Effects Animator - Career Profile

What does a Effects Animator Do? Where does a Effects Animator work? ACR takes a look:

About Effects Animators

Effects animators are responsible for adding natural or supernatural characters or things to animated films. They work with VFX supervisors to determine the most effective approach to solving effects issues and develop the finished, final product. 

Effects Animator Jobs

Effects animators create effects based on concept art and design from art departments. They use 3D lighting and effects and compositing tools to achieve the desired look. In addition to VFX supervisors, effects animators work with technical directors, designers, and art directors to create realistic effects.

Effects animators collaborate with other departments on the best approach to improving throughput. This requires thorough knowledge of tools and interfaces. Effects animators are experts with Houdini, Renderman, Mantra, Nuke, and other technology used to create effects. They work for animation studios and film and video production studios, ad well as gaming companies, web design firms, graphic design firms, and advertising agencies.

Effects Animator Salaries  

Effects animator salaries vary greatly depending on the company (type and size), region, experience, education, and other factors. One of the biggest factors is the company. Companies such as DreamWorks or Disney typically pay higher salaries than other smaller or lesser-known companies. According to job and salary websites such as Glassdoor.com and Simply Hired, special effects artists may earn anywhere from $47,000 per year up to $153,000 per year. Of course, salaries on the higher end are typically reserved for senior positions and include benefits and bonuses.

Becoming an Effects Animator

Aspiring effects animators must have formal training and experience to enter the field. While individual’s with exceptional talent might be able to get by without a degree, this is the exception and not the rule. A degree adds credibility and it can make it somewhat easier to secure a position in this highly competitive field. Aspiring effects animators should consider a bachelor's degree in animation, computer animation, film and video, visual effects, or illustration.

Job Trends for Effects Animators

Employment growth in the animation industry is higher than any other field in the artist and related workers category. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for the 2008-2018 decade, employment growth in this industry is 14 percent. Wage and salary employment in the motion picture and video industries is also projected to grow 14 percent between 2008 and 2018, compared with 11 percent growth projected for wage and salary employment in all industries combined.