The demand for cartoon creation has increased rapidly in recent years. It opens up many new career opportunities, especially with 3D animation.
If you want to create works related to animation effects, becoming a 3D animator will be a good choice. This is also a way to express yourself as an artist.
In this article, let’s learn about the advantages and disadvantages of being a 3D animator. Are you ready to explore? Continue reading for more details!
What Does a 3D Animator Do?
3D animators create graphics and effects for movies or video projects. They write scripts and draw animations using 3D drawing technology. Also, they use caps to create motion for the characters to illustrate and complete the product.
The 3D animators create multiple layers to deliver a stronger feeling for viewers.
They focus on animation projects and take part in marketing campaigns for products such as computers, music videos, and video games. So they are also known as 3D animators, digital creators, and motion graphics artists.
Regarding the workplace, 3D animators often work in studios. They collaborate with other creative teams to create 2D and 3D movies. Some people work in video game studios and will design complex projects requiring more creativity and technical skills.
As a 3D animator, you will have the following main tasks:
- Get scripts and ideas for TV shows
- Creating characters and scenes with technology software
- Scene design
- Use shooting tools to create effects and movements
- Combine storyboards into the final product
- Add backgrounds, edit colors and lights
Before choosing any career, knowing its benefits and downsides is vital, including 3D animator. It also has its pros and cons, so let’s see now!
Here are the great benefits when you pursue a 3D animator. In the section below, let’s see what they are and how to take advantage of them.
1. High Earning
Most 3D animators are classified as high-income people. While there is no detailed income for each job position, you can still expect to earn about $87,606 per year as an all-in-one designer.
As for effects artists, their median annual earnings amount to $77,700, the highest income in the film and video areas.
The income of 3D animators can be very different, even if they work in the same position. It depends on each person’s skills and years of experience.
2. Good Growth Projection
Many research organizations, such as BLS, have reported that the demand for 3D animators’ jobs will increase sharply in the coming years.
It tends to grow more than the average of all occupations. The growth rate will reach 16% by 2030, equivalent to more than 8,000 job opportunities.
3. Creative Work
As an art lover, you cannot ignore the career of a 3D animator. This job allows you to be creative, learn programs, and hone your new computer skills. It will be a great chance to exploit the benefits of different media and software in image creation and effects design.
4. Flexible Work Opportunities
One of the most outstanding pros of becoming a 3D animator is the chance to work flexibly. It allows you more flexibility in scheduling work.
Also, you can work from home without going to the company if you ensure it doesn’t affect the project completion schedule.
Besides the significant advantages, being a 3D animator has some limitations.
5. Time-consuming & repetitive work
The first cons of this job are that it is repetitive and time-consuming. For instance, if you’re creating a video project with many frames, you’ll have to draw each individually and then stitch them together.
Plus, to create motion effects, you have to be flexible about the placement of each frame. Accordingly, the work can be repeated many times.
6. High-Pressure Work Environment
Most 3D animators have a good tolerance for pressure, as their work can be stressful. They have to work to tight deadlines to complete the project as much as possible, and the longer the time, the greater the pressure they face.
7. Minimal Collaboration
People are working in animation areas. However, they often have to work alone, meaning they build the graphics and then assemble them. So, it can be a big challenge for any 3D animator.
8. Educational Requirements
It would help if you had at least a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, computer graphics, or animation to get started in this field.
Some employers place other educational requirements on candidates, such as computer literacy, digital media, sculpture, and painting.
9. Heavy Competition
3D animator career opportunities increase for many years to come. However, they still face stiff competition for vacant positions.
How to Become a 3D Animator
Do you also love graphic arts and want to develop into a 3D animator but still wondering where to start? Don’t worry. The steps I provide below will help you have a better career direction. Continue reading to understand!
- First, you need to ensure you have completed your secondary education
- While many employers don’t require a bachelor’s degree, owning one will give you the knowledge you need to succeed.
- To demonstrate your expertise and skills to employers, I recommend that you consider taking a certificate course IV in animation or FX
- Build your first projects while still in school
- Start at a junior level to gain more experience, setting the stage for future advancement
- Finally, move on to higher-level positions
Conclusion
I am always available to assist and provide the most helpful information for you to have a great experience. Hopefully, through this article, you have made a choice for your career. Thanks for stopping by!