You might be considering a degree in Animation but wondering what on earth you can do with it after, and to be fair, that's not an unreasonable question, after all you’re spending a lot of money to be degree educated. It’s important to look into the future at your potential career path, having that end goal in mind makes those stressful days at College that little bit easier.
So what can you do? Well, read on to find out about just two of many exciting opportunities waiting for you after your degree has been completed.
Animator
An animator produces various images known as frames, when they are sequences together they create an illusion of a movement known as an animation. Tasks usually include things such as:
- Drawing in 2D to create sketches
- Creating storyboards
- Using software packages such as Maya
- Developing the timing and speed of the movements of a character/object and making sure it follows the soundtrack/audio requirements
- Designing models, characters etc.
Animators usually begin as studio runners and then progress to junior animation roles. Senior roles involve more creative ideas and managing more members of staff. Progression in this industry is usually through freelance work, which develops the animator’s reputation.
Salaries usually start from around £12,000-£15,000 rising rapidly with experience. Experience animators usually earn roughly £23,000-£26,000 and animators with at least ten years worth of experience can earn £36,000 plus.
Game Developer
A games developer involves the creation and production of games for things such as mobile devices, game consoles etc. Creating a game can take years and involve a team of professionals as there are many stages to create the final finished piece. Tasks usually include things such as:
- Debug programs and solve technical problems
- Design, develop and deliver systems and high quality coding using programming languages.
- Perform code reviews
- Refactor code to improve original code
Games developers usually enter the industry at junior level and can progress to lead level within five to seven years, and can reach senior level within their first ten years!
Salaries usually start from around £19,000 to £25,000, and with a few years of experience you can earn between £35,000 to £50,000. Once you’ve reached a senior level, such as a technical director, your salary could range between £55,000 to £75,000.
