How to Become an Animator in Delaware

More and more Delawarean artists are pursuing careers in the field of visual animation.  It is among the most popular career choices in today's creative, high tech job market.  The state of Delaware delivers numerous degree programs and employment opportunities for local aspiring animators.

Delaware Schools and Training Programs for Animation

Several colleges, Universities and training centers in Delaware feature training and certificates in animation design.  Delaware artists acquiring animation-related skills typically attend Strayer University in Newark.  Art students earning degrees in animation often major in photography or visual communications.

Some Delaware artists acquire the necessary skills online.  An increasing assortment of accredited schools offer online training programs for aspiring professional animators.  Popular favorite internet options include the Academy of Art University, Full Sail University, Stratford Career Institute, University of Phoenix, The Art Institutes, ITT Tech and several others.  Some animation schools offer combined study programs on campus and online.  University of Phoenix has a campus in Wilmington.

Working as an Animator in Delaware

Many different Delaware businesses are in need of professional animators.  Animation is created mainly for visual entertainment like cartoons and video games.  However, it is also used in law enforcement, engineering processes, instructional videos, corporate training films and educational media, among other applications. 

Some Delaware illustrators sign up with leading local animation studios like Lightstorm Animation in Middletown.  Some animators are employed by top local info tech firms specializing in digital graphics.  These include Delaware Computer Services in Dover and Delaware Management Services in Rehoboth Beach.  Other Delaware companies that hire animators include TV stations, news syndicates, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies, website designers, software developers and more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides no current information regarding the annual salaries of Delaware animators.  In any case, reports issued by the BLS usually only account for employees who work full time for U.S. companies.  It does not include data for the incomes of part time animators, freelance professionals and local residents employed by foreign companies.  

Skills of a Professional Animator

There's more to animation than drawing pictures, although advanced illustration technique remains one of the field's most basic requirements.  The other most important skill in today's animation world is computer graphic expertise.  Modern animation is digitally created, so animators must be entirely familiar with related graphic software programs.  Other applicable skills include photography, web page design, programming and interactive media, as well as other traditional skills like the development of characters and plot.  Additional qualifications that can tip the scales in the job applicant's favor include script-writing and project management potential.