What Job Opportunities Exist on a Commercial Animation Production?

Careers that are commonly found in animation studios include director, producer, production assistant, and, of course, artist. If you're interested in an animation career, you'll want to know the types of careers that are available in this creative field. Here's a brief overview of the contribution each person makes during an animation production.

Animation production crews are rarely the same mix of people, as each production pulls in staff with skills that are uniquely suited to a particular production. While the team of people working on a production is rarely the same twice, types of jobs that are recruited for productions are fairly consistent.

Directors

Directors are needed to provide a narrative approach and consistent style to an animation production. They work closely with artists, production staff, and others to ensure that all aspects of a production work in harmony to support the message of a commercial.

Artists

The cornerstone of any commercial animation production, of course, is the job of the artist. One or more artists may work on a production. Artists are usually hired for their style or facility with an animation technique, such as motion graphics, flash, and photo collage.

Production Staff

Those who keep the production running smoothly, looking after logistics, set details, and other administrative activities include the production staff. Production jobs often involve managing budgets, monitoring them throughout the production to ensure funds are allocated properly and costs are within established limits.

Technology Staff

Web designers, Final Cut Pro editors, Network administrators, and Photoshop artists, are a few of the animation technology jobs common on productions. Editors and after-effects artists begin working in the post-production period, putting final touches on completed animations. Web designers may be involved in configuring an animation for display on the Internet.

All told, many skilled professionals are involved in a commercial animation production. Which one of these animation careers will best suit you?