Multimedia Artist: Job Description, Education & Career Outlook

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.