Who is a visual effects animator?

A visual effects animator is a professional who handles special effects in movies. Now, interestingly, they focus on the special effects that cannot be added during live action filming. For example, many times the green screen is used when filming actors in the studio.

However, the real and exciting background that we see in the movie is inserted later on. Similarly, these professionals are also responsible for creating complete characters. As such, all they use are software programs to create these entities and integrate them into the movie. These characters can be so animated that they can also interact with live action characters.

Remember the dinosaurs and the Anaconda in those blockbuster movies? That’s what visual effects animators can do! Therefore, TV shows, commercials, movies and other similar projects become more realistic and exciting.

Previous Education / Training

Although it can be safely said that formal study is not required to be a visual animator, they certainly train hard and create a solid background in multimedia art and animation. Most of them actually work with other artists and work on their aesthetic and narrative skills for a long time before they really realize their dream of being visual effects animators.

It is generally recommended that professionals interested in this career study arts, fine arts, photography, or similar art-related fields. Some of them actually go for higher specializations in visual media and visual effects eventually. The ability and training to use computer software with speed is highly valued as a skill.

Work environment

Most of these professionals spend a lot of time in an office using their computers and animation software. However, those who work with larger media agencies and film studios can travel to document, understand and see how the actual filming happens, for research and development.

Their hours are often long and they can commonly be seen working on tight deadlines, on weekends and nights. Many of them are freelancers and freelancers or consultants.

The industries that used to conventionally employ them were film, film industry, and video game companies, but lately media agencies, the biggest YouTube channels, companies that create content for schools, companies that create DIY projects for school and even digital marketing agencies employ them. . Many content development companies employ animators to create advertising videos or movies for their clients.

Salary

If it wasn’t exciting enough to transport people into a fantasy / realistic world using art and technology, the salary is lucrative. Disregarding the industry’s best who make millions, even young entertainers earn good amounts as freelancers and / or hiring full time. The more credentials and portfolio you have, the better your earning potential.