Tips on Becoming an Animator in Louisiana

Recent technological developments in digital graphics have created an increasing, worldwide demand for professional animation artists.  The state of Louisiana, with its fast improving, tourism-based economy and several good-sized cities, is a land of opportunity for local artists pursuing careers in this high tech occupation.

Louisiana Schools and Training Programs for Animation

Local colleges, Universities and other Louisiana learning facilities feature various certificate and degree programs in animated design.  Aspiring Louisianimators enrolled at local colleges typically major in communications design.  Popular animation schools in Louisiana include University of New Orleans in New Orleans, Baton Rouge School of Computers in Baton Rouge and Strayer University in Metairie. 

These days, many Louisiana artists earn their degrees at home.  Degrees and professional training are now available worldwide, thanks to many accredited online educational options.  Popular online schools of animated design include the Academy of Art University, Post University, Full Sail University, Stratford Career Institute, University of Phoenix, The Art Institutes and ITT Tech, among others.  Some of these schools also feature physical campuses for your learning convenience.  University of Phoenix has training centers in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Covington and Bossier City.  ITT Tech has locations in Saint Rose and Baton Rouge. 
 
Working as an Animator in Louisiana

Numerous commercial enterprises throughout the state of Louisiana enlist professional animators for assorted tasks.  Most animated films are created for entertainment value, like interactive games and cartoons.  However, animation design skills have countless other applications as well.  These include educational testing, engineering studies, public service announcements, clinical diagnoses, commercial advertising, mobile app development and website design, for instance.  Louisiana companies that hire animation design professionals include educational facilities, medical offices, real estate developers, TV stations, news syndicates, photo labs and more.

Some Louisiana animators join leading local animation studios like Departure Films in New Orleans, Third Coast Digital Films in Baton Rouge and Sick Animation in Lafayette.  Other local artists work for top Louisiana information technology corporations specializing in computer graphics.  Leading Louisiana info tech firms include A2D Technologies in New Orleans, Sky Media Digital in Baton Rouge and Vandrio Software Systems in Lake Charles.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide recent details regarding the average annual incomes for professional animators living in Louisiana and employed by U.S. companies.  In any case, such state-specific data pertains only to full time Louisiana animators employed by U.S. companies.  Uncalculated are the incomes of part time animators, freelance professionals and local artists employed by foreign companies.    

Skills of a Professional Animator

As far as talent is concerned, professional animators have it in spades.  If it weren't for the animator's astute observational skills, humankind could scarcely relate to a boy with two goldfish who become bickering fairies on command and grant his every wish.  Or a sponge who lives in a pineapple.  Or toys that come to life when children leave the room.  But it takes more than natural talent to create successful animation.  Required technical skills include advanced illustration technique, first-rate computer-generated art, digital photography and lighting, as well as expertise in web design, programming and interactive media.  A universal sense of humor is also a plus.