How to Become a Multimedia Artist

How to become a Multimedia Artist or Animator

The Basics of Becoming a Multimedia Artist

Are you investigating how to become a Multimedia Artist and Animator? The main job of a Multimedia Artist or Animator is to create graphics and animations for videogames, television, and other media. They work with clients to determine a graphic’s purpose and design. They use computer programs to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. Multimedia Artists and Animators also create storyboards that depict scenes in animations. They determine the color scheme, fonts, and layout of a graphic. They may create logos, magazine layouts, or websites. Multimedia Artists and Animators often work together to create movies or games.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers require a bachelor’s degree, and they look for multimedia artists and animators who have a good portfolio of work and strong technical skills. Multimedia artists and animators typically have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field.

What Are Hurdles To Becoming A Multimedia Artist?

One of the biggest challenges in multimedia work is mastering a number of different art forms to the point of perfection. Beyond mastery of multimedia, the challenge falls in knowing how to mix the different mediums, when to use what where, and how to put it together in a comprehensive portfolio or project.
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A Multimedia Artist or Animator's Salary Potential

  • Lowest 10th%
    $40,250
  • Median
    $75,270
  • Highest 90th%
    $139,940

 

States with the Highest Employment Levels

STATES2019 ANNUAL MEAN WAGENUMBER OF JOBS
California$100,67011,910
New York$95,2802,600
Texas$78,0702,320
Georgia$59,7001,180
Washington$90,8001,160
 
 

How Do Your Skills Stack Up?

Multimedia Artist or Animator day to day life

As reported by O*NET, these traits are ranked as either extremely or very important to the day to day life of a Multimedia Artist or Animator.

 

What You Learn with a BA Degree in Graphics, Multimedia & Web Design

A bachelor’s degree in graphics, multimedia and web design will likely cover course work such as:

  • HTML
  • Digital Graphics
  • Typography
  • Concept Development
  • UI/UX Design

Bachelor’s degrees in graphics, multimedia and web design can help provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue design careers in new media. In addition to advanced graphic design courses, curricula is typically geared towards helping students develop their skills in web content management systems; e-publishing branding; logo and packaging design and web video. Students may also explore topics including media literacy; marketing; SEO; and social media marketing. Often times, students may be required to submit a final portfolio project that illustrates their core competencies.

Famous Multimedia Artists and Animators

Animation has come a long way in the last fifty years. According to Ranker's list of famous animators, these are a few of the most influential people in animation:

  • Emile Cohl is considered the first animator. He was born on January 4, 1857 in Paris, France. In 1908 he created the first fully animated cartoon.
  • Walt Disney: Founded Disney Studios and created Flowers & Trees, the first colored cartoon, which earned him an Academy Award. And later went on to produce the first full length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
  • Max Fleischer: founded Fleischer Studios and made several popular classics such as Popeye, Betty Boop, & Superman
  • Tim Burton: known for his dark, gothic, and quirky horror and fantasy films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas

FAQs About How to Become a Multimedia Artist or Animator

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What are common types of software I would have to learn as a Multimedia Artist or Animator?

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Job information sourced from O*NET