There are abundant career possibilities in the field of multimedia and animation. If you possess artistic talent and innovative skills, you can always consider making a career in multimedia. Various job titles available in this field include illustrator, 3D animator, graphic artist, digital artist etc. Multimedia artists are specially trained professionals who have the ability to bring creative sophistication to everything ranging from movies, television shows and cartoons to commercials. If you are planning to become a multimedia artist, you should be familiar with all essential career information related to this occupation.

 

Job Description
Multimedia artists use their computer and creative skills to create animated images and special effects for a variety of media including TV shows, movies, cartoons, computer games and commercials among others. While working on a project, these artists work closely with programmers who can look after the complex technical aspects. When you choose to become a multimedia artist, you can also select a specialization depending on your individual skills, aptitude and interests.

 

For example, those who want to work in the computer gaming industry can choose specializations like character artist, texture artist, animator etc. An animator is responsible for creating animated images for games while a texture artist creates the environment to be presented on the screen. Likewise every artist has specific job duties to perform.

 

Key Responsibilities
Some of the typical job duties of a multimedia artist are as follows.

 

Development of animated narrative sequences
Adding lifelike characteristics to images
Designing of graphics using specialized computer software programs
Development of 2D and 3D images for movies, television shows, games etc
Creation of storyboards
Creation of drawings and illustrations

 

Multimedia artists use a variety of techniques and methods to create promotional products, multimedia presentations, brochures, computer artwork, slideshows and illustrations among others. These artists possess excellent artistic and animation skills to be used in a wide range of projects.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
Candidates who aspire to become a multimedia artist need to possess a bachelor's degree in art or design. There are several colleges and universities that offer bachelor and master degree programs in fine arts. Students can also kick-start a career in multimedia with an associate degree in fine arts or a relevant field. Getting trained in computer techniques and design software programs is essential to have a successful career in this occupation.

 

To become successful and increase their chances of being hired, multimedia artists should also create an impressive portfolio of their quality work. They can show their portfolio to art directors and editors. Internship programs provide an excellent opportunity for multimedia artists to develop an impressive portfolio.

 

Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for multimedia artist jobs will grow faster than the average of all other careers, increasing at rate of 26% from 2006 through to the year 2016. Visual arts will witness the best employment growth for multimedia jobs. Considering the tough job market, candidates may need to face stiff competition while getting jobs. However, there will be no dearth of employment opportunities for those who have advanced education, skills and several years of work experience.

 

Major Employers
Trained multimedia artists can land jobs across a range of industries. Major employers for these jobs include the motion pictures industry, video production industry, advertising industry, computer systems designs and software publishers.

 

Annual Salary
Salaries of multimedia artists will vary according to the geographic location, work experience and the type and size of the employer. The median annual salary of these artists is around $56,330. Motion pictures and the video industry offer the highest salary. With growing experience and skills, multimedia artists can earn as high as $70,960 annually.

Graphic artists or graphic designers have plenty of job opportunities offered by the interactive media. Though candidates may face keen competition landing graphic designing jobs, there will be no dearth of career opportunities for those possessing extensive experience in website design and animation. If you are planning to become a graphic designer, you should equip yourself with all the essential career information including job description, typical job duties, educational qualification required and the career prospects that await you in this occupation.

 

Job Description
Graphic designers work with both print and electronic media. The main job duty of these artists is to get the message across to the audience using a variety of techniques like photography, animation, illustration etc. These designers are responsible for creating innovative layout and production design for magazines, newspapers, journals and other publications. They also hold the responsibility of producing promotional material including business logos, displays, brochures and packaging among others.

 

Today, a large number graphic designing professionals work for the interactive media, multimedia projects and internet web pages. At first, graphic artists or designers are required to understand the individual requirements of the clients. In tune with the business goals of clients, designers produce designs that effectively communicate the message and attract the audience instantly.

 

Depending on the target audience clients may have, designers need to consider a number of factors in mind including physical, cultural and social factors. They also take into account multiple visual elements including color, sound, style, animation, artwork etc. Designer may also closely work with art directors depending on the requirements of the work projects.

 

Graphic designers are proficient in multiple computer software packages. They use graphic tools and software packages to design various elements and animate graphical objects. A designer may work alone or in a team depending on the bulkiness of the project. They may also have design assistants to help themselves complete tasks efficiently.

 

Work Environment
Working environment may vary depending on the type of employer graphic artists work for. Advertising companies, publishing firms designing companies offer comfortable work settings and well lighted environment. Designers employed with these companies work regular hours. On the other hand, professionals who are self employed work out their own schedules. Designers employed in the printing and publishing industry may need to put in some extra hours to complete work within the given deadline.

 

Educational Qualification & Training
A bachelor's degree in graphic design is the standard requirement to occupy entry level and advanced graphics design job positions. There are several colleges, universities and design colleges that offer degree programs in subjects like fine arts, graphic design etc. The coursework for these bachelor degree programs includes training in areas like design principles, studio art, printing techniques, graphics production, website design etc.

 

In addition to bachelor degree programs, many professional design schools also offer associate degree programs and certificate courses in graphic design. These 2-year and 3-year courses can also help bachelor degree holders (in another field) learn the technical skills of the trade and kick-start a career in the field of graphics designing. To make the most of their careers and become successful, designers need to keep themselves abreast of the latest design software, graphics tool and technologies.

 

Job Outlook
In the year 2008, graphic designers occupied around 286,100 jobs in the United States. Most of these design jobs were in the advertising and publishing industry. Many designers also complete assignments on a freelance basis, in addition to having a salaried job. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth in this occupation will be as fast as the average of all other occupations. Projected employment growth in this field is 13 per cent from the year 2008 through to the year 2018.

 

Annual Salary
In May 2008, graphic artists or designers earned a median annual salary of $42,400. Salaries of professionals, however, vary depending on the type and size of the employer and the work experience they carry. Those who work for specialized design services earn around $45,870 annually. With extensive working experience and growing skill sets, graphic designers can earn an annual salary as high as $74,660.