Computer Animation Careers Move Beyond Hollywood

by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@careertrainingdirectory.com
Career Training Directory Columnist

Tim Burton isn’t the only person who regularly employs computer animation gurus. Thanks to the Internet and increasing popularity of video games, the demand for animators has strengthened.

If you thought going to animation school was a frivolous endeavor, think again. Today, it’s considered a serious career, one that can lead to many avenues of employment.

You’ll still find many animation careers in the entertainment industry, however. Animators skilled in CGI technology are among the fastest growing careers in Hollywood. Advertising agencies, of course, continue to employ animators who practice traditional, hand-drawn animation techniques as well as those schooled in computer-generated animation. Remember those animated United Airline commercials? They won some of the highest accolades doled out by advertising industry, championing what may be a new trend in advertising.

The segment of the entertainment industry where animation jobs stand to grow the most, however, is in gaming. For the past several years, video game makers have been working hard to bring gaming to the masses. They want girls, moms, dads—pretty much guys and gals of every age to embrace gaming as form of entertainment. As games become more sophisticated in their appearance and application of artificial intelligence, that may very well happen.

Of course, the Internet has opened up a variety of opportunities for computer animation professionals. Using software such as Flash, animators can turn a dull, flat site into one that offers more interactivity and visual stimulation. Today, one can hardly surf the net without have a Flash player installed.

Animation Schools

Animation schools have changed quite a lot since Walt Disney’s time. Back then, just a handful of places likely existed where you could train to become an animator. Most professionals probably came to their trade from the advertising or publishing industry.

Today aspiring computer animation professionals can take advantage of formal training programs that offer degrees and certificates in animation. Programs exist in all shapes and sizes to cater to just about any education need a student may have. Have an interest in computer animation for software? There’s likely program for it. As there are for those interested in focusing on video game computer animation.

You can find out which school is right for you by researching animation schools on the Internet, and talking to friends and people working in the field. Start today and get one step closer to your ideal creative career.

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer who specializes in postsecondary education and career development.