Finding a suitable job in the arts field can be difficult for many students. Today, technological developments have changed how art professions work, allowing 2D artists more space to assert themselves.
Working as a 2D animator will give you many unique benefits that not many other jobs have. However, this job also has many downsides to pursuit.
What is a 2D Animator?
The 2D animators are responsible for producing animated movies in 2D space.
They would create hand-drawn drawings on flat surfaces such as paper or storyboards following each character’s movements. With the current software, animators can create graphics on the computer.
The artists then convert them into successive projections across frames, which give the illusion of moving characters. An animation can have hundreds of images, and each one differs only in the character’s pose.
The 2D animator can work in many different fields. Their main job is animating in studios, but they can also act as image makers in advertising, video games, or other projects.
Your working environment will be very flexible when you become a 2D animator. You can work full-time at art studios or choose to go freelance and only take part in projects that match your passions.
After understanding what 2D animators need to handle, you may wonder about this career’s advantages. Here I will show you the main benefits of pursuing 2D animation. Scroll down for more!
1. Artistic Creativity
Creativity is an indispensable keyword in the life and work of artists, especially 2D animators. They can find inspiration anywhere and use their artistic talents to turn realistic landscapes into poetic and emotional ones.
You will have the opportunity to unleash your full creativity and imagination to breathe life into each image as a 2D animator.
Through this process, natural materials in life will make each frame come to life, and artists will feel a romantic and poetic reality.
2. High Earning Potential
With the skillful use of hands and the ability to create top art, 2D animators can make a lot of money every year. According to our report, their income is above $75,000 in a year, which will increase in the future.
3. Collaborative Work
Providing the opportunity for you to improve your communication skills is an indispensable strength for this position. You won’t have to work alone on animation projects, educational videos, or games.
The workload requires you to combine with other artists to complete it. Colleagues in the same project will assist you in overcoming work challenges.
4. Flexible Work Opportunities
Flexibility in work is a common factor for art people, and so is the work of 2D animators. Even if you work in studios or freelance, your working time and place may still need to be fixed.
Whether at home, in the office, or in the art studio, you can decide where you will work when you feel inspired to create. This comfort is what many artists seek in their work.
5. Positive Job Growth
Another factor that makes you want to pursue this career is how fast the job grows. According to the BLS, the 2D art is growing at 16% in the ten years from 2020 to 2030, opening up more than 8,000 new jobs yearly.
As you work as a 2D animator, you will face challenges. Here are its downsides many people need to learn about.
6. Learning Curve
Most jobs in the arts require applicants to have degrees from institutions. Some of the certifications from art courses can help impress employers.
Not only does this job require you to have a solid background in basic painting, but it also requires skills in using imaging software and digital media. This knowledge will help you to compete with other candidates.
7. Competition
Although the growth rate in this industry is speedy and opens up many new job opportunities every year, the competition among artists is also fierce.
The development of artificial intelligence technology is also a threat to artists. AI is now able to create detailed and highly artistic works in a short time.
8. No Total Artistic Freedom
In certain positions, 2D Animators may be unable to create and express themselves. They will have to find a way to adapt to the tastes of customers.
Some artists have confided that working in a direction under market pressure leaves them with no space to pursue their art.
Thus, after a long time, their work can become tedious, and artists will lose their creative motivation.
9. Demanding Workloads
Animators’ workload is often huge, requiring them to work long hours and often overtime. So, this work pressure can cause many health problems for artists.
In fact, you can see artists working in the studio for days without going home until their project is complete.
Who Should Be a 2D Animator?
You should only pursue a career in 2D animation if you have creative artistic talent, can withstand pressure, and know its pros and cons.
A person with the ability to paint will complete the pictures with better quality and convey the emotions of the image to the viewer.
When 2D Animators can apply their artistic thinking to real life, their creativity will result in poetic footage. You will not be surprised if the members of famous studios like Ghibli or Disney are dreamers and have great creativity.
Movies with novel content but still keeping the closeness will be beautiful and can capture the viewer’s heart.
Also, those who want to pursue a career in 2D animator must manage their time well and have healthy stress relief methods. These skills will help them overcome the enormous work pressure.
Conclusion
When you understand the pros and cons of being a 2D animator, you will make the best decision to choose your future path. Thank you for reading!