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Career Profile

Special Effects Artists and Animators

What they do:

Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.

Also Called:

3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator), 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist), Animator, Artist, Digital Artist, Graphic Artist, Motion Graphics Artist, Multimedia Producer, 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator), 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist), Animator, Artist, Digital Artist, Graphic Artist, Motion Graphics Artist, Multimedia Producer

NY Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$60,190
Starting Salary (2025)
$96,770
Median Salary (2025)
1.6%
Projected Job Growth
1,540
NY Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Achievement/Effort
Dependability

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Active Learning
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Common Activities

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 4

Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Bachelor's degree 53%
  • Some college 40%
  • High school diploma 5%
  • Associate's degree 2%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Other 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Graphic Designers
Art Directors
Film and Video Editors
Producers and Directors

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.