Studios may save money on animation by using lower paid workers outside of the United States.
Consumers will continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. This will create demand for newer computer hardware, which will enhance the complexity of animation and visual effects. Additional multimedia artists and animators will be required to meet this increased demand.
Further, an increased demand for computer graphics for mobile devices, such as smart phones, will lead to more job opportunities. Multimedia artists will be needed to create animation for games and applications for mobile devices.
Job Prospects
Despite positive job growth, there will be competition for job openings because many recent graduates will be interested in entering the occupation. In addition to having a robust portfolio, those who specialize in a specific type of animation or in a specific skill, such as drawing or computer programming, should have the best opportunities.
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