How to Become a Multimedia Artist

Are you investigating how to become a Multimedia Artist and Animator? The main job of a Multimedia Artist or Animator is to create graphics and animations for videogames, television, and other media. They work with clients to determine a graphic’s purpose and design. They use computer programs to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. Multimedia Artists and Animators also create storyboards that depict scenes in animations. They determine the color scheme, fonts, and layout of a graphic. They may create logos, magazine layouts, or websites. Multimedia Artists and Animators often work together to create movies or games.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers require a bachelor’s degree, and they look for multimedia artists and animators who have a good portfolio of work and strong technical skills. Multimedia artists and animators typically have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field.

One of the biggest challenges in multimedia work is mastering a number of different art forms to the point of perfection. Beyond mastery of multimedia, the challenge falls in knowing how to mix the different mediums, when to use what where, and how to put it together in a comprehensive portfolio or project.

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• Lowest 10th%
  $40,250
• Median
  $75,270
• Highest 90th%
  $139,940

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As reported by O*NET, these traits are ranked as either extremely or very important to the day to day life of a Multimedia Artist or Animator.

A bachelor’s degree in graphics, multimedia and web design will likely cover course work such as:

• HTML
• Digital Graphics
• Typography
• Concept Development
• UI/UX Design

Bachelor’s degrees in graphics, multimedia and web design can help provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue design careers in new media. In addition to advanced graphic design courses, curricula is typically geared towards helping students develop their skills in web content management systems; e-publishing branding; logo and packaging design and web video. Students may also explore topics including media literacy; marketing; SEO; and social media marketing. Often times, students may be required to submit a final portfolio project that illustrates their core competencies.

Animation has come a long way in the last fifty years. According to Ranker's list of famous animators, these are a few of the most influential people in animation:

• Emile Cohl is considered the first animator. He was born on January 4, 1857 in Paris, France. In 1908 he created the first fully animated cartoon.
• Walt Disney: Founded Disney Studios and created Flowers & Trees, the first colored cartoon, which earned him an Academy Award. And later went on to produce the first full length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
• Max Fleischer: founded Fleischer Studios and made several popular classics such as Popeye, Betty Boop, & Superman
• Tim Burton: known for his dark, gothic, and quirky horror and fantasy films such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and The Nightmare Before Christmas