Animation specialists have huge opportunities in a variety of industries such as entertainment, media, advertising and many more. Your artistic talent and some proficiency in using animation tools and software can be a plus point when you are entering into this field of modern art.

It is a completely talent-driven industry. It requires skilled professionals in various fields such as gaming, education, film production, and many more. There is absolutely no doubt that this industry is a hidden treasure that you need to explore to the fullest.

In this article, we are discussing the different types of animation and top 5 interesting animation careers that every animation artist dreams of.

• Video Game Designer: As the designation suggests, a video game designer is both a graphic design expert and a computer programming specialist who helps in developing and creating video games. They visualize and create concept art for characters, build their dream game environments and help write storylines for that. Video game designers generally possess a diploma/bachelor’s/masters’ degree in computer science engineering or game design.
• Graphic Artist/Designer: A graphic artist is a professional who draws and designs visual material for print or digital media. They create several concept designs using some computer software and image processing applications which are easily accessible online with a certain subscription charge. Using visual elements and other software, graphic artists create illustrations and designs for either physical or digital platforms. Like any other animation or designing professional, they work following client instructions or a design brief.
• 3D/2D Animator: A 3D animator is a professional in computer graphics who creates three-dimensional animations for films, video games, websites, television and any other visual media platforms. While creating characters, backgrounds and objects from a given concept they use some computer software to transform that concept into a motion graphic. A professional degree in graphic design is required to work as a 3D animator in reputed animation companies. Preferably, it should be in fine arts, computer science engineering or animation.

2D animation artists, on the other hand, use vector images to create motion graphics. Being similar to traditional animation, 2D artists usually illustrate frame by frame while they can also create character gears using some computer software which allows them to move the characters and pose them without having to draw manually. 2D animation is flexible in comparison to other kinds of animation. Also, it is the preferred mode of animation for those who just have started their career in the field. It is preferable for a fresher as it does not require them to rely completely on hand-drawing.

• VFX Artist: In a creative team, a VFX artist, or visual effects artist, is a creative member who creates visual images for movies and television. They also rely on computer software to produce their preferred animation character and special effects. Their effort and hard work help add realistic impact to films. VFX artists get to meet with production teams that include directors, writers and creative directors, they keep on discussing their concepts throughout the project and make sure that their designs fulfil all production requirements and are unfailing to the creator’s vision for that project. Since this career seeks highly skilled people, particularly if you specialise in that specific design area, it often requires (rather demands we would say) full-time hours with high chances of work pressure. This is because studios often require VFX artists to fulfil strict schedules, which sometimes cause working overtime.
• Cartoonist: In the animation industry, cartoonists mostly concentrate on drawings of characters, environments, and objects for small and large-scale productions. In addition there are works like developing moods and colour patterns, dramatizing action, and create and paint background scenes. Cartoonists can draw characters and scenes manually, on the computer or hand draw it and then go for illustration; in some cases, it can be done in both the ways. TV and film cartoonists have the most interesting job where they may draw animated cartoons, prepare model drawings and sketches of characters, and draw special effects for animation projects.