Advertising & Arts
Multimedia artists create animation and visual effects for television, movies, computer or video games, apps, and other forms of media.
What does a Multimedia Artist do?
Multimedia artists create animation and visual effects for television, movies, computer or video games, apps, and other forms of media. Multimedia artists are also known as animators.
As a multimedia artist, you would:
- meet with clients, games developers, and directors, to establish the scope of the work
- use computer animation or modeling software to create two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) images
- use creativity and judgement to design complex graphics and animation
- work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect
- apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation
- develop storyboards that map out key scenes in animations
- get feedback from directors, other animators, game designers, or clients, and edit animations to suit
- participate in the design and production of multimedia advertising campaigns
- meet deadlines and development timelines.
Key skills and interests
To become a multimedia artist, you would need:
- an aptitude for computing
- creativity and artistic flair
- an up-to-date understanding of new technology and how to use it
- an aptitude for drawing
- understanding of colour and form
- the ability to work as part of a team.
Working hours and conditions
You would usually work standard office hours, with some evenings and / or weekend work, and overtime to meet deadlines.
You could be based in an office or a studio, depending on your role. You would spend most of your time sitting at a computer.
How to become an Multimedia Artist?
Entry Level Education
Multimedia artists and animators typically have a bachelor’s degree in fine art, computer graphics, animation, or a related field. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent. English, maths, art, computing applications and software design & development would be appropriate subjects to study prior to university.
Employers would also be looking for a good portfolio of work, so you may need to pursue volunteer work or internships while at university to build up your portfolio.
Employment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
The increase in demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television will provide steadt job growth in this sector. However, there are not a lot of these roles available in Australia, and you may have to pursue a career overseas.