Computer Animation Careers for Creative Students

Are you passionate about arts and crafts? Are you a good designer? Do you possess a proper eye for detail? Is your career choice related to animation, graphic designing or anything related to creativity? In short, are you a creative person? Puzzled as to why I am posing these questions towards you?

Creativity is a wonderful gift to possess. Being able to think artistically and skillfully about everything is an art. The level and subject of creativity differs from one person to the other. But the qualities attributed to a creative person remain almost the same such as resistance to rules and conventions, goal-oriented, innovative, motivated, ambitious, flexible and great observers.

Now, let’s go back and take a look at the questions I asked you. So, if your answer was ‘YES’ to most or all of them, then it means you are a creative individual. If you have opted for or are planning to opt for a career inanimation or graphic designing, this article will certainly be a good guide as it will focus on some of the best career options in computer animation.

Understanding the term

Computer animation refers to art of creating visual effects and 3D images by using virtual models which are created through special modeling software. The work of the animator involves creating moving images with the help of computers.

1. Film and video editor

Are you a person who is willing to keep up with changing technology and enjoy working in solitude for long hours and like being surrounded by deadlines. As a film editor, you need to possess these skills: good photographic eye for camera angles, ability to remain calm and confident, problem-solving skills, commitment and knowledge of film industry and editing equipment.

His/her roles are:

• Collaborating with cinematographers and sound editors to bring sight and sound together
• Going through the footage thoroughly
• Being able to capture the director’s vision and have the ability to tell a compelling story
• Assembling each film carefully and adhering to the film maker’s deadlines

2. Graphic designer

The most important skills a graphic designer should have are technical expertise, knowledge of design tools, instinctive ability of good judgment, strong verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, business skills in fields such as finance, marketing and general management.

His/her roles are:

• Combining art and technology and creating catchy graphics for websites, illustrations and logos
• Planning concepts by studying proper materials and information
• Designing a rough layout which contains details regarding size, style, arrangement and other aesthetic areas
• Obtaining concept approval by submitting a rough layout for review
• Updating and improving technical knowledge by attending professional society seminars, workshops and guest lectures
• Coordinating with external agencies an making sure the project is on the right track

3. Video game designer

Of course, the most important requisite for being a video game designer is passion for games. If you have that, you are certainly qualified to be a game designer. But the other skills that play an equally important role are ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams, ability to accept constructive feedback, possess visual designing, programmeming skills and drawing skills and systematic and strategic thinking.

His/her roles include:

• Looking into the health and safety legislation and procedures
• Coordinating with artists, programmers and marketing staff involved in the development process
• Defining the core elements of the game
• Devising what a game consists of and procedures involved in playing it
• Communicating the entire details of the game to the development team which is responsible for creating the computer codes

4. Forensic animator

A forensic animator must be a master of drawing, possess excellent artistic skills, be proficient in animation techniques, must have patience and perspective.

His/her roles and responsibilities are:

• Creating 3D terrains and model CG environments for lighting, photo matching and video capture
• Creating a series of fixed video images for the animated rendition of any given event
• Collaborating with eye witnesses, police officers and forensic experts
• Using the right software programmes such as AutoCAD, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, etc

5. Cartoonist

A cartoonist must possess skills such as the art of creating special effects, possess a comical sense and have critical or dramatic talents.

A cartoonist is vested with responsibilities such as:

• Creating motion-based art which communicates a story or idea
• Ability to work on a specific medium such as movies, television shows, commercials and video games
• Working with professionals to develop films, web pages and promotional spots
• Creating animated narrative sequences such as comedy, drama, advertising and story boards

Hope this article benefits you and helps in beginning and establishing your career as an animator. Nurture your dream of making a mark in the animation industry by thinking out of the box!

Image courtesy: www.freepik.com