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:
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:
In Georgia and across the U.S., the industries with the highest levels of employment are:
The top paying industries for animators and multimedia artists are:
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:
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:
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:
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
