Animation Careers in Georgia Overview
The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that Georgia is home to the nation’s fifth largest population of animators and multimedia artists. Georgia has also been listed as one of America’s top five states for film production since 2008, with nine productions to its credit in 2014 alone. Films such as Oscar-nominated Selma, The Homesman, Need for Speed, The Blind Side and Fast & the Furious were filmed entirely or partially in Georgia, and the state's largest city, Atlanta, is home to the 30-acre studio complex EUE/Screen Gems Studios. The state is number two in the nation for production tax incentives, and according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the state is home to more than 30,000 working professionals in the entertainment industry alone.
The City of Atlanta has opened its doors to more new production studios than just about any other city in the region. This makes it a great place for aspiring animators to score an internship or entry-level position. Both avenues offer the opportunity to gain the valuable experience needed in today’s competitive world of animation. In addition to opportunities in the film and video industry, Georgia offers:
- The opportunity to work at a variety of up and coming animation studios
- The opportunity to train at historic universities, technical colleges, and art and design schools
- Competitive salaries that are higher than at least a dozen other states'
In Georgia, animators work mainly in the film and video industries and in advertising and public relations. However, animators with a computer science background can find work at a number of computer systems and design firms throughout the state. Those with an interest in teaching may find opportunities at many of the state’s 130+ colleges and universities. Opportunities are also available at many of Georgia’s 2,400+ elementary and secondary schools that often offer animation camps, enrichment programs, and other special programs for kids.
Employment and Salary Trends for Georgia Animators
Georgia is home to 44,480 professionals working in Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media occupations. Around 1,450 are salaried animators and multimedia artists. They average $55,970 per year, down slightly from $56,100 in 2013 when the state was home to 850 multimedia artists and animators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that overall employment growth for animators and multimedia artists will average six percent for the 2012-2022 decade. This means that the industry will see 4,300 new jobs in the coming years.
It is important to keep in mind that many animators and multimedia artists are self-employed.The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the “Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers” group has the second highest concentration of employment in this occupation. Further, at an average annual salary of $75,150, this group is the fourth highest paying “industry” for animators and multimedia artists.
It is important to note that individual salaries will vary by education, experience, industry, location and more. For example, in addition to Georgia, the states with the highest employment levels for animators and multimedia artists (in order) are California, New York, Washington, and Texas. Further, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia Metropolitan Area has the fourth highest employment level for this occupation among the top ten metro areas in the U.S. for animators, and the eighth highest concentration of jobs and location quotients.
The highest paying states for animators and multimedia artists are:
- California ($82,170)
- Washington ($75,740)
- Massachusetts ($73,470)
- New York ($70,660)
- Idaho ($69,450)
In Georgia and across the U.S., the industries with the highest levels of employment are:
- Motion Picture and Video industries
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services
- Software Publishers,
- Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services
- Other Information Services
The top paying industries for animators and multimedia artists are:
- Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers ($81,760)
- Other Information Services ($80,310)
- Software Publishers ($76,090)
- Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers ($75,150)
- Motion Picture and Video Industries ($73,950)
Animation Career Opportunities in Georgia
As mentioned, Georgia is home to a variety of small to mid-sized production studios. The state is also home to a variety of creative agencies, 100+ technology companies, and more. Just a few employment options include:
- 22squared, Atlanta
- Ames Scullin O’Haire Advertising, Atlanta
- Atlanta Filmworks Studio, Atlanta
- Bassett & Becker Advertising, Columbus
- BBDO Atlanta, Atlanta
- Bento Box Animation, Atlanta
- Blue Sky Advertising Agency, Marietta
- Breen Smith Advertising, Atlanta
- Burrell Communications Group, Atlanta (Client list includes studio giants such as Walt Disney)
- Cartoon Network, Atlanta
- Creative Overdose Studios, Atlanta
- Dagnabit Animation, Atlanta
- Dalton Agency, Atlanta
- Dzignlight Studios, Atlanta
- EUE Screen Gems Studios, Atlanta
- FUGO Studios, Atlanta
- Indigo Studios, Atlanta
- JWT Specialized Communications, Atlanta
- Mighty 8th media, Buford
- MSquared Public Relations, Atlanta
- Radical Axis, Atlanta
- Robertson and Markowitz Advertising and Public Relations, Inc., Savannah
- Terminus Media, Atlanta
- The Partnership, Atlanta
- Trick 3D Animation, Atlanta
In addition to the Atlanta, consider searching for opportunities in major cities such as Columbus, Augusta, Macon, Savannah, and Athens.
Georgia Animation Training Programs
Many Georgia schools offer animation programs that have been accredited by the prestigious National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Others may be regionally accredited. Degree options range from BFA in Media Arts and Animation to an MFA in Animation. Just a few options include:
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
- Georgia Southern University, Statesboro
- Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw
- Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Atlanta, Savannah
- University of Georgia, Athens
- University of West Georgia, Carrollton
If you are interested in starting out at a community college, consider Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC). A member of the Technical College System of Georgia, CGTC school has 10 locations and it offers a variety of certificates, diplomas, and degrees for aspiring animators.
More Georgia Schools with Animation related programs:
- San Francisco & Online
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#21) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#28) - 2019
- Top 40 Nationally for Illustration (#40) - 2019
- Winter Park, FL & Online
- Computer Animation - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Game Programs - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Graphic Design & Digital Arts - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Film & Digital Cinematography - Bachelor's & Master's - Online & Campus
- Mobile Development - Bachelor's - Online & Campus
- Simulation & Visualization - Bachelor's - Campus
- Top 50 Nationally for Animation (#27) - 2019
- Top 50 Nationally for Game Design (#24) - 2019
- Top 10 in Florida for Graphic Design (#4) - 2019
- Online
- Introduction to 3D Animation - 6 months
- Introduction to 3D Modeling - 6 Months
- Introduction to Concept Art - 6 Months
- Foundations for VFX & Game Design - 10 Months
- Advanced 3D Animation Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced 3D Modeling Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced Concept Art Diploma - 10 Months
- Advanced Illustration Diploma - 10 Months
Awesome Animation Fact: Here's something you might not know about Disney's Aladdin (1992). Aladdin's appearance was modeled after Tom Cruise, but he was originally supposed to be modeled after Michael J. Fox. -E! Loves
