CAREERS IN ANIMATION
It takes a team of highly trained animators to make today’s amazing array of movies, TV shows, video games and content. There is no degree needed to work in the animation industry. It is all about your portfolio, and because we are directors from the industry, that is our specialty! Here are the frequently needed roles in today’s animation industry. The Hollywood Animation Academy trains students in each discipline so they can discover their own passion and talents, and prepare to step into one of these roles in the industry. Explore our Animation Training Certificate Programs and join the ranks of highly trained animators working in this industry!
TRADITIONAL ANIMATOR | Magician
Traditional animators draw using cintiq tablet or paper
Actors with a pencil
Requires years of practice
Must have high skill level to start school or training program
Less demand currently except in Television
HIGHEST SALARIES IN THE BUSINESS
Disney Average $150k-200k | National Average $92,250
CG ANIMATOR | Digital Puppeteer/Actor
No drawing needed
Must have strong computer skills
Can do anything from acting for characters to moving objects, vehicles or creating special fx
LOTS OF GROWTH AND JOBS IN MANY MEDIA INDUSTRIES
Average Pay $92,250 |
For Film, Games and Television $110k - $130k
ANIMATOR | Motion Graphics
Drawing skills/graphic design
Must have strong computer skills
Mostly used in ads, film and television titles
LOTS OF GROWTH AND JOBS IN MANY MEDIA INDUSTRIES
Average Pay $50k - $77k | Web, Publishing, Advertising, Film and Television
STORYBOARD ARTISTS |
Actor, Storyteller, Cinematographer, Animator
Drawing Essential
First visual take on the story like a cartoonist on steroids
Must have strong creative skills
THESE ARTISTS MAKE UP 60% OF THE ANIMATION GUILD
Average Pay $100k - $130k | Film, Games and Television
PREVISUALIZATION ARTIST |
CG Storyboard and Generalist
Video game level graphics
Bridges the gap between animation and live action
Scene planning for VFX
Approval tool for directors
HUGE GROWTH AND JOBS IN MANY FILM AND TELEVISION
Average Pay $100k - $150k
CHARACTER DESIGNER | Drawing Essential
First visual take on the character style
Must have strong creative skills
DEFINES THE PERSONALITY OF THE CHARACTER
Average Pay $100k - $130k | Film, Games and Television
Where Are the Animation Jobs?
There are more than 200 active animation studios around the world, and 2,858 video game company locations in the US alone. While there are jobs throughout the US, there are several states with a higher concentration of jobs, including California, Austin TX, North Carolina, Washington, New York and Florida. Since Covid 60-70% of the industry works from home.
