What does a multimedia animator do?

What is a Multimedia Animator?

A multimedia animator creates animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other media. They create two- and three-dimensional models and animation. Although most multimedia artists are self-employed, some work directly for the motion picture and video industry. They often work long hours, especially when facing deadlines.

What does a Multimedia Animator do?

Multimedia animators typically do the following:

• Create graphics and animation using computer programs and illustration
• Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect
• Research upcoming projects to help create a realistic design or animation
• Develop storyboards that map out key scenes in the animation
• Edit animation and effects based on feedback from directors, head animators, game designers, or clients
• Meet with clients, head animators, games designers, and directors to review deadlines and development timelines

Multimedia animators often work within a specific type of animation. Some focus on creating animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and television shows. Visual effects, also called computer-generated images (or CGI), include creating animation from images of actors performing, or designing scenery or backgrounds for locations. Animators can further specialize within these fields. Within animated movies and video games, artists often specialize in characters or scenery and background design. Video game artists may focus on ‘level design’; creating the look, feel, and layout for the levels of a video game.

Usually, multimedia animators work in teams to develop a movie, visual effect, or electronic game. Each animator works on a portion of the project, eventually the pieces come together to create one cohesive animation.

Some multimedia animators create their work primarily using computer software or by writing their own computer code. Many animation companies have their own computer animation software that artists must learn to use. Other animators prefer to work by drawing and painting by hand and then translating that work into computer programs. Some multimedia artists use storyboards, which look like a comic strip, to help visualize the final product during the design process.

What is the workplace of a Multimedia Animator like?

Multimedia animators often work from home. Some work in motion picture or video game studios. They often work long hours; it is not unusual for them to work 50-hour weeks, particularly when there are tight deadlines. When deadlines are approaching, they may work nights and weekends as well. Animators need to be able to keep up with the long hours and challenging work.