Animation Careers Beyond Video Games and Hollywood Films

by S. Clark
Career Training Directory Columnist

Animation isn’t just about creating cute characters for the big screen or more anatomically-correct figures for the next installment of Doom. On the contrary, some animators’ video graphics are making a big contribution to the future of applied science.

Video Graphics that Save Lives?

Some animators are using their special effects and video graphics skills to simulate future technologies. One such case involves a life sciences-oriented animation firm that worked with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a group responsible for keeping the U.S. military on the edge of technology.

The animators created a simulation of a new project for DARPA known as “trauma pods.” Essentially, the pods are mobile robotic medical units that treat soldiers injured during urban warfare. Where do the animators come into play? They helped create a scientifically- accurate visual rendering of what these units might look like and how they might operate. In a short animation, the animators depicted how an injured soldier might be rescued, treated for initial injuries, and transported to a larger medical unit for longer-term care.

Well, maybe the video graphics and special effects alone won’t save lives. But they are a small part of a larger effort that could make a significant difference in how wounded soldiers are treated.

Training for Commercial Animation

What kind of background do you need for this type of animation? Your best bet is to talk to someone in the field to learn how they achieved their current position. Typically, scientific animators have a solid foundation in programming languages like C++, and some background in biology.

There are many ways to make a meaningful professional contribution through animation. Simulating technology for the armed forces is just one of them.

Sources

DARPA
xvivo.net

About the Author

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