When choosing a career, many questions come to your mind. Whether this path even has a scope, what is the pay scale—similarly, a fresh graduate or someone who wants to pursue animation as a career might have similar questions in mind.
Although people love cartoons and animation, a career in animation is often looked down upon. Some people think that it is an unrealistic career path with no scope at all. However, the situation is quite the opposite.
Every year thousands of Anime and cartoons get featured on television and the big screens. Opening the gates to a plethora of career opportunities in the Animation industry as well as the cartoon industry.
The short answer to the question: Is a career in animation realistic?
Yes, absolutely!
Animation is a realistic career since thousands of people are working in this industry right now.
Animators do more than just make you laugh. Yes, they’re responsible for your favorite Anime shows and movies. But it is not always an easy career path. It is a competitive field with people filled with talent and creativity dreaming to make their mark in the industry.
What do animators do?
Animators work on the cutting edge of creativity and technology, bringing designs to life for commercials, movies, cartoons, web media, and more.
They are an integral part of the team that creates the animated characters and stories that we see every day on television and in movies. Animators often work closely with their clients to ensure that their ideas reach their fullest potential.
An animator’s role is to create a series of drawings or paintings that will be translated into motion. The finished Animation is then used to bring the character(s) to life in ways that can be seen by millions of people around the world.
An animator must be creative enough to think outside of the box when it comes to creating new ideas for an existing character or creating something entirely new from scratch!
Animators have many different responsibilities within this field.
layout artist (creating backgrounds), animator (creating animated sequences), supervising animator (supervising other animators), and director or producer (directing projects).
Is Animation a stable career?
Yes and no—animation is somewhat of a nomadic field of work. However, the field is growing at an exponential rate. There are hundreds of jobs in the animation industry if you know networking and have good work experience then you will land a stable job in no time.
Animators work on a commission basis like you got a commission to work on this animation project like an Anime cour or season for a year, or several months. You work on it and finish it in the given time, and now you have to find another commission again.
This may sound simple but it can be very frustrating at points. The time gap between finishing one project to finding another project can take some days to several months. Of course, this isn’t always the case, many animators work for the same company for an extended period.
Many people intentionally seek contract-based work because they enjoy variety, and it may often result in greater compensation in the long term (depending on the job). This is because they often shift studios and may amass a diverse and outstanding portfolio with a long résumé and a wealth of expertise.
Furthermore, working remotely has become the norm in light of the covid-19 outbreak. So there’s a compelling reason to believe that this will become the standard in the future – you won’t have to be physically present to animate and get the job.
Can you make a living off of being an Animator?
As an entry-level employee, you may expect to earn between $15 and $40 per hour at any studio. The range is broad since it is heavily influenced by the studio in which you work.
Upward mobility is common in many studios, and seniority is valued. Within the first several years of working at a studio, you may be promoted to associate Level. That may imply anywhere from $48,000 to $90,000 per year with only a couple of years of experience.
More experienced individuals with several years of experience, as well as professionals such as Art Directors, Supervisors, and Leads, can earn 80-160k+ per year, depending on the city. This is especially true for folks who have worked at several studios on a range of noteworthy projects.
Keep in mind that the animation industry is intended to earn money. Yes, you will be an artist, but not in the way that you or your family may expect.
If you get a job at a studio, you’ll be able to make a decent living, complete with employment benefits. animation studios, like any other business, employ personnel to create and sell a product.
In short, you’ve probably heard that artists don’t make money, but that’s not true, artists are everywhere and have an impact on everything we consume, from billboards to product designs to movies.
Is Animation a high-income skill?
According to BLS statistics, the median annual salary for animators in 2017 was $70,530. The national average, according to Glassdoor, is somewhat higher at $74,000.
Salaries for animators, like that of many other professions, are based on experience: it’s not uncommon for senior-level animators or art directors to make well beyond six figures.
Although you should never select a career entirely based on money, it is an essential factor for potential animation students. Though the sector is competitive and employment is sometimes temporary, it is also rapidly expanding.
If you have the will to succeed as well as the technical, visual, and communication abilities required to create high-quality animations, you have a strong chance of making a decent living as an animator.
According to Payscale, this is the annual salary of professionals working in the animation Industry:
| Job Title | Entry-Level(0-12 Months) | Early Career(1-4 Years) | Midcareer(5-9 Years) | Experienced(10-19 Years) |
| Animator | $49,270 | $51,230 | $63,170 | $67,230 |
| Graphic Designer | $38,890 | $42,870 | $48,710 | $50,610 |
| Production Artist | $35,130 | $41,520 | $49,650 | $54,260 |
| Art Director | $49,270 | $56,560 | $68,590 | $75,090 |
What are the negatives of being an Animator?
Animation is a very time-consuming line of work. It takes a lot of work to keep up with all the revisions and repetitions that go into every single frame of an animated movie, scene, or character.
An animation career can ebb and flow, but it is not usually a 9-to-5 job.
The pressure to provide high-quality outcomes in a short period can be severe. To fulfill tight production deadlines, you may have to work long hours.
However, if you can learn to plan your time and keep to a routine, you will find that your task becomes a lot more manageable.
What are the positives of being an Animator?
The world of animation is vast and full of opportunity.
Animation is a creative field that allows you to express your ideas in a multitude of ways. You can create characters, stories, and entire worlds for others to enjoy.
The worldwide animation business is large and diverse, with many opportunities available online. If you’re passionate about animation and have the right qualifications, you can pursue this career path with relative ease and get paid well for it!
This industry is also one that requires hard work and dedication to succeed. You will need to work long hours, but if you’re motivated by creativity and thrive on challenges, then this could be the career path for you.
Is it possible to get a job in 3D modeling and animation?
Of course it is feasible; thousands of people are doing it right now all around the world.
There is a lot of competition and a lot of really talented people that want to get into the industry. You must have strong talents (but not necessarily the greatest), and you will almost probably have to work your way up through the ranks, starting with menial chores.
You will require the following characteristics:
- Decent modelling or animation talents demonstrated in a showreel and/or portfolio.
- A number of other skills, including some that are more obtainable to entry-level players.
- Exceptional communication abilities.
- The ability to arrive on time and complete job on schedule.
- A lack of attachment to your work and a willingness to respond.
- Rapidly and effectively respond to feedback and change requests.
- The ability to get along well with others in a teamwork territory.
- The ability to learn new skills and procedures quickly.
- A strong interest in the subject.
- A thorough understanding of the field as well as other arts and sciences.
How does it feel to be an animator/3D modeler?
3D artists and animators work extremely hard, and the days of becoming wealthy as a 3D artist or animator are long gone.
Today, there are hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world competing with you, websites with free or low-cost models, and the rivalry in general is fierce.
Yet, it is a fantastic profession, as well as a wonderful hobby, and depending on your skills and ability to promote yourself, you can make a very comfortable life in the long run.
If you truly want to make a solid living in this industry, you must forego going out with friends to clubs and pubs for many years early in your career and dedicate yourself entirely. To do that PLUS have a social life, you must accept that your pals will be coworkers and individuals on the same train as you. Practice, consistent practice, is essential.
One fantastic aspect about this job is that you must continuously keep up with the latest tools and developments. If you enjoy intellectual stimulation, you will find this very invigorating and motivating.
Final Verdict
- A career in animation is a pretty realistic career path and requires hard work, passion, and patience to make a stable career.
- The animation industry supports the creative process, which means you can always find new ways to express yourself and your ideas.
- It’s all about pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and making something that people will love, but if you’re willing to put in the work, it’s possible to make a living doing what you love.