How to Become a Digital Artist in Hollywood

With movies like Beowulf and the Shrek series dominating the box office, aspiring sketchers are finding that animation is swiftly going high-tech. For digital art students, that's a good thing.
Computer animation allows for a freedom of imagination not possible in live action films-- and gives animators the ability to create a more realistic feel than traditional animation techniques.

The True Range of Digital Art

Digital art and computer animation extend far beyond cartoon characters. In the movie Beowulf, a technique called motion capture was used to track and record the actors' movements, which were then translated to the screen by skilled animators. Movies like Pirates of the Caribbean rely on digital art for special effects enhancements.
An online degree in multimedia design gives animators training in the software necessary for a digital animation career. A typical computer animator working on a feature film might:

• Create and use storyboards
• Attend production meetings
• Use updated software and hardware products

A Bright Future for Trained Computer Animators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that multimedia artists and animators should have better job opportunities than other visual artists. Their average annual earnings were $50,360 in 2004. While no animation degree program can guarantee a career or salary within the competitive profession, formal training often helps job applicants get an edge over the competition. As technology grows more complex, digital art and computer animation continue to benefit. Animators who hope to stay current with the technological trends of their industry should profit from a digital design degree.
Source
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Artists"

Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.