Multimedia Artist and Animator
A Multimedia Artist and Animator is a creative professional who designs visual content across various media, including advertising, films, and online platforms. These artists often work in diverse environments such as design firms, advertising agencies, or as independent consultants from home studios. Their responsibilities can include graphic design, illustration, animation, and web design, which may involve collaborating with clients to establish design objectives and budgets. Multimedia artists utilize both traditional art materials and modern technology, such as graphic design software, to create compelling visuals.
To succeed in this field, artists need a combination of artistic talent, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines in a competitive landscape. Education typically involves studying fine arts or design, with many pursuing bachelor's degrees or specialized training in their chosen area. As the industry continues to evolve, multimedia artists must stay updated on current trends and public attitudes to effectively engage with their audiences. Related careers include art directors, graphic designers, and medical illustrators, each requiring unique skills and knowledge.
Multimedia Artist and Animator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Interests: Art, illustration, web design, current trends, being competitive, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $98,950 per year $47.57 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 8% (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Commercial artists may design artwork for product packaging, billboards, media advertisements, and other marketing tools or create illustrations for magazines, books, and other forms of media. Some are self-employed, working from home offices, while others work for advertising and design agencies of varying sizes.
Work Environment. Commercial artists often work in settings such as design firms, advertising companies, and corporate offices for manufacturers, in environments that are generally clean and comfortable. Their hours vary based on the size and scope of the project on which they are working, as well as the time constraints established in a contract. Smaller companies and independent, self-employed artists tend to work longer hours to manage not only their projects, but also the issues associated with a small business.
Occupation Interest. Commercial artists must combine a talent for art and creative thinking with good research and communication skills, close attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines and work in a competitive atmosphere, all while remaining true to the needs of the client. They should be aware of general public attitudes and keep up with current trends. Many independent commercial artists set their own hours and act as small business entrepreneurs as well as creative artists.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of commercial artists vary based on the area and the size of the business in which they work. Commercial artists may specialize as graphic designers, illustrators, cartoonists, photographers, web designers, medical or scientific illustrators, police and forensic artists, or art directors. Many commercial artists work for larger marketing and advertising companies, focusing on one particular discipline or type of client. Others are self-employed, and must run a successful small business in addition to their other responsibilities.
In general, commercial artists first confer with clients to establish the preferred design approach, budget, and anything else that needs to be taken into account. They then develop the requested design, often showing samples to the client at different points in the process. The artist may work independently, or as part of a team overseen by an art director. In a team setting, the art director’s job is to assign tasks, give the artists advice and feedback, and approve and present the final product.
Illustrators (141.061-022). Illustrators draw or paint illustrations for use by various media to explain or adorn the printed or spoken word.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Commercial artists work primarily in design firms, studios, or office spaces in marketing and advertising companies. These environments are well-lit and well-ventilated, with computers and Internet access. Many commercial artists are independent consultants who work from studios and office spaces in their own private residences.
Human Environment. Depending on their areas of expertise, commercial artists meet and interact with a wide range of individuals. These parties include marketing and advertising professionals, business executives, editors, decorators, medical professionals, and other specialized commercial artists.
Technological Environment. Commercial artists might use computer programs, such as desktop publishing and graphics editing software. A scanner or fax machine may be necessary to send prospective designs to clients if they cannot be sent digitally. Other materials used can include art media such as pencils, pens, inks, and paints; designers’ tools such as T squares and parallel rules; and books of type styles and other reference sources. Commercial artists who work independently should be familiar with billing software and may advertise their business on the Internet and social media websites.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should study art, including drawing, photography, and design; math, including geometry; and computer science, including graphic design and drafting. They should also take advantage of any subject areas of interest to them as artists; for example, future medical illustrators are advised to take anatomy and physiology classes.
Postsecondary. Aspiring commercial artists may pursue a bachelor’s degree in fine art, design, or a similar field. Alternatively, they may enroll in art or design institutes for programs with more studio time and a greater focus on graphic design, photography, or publishing art. Further education may be warranted depending on how a commercial artist chooses to specialize. For example, a prospective art director may also study management or art administration, while somebody interested in medical or scientific illustration would be well served by a master’s degree in a relevant science.
Related Occupations
− Medical & Scientific Illustrator
Bibliography
"Special Effects Artists and Animators." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm. Accessed 8 Sept. 2023.