How to Become an Animator in Newark, New Jersey

The city of Newark, New Jersey features numerous opportunities for local artists in creative, high tech industries.  Global technological advances digital arts have created a fast-increasing economic demand for professional animation designers.

Newark Schools and Training Programs for Animation

Newark, New Jersey colleges, Universities and other instructional facilities feature various training approaches to animated design.  Aspiring animators attending local art colleges study visual arts, computer science, mass communications and other relevant topics.  Art schools in Newark, New Jersey with animation programs include Essex County College and New Jersey Institute of Technology. 

Some Newark artists acquire the skills by enrolling at online art academies.  Accredited cyber schools with animation degree programs include Stratford Career Institute, University of Phoenix, The Art Institutes, Academy of Art University, Post University, Full Sail University and ITT Tech.  Virtual animation schools sometimes offer campus-based training options as well.  University of Phoenix has a location in Jersey City, not far at all from Newark.

Working as an Animator in Newark, New Jersey

Commercial businesses in Newark, New Jersey that hire professional animation artists include educational organizations, engineering firms, local government offices, hospitals, software developers and many others.  Some Newark, New Jersey animators work for local animation studios like IDT Telecom.  Others team up with local film makers who do their own animation.  Major Newark movie producers include Dream Enterprises, Laundry Warehouse, Uplifted Productions, Filmbucks Studio and Visual-Q Productions.  Some local animators work for Newark-based graphics IT corporations.  Successful graphic info tech firms in Newark include CNG-Internet, Dot-Com Advisers, Erol's Internet Service, Optimum-Lightpath-Online and Verizon Avenue, to name just a few.

Newark, New Jersey animators employed full time by U.S. businesses earn, on average, about $61,000 per year, with a mean hourly wage of roughly $30.00.  This estimate applies only to the incomes of animators residing in Newark who are employed full time by U.S. companies.  It does not reflect the salaries of part time local animators, freelance professionals and Newark residents who work for International corporations. 

Skills of a Professional Animator

Nowadays, professional animators must be proficient in the use of animation software packages such as 3D Studio Max (for three-dimensional animation) and Toon Boom Digital Pro (for two-dimensional designs).  Also essential is computer operating systems expertise.  As always, advanced drawing skills and photographic technique are key factors.  Other important qualifications include website design, interactive media and fluency in programming languages.