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A multimedia artist and animator creates visual and special effects. Additionally, they use software to create animations for video games, movies, commercials, music videos, and other media. Next, watch a video to learn what a multimedia artist does.
Interview with a Multimedia Artist
Interviewee: Stacey, Multimedia Artist
I began learning multimedia as a hobby. I taught myself software on my own which later sparked my interest in this career. While I was learning multimedia, I created personal projects using the software. For example, I coded and developed websites and games for family members and friends. I also reached out to non-profit organizations offering volunteer work for any marketing or web development work. After I had enough experience and a portfolio to show my work, I began applying for jobs.
A person must have a strong desire to learn new things on their own. The field is fast-paced and constantly changing which requires someone who can easily adapt to that. I love the creative aspect and the collaboration with other teammates. It is also great to learn about different topics while I am creating the course. For example, I was learning CPR and Emergency Management Training while building a course for the medical industry.
I find keeping up with trends and knowing what direction technology is headed challenging. The skills and experience I have today may not be applicable 5 years from now. However, there is a large amount of free online tutorials to learn. If you find it difficult to learn on your own or not motivated, then this is not the right field for you, because you will constantly be learning and researching new technology on your own during your entire career. Also, it’s a good idea to learn the technology on your own while getting a degree in a different field that is closely related to your career such as a degree in Business Management or Instructional Design to make yourself more valuable to a company with more job offers.
How to Become a Multimedia Artist
A multimedia artist and animator usually needs a bachelor’s degree in art or a related field. They also have strong technical skills and an employer usually wants several years of experience in a similar background. In order to be competitive in this market, these artists must also keep up an impressive portfolio that contains their best work. This is because employers often ask applicants for a link to their portfolio so they can review it before considering the candidate for an interview.
Multimedia artists work on the creative side and benefit from being able to express themselves. Their creative minds never get bored! Furthermore, their work is engaging as they work on various projects and clients. For instance, one day, they may be designing a graphic, and the next, they could work with video or audio footage. Another benefit of this career field is the many opportunities to work from an office or at home. In addition, if you need additional income, this is a career where you can take on extra side projects.
Job Description of a Multimedia Artist
A multimedia artist and animator creatively designs images, two-dimensional and three-dimensional, illustrating a process or objects in motion. They would use modeling programs or computer animation to achieve the images. The designing process uses complex animation and design that would be used for commercials, music videos or game video’s, as well as, the special effects for movies or animation.
In the creative process a multimedia artist and animator would have the talent and expertise to manipulate light, shadow, color, texture and other skills to give the images a lifelike appearance. They may edit animation to create storyboards and direct and edit the story development. Other areas of this career field is the design and creation of labels, direct mail and also developing multimedia presentations, briefings, web pages or technical illustrations among other specific parts of the job.
A multimedia artist and animator would need to be skilled in software and hand drawing techniques, scripting, planning and maintaining or implementing control systems. They need to be able to scan, typeset, and produce film negatives and digital camera-ready art. A knowledge background in graphics and graphic tablets, development environment software and other technology would be expected. Having a knowledge in fine arts, communications and media and design are needed as well. A multimedia artist and animator would speak clearly, listen attentively and be able to manage their time especially when under deadline restrictions.
Multimedia Artist Career Video Transcript
Multimedia artists and animators turn ideas and sketches into heroes, villains, and monsters. They create visual wonders for your favorite television shows, movies, and video games. Multimedia artists and animators conduct research to design characters and settings for a story, and then develop storyboards that map out major scenes. They bring creativity and artistic skill to the drawing board or they may use computer-generated images to develop digital models of their ideas.
Teamwork is essential, as each animator works on part of a project that must fit seamlessly with others’ work. Feedback is shared frequently between animators, game designers, directors, and clients. Working together under deadline can create stress, but often brings the team’s vision together. These artists usually specialize in animation video games, develop visual effects for movies, or create computer-generated images for television. About half of multimedia artists and animators are self-employed, while others work for the motion picture and video industries, or in scientific and technical settings.
Most work regular hours, but may work nights and weekends when deadlines demand it. A bachelor’s degree in art or computer graphics is crucial for building both the skills and the portfolio necessary to enter the field. Multimedia artists and animators bring the fantastic and dreamlike alive and make them unforgettable.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Multimedia Artists and Animators.
National Center for O*NET Development. 27-1014.00. O*NET OnLine.