Common questions about computer animation and computer animation careers asked by our readers:
Computer animation, also called computer-generated imagery (CGI), computer-generated animation and computer-generated images, uses 3D methods involving digitally produced pieces placed onto a conceptual “skeleton” or other framework. While CGI may refer to static or animated content, computer animation specifically refers to displays of objects in motion. Computer animation costs less and requires less time to produce than other forms of animation such as traditional (hand-drawn) or stop-motion (brings static objects to life on screen).
Computer animators use computers equipped with software such as Autodesk, LightWave 3D, Maya, Photoshop, and CorelDRAW to build 3D animated figures that help tell a story or sell a product. Many animation companies have their own computer animation software that computer animators must learn to use. Computer animators may specialize in a range of areas including character animation, compositing, general animation, lighting, and textures.
While technical skills are the main component of computer animation, many degree programs require general education or liberal arts courses. Requirements vary by school, but most colleges and universities require courses in the areas of math, science, English, and history. Math course titles may include Pre-Calculus Algebra, Plane Trigonometry, Calculus I, College Mathematics, Geometry, and Methods for Managerial Decision-Making, which covers algebra, equations, relations, functions, graphs, linear programming, systems of equations and matrices, and mathematics of finance.
Math is used in computer animation in many different ways. For example, computer animators may use linear algebra to show the way that an object is rotated and shifted and made larger and smaller—all major actions in animation. And did you know that triangles (one of the basic shapes in geometry) are the foundation of computer animation? Millions of them can appear in a single digitally altered scene.
The most common major for aspiring computer animators is computer animation. Most schools that offer a computer animation major will award a BA or BFA in Computer Animation. However, some schools, such as Full Sail University, will award a BS in Computer Animation.
Traditional animation refers to animation hand-drawn on paper. The animator draws the layout, background, and characters on paper. This form of animation was used for most productions throughout the 20th century. Today, while traditional animation is still used, many animators create work primarily by using computer software or by writing their own computer code. Computer animation, also called computer-generated imagery (CGI), computer-generated animation and computer-generated images, uses 3D methods involving digitally produced pieces placed onto a conceptual “skeleton” or other framework.
While CGI may refer to static or animated content, computer animation specifically refers to displays of objects in motion. Computer animation costs less and requires less time to produce than other forms of animation such as traditional or stop-motion.
The median annual wage for multimedia artists and animators was $72,520 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,870, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,310.
Computer animators use software such as Autodesk, Lightwave 3D, Maya, Photoshop, and CorelDRAW to build 3D animated figures that help tell a story or sell a product. Many animation companies have their own computer animation software that computer animators must learn to use.
Computer animators are either self-employed or employed by a studio, firm or other organization. Self-employed computer animators (also “independent contractors”) make up around 59% of the 73,700 animators and multimedia artists working in the U.S. today. Self-employed computer animators may work from home or rent a studio space and they often work for multiple clients in multiple industries. Salaried computer animators typically work in studios or offices equipped with the types of software and supplies needed to complete the projects at hand. The top industries for computer animators are film and video, computer systems design and related services, software publishers, and advertising, public relations and related services.