What is a Multimedia Artist or Animator?
Position Description Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Life As a Multimedia Artist or Animator: What Do They Do?
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
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Things a Multimedia Artist or Animator Should Know How to Do
Multimedia Artists and Animators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Multimedia Artist or Animator
- Special Effects Specialist
- Audio/Video Engineer
- Media/Instructional Designer
- Graphics Specialist
- Multimedia Producer
What Kind of Multimedia Artist or Animator Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 73,700 jobs in the United States for Multimedia Artist or Animator. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,200 new jobs for Multimedia Artist or Animator by 2026. The BLS estimates 6,600 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Multimedia Artist or Animator are Utah, Washington, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in South Dakota, Rhode Island, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Multimedia Artist or Animator Salary
The salary for Multimedia Artists and Animators ranges between about $40,870 and $124,310 a year.

Multimedia Artists and Animators who work in Connecticut, Washington, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Multimedia Artists and Animators make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $60,060 |
Arizona | $63,920 |
Arkansas | $59,610 |
California | $87,960 |
Colorado | $68,160 |
Connecticut | $102,630 |
District of Columbia | $89,210 |
Florida | $62,330 |
Georgia | $62,000 |
Hawaii | $71,300 |
Idaho | $76,040 |
Illinois | $61,440 |
Indiana | $53,780 |
Iowa | $53,430 |
Kansas | $64,280 |
Kentucky | $65,820 |
Louisiana | $60,850 |
Maine | $57,600 |
Maryland | $60,850 |
Massachusetts | $71,210 |
Michigan | $60,140 |
Minnesota | $61,550 |
Missouri | $59,930 |
Montana | $48,900 |
Nebraska | $50,650 |
Nevada | $63,420 |
New Jersey | $79,850 |
New Mexico | $57,280 |
New York | $86,490 |
North Carolina | $74,130 |
North Dakota | $72,550 |
Ohio | $55,670 |
Oklahoma | $53,640 |
Oregon | $72,190 |
Pennsylvania | $68,580 |
South Carolina | $36,270 |
South Dakota | $44,340 |
Tennessee | $64,570 |
Texas | $82,940 |
Utah | $74,450 |
Virginia | $65,430 |
Washington | $90,700 |
Wisconsin | $55,600 |
What Tools do Multimedia Artists and Animators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Multimedia Artists and Animators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext Markup Language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- jQuery
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Visio
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Extensible Markup Language XML
- UNIX
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- PHP: Hypertext preprocessor
- C
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- YouTube
How do I Become a Multimedia Artist or Animator?
What education is needed to be a Multimedia Artist or Animator?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Multimedia Artist or Animator?

Where Multimedia Artists and Animators Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Multimedia Artists and Animators work:

References:
Image Credit: Szilas in the Budapest Museum of Applied Arts via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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