A computer animator is a person who designs, draws, and produces animation sequences used in movies, television, and other multimedia products. They manipulate still images to create the illusion of movement and give characters personality. There are two types of animation: computer-assisted, which is typically 2D cartoons drawn by hand or computer; and computer-generated, which uses 3D modeling. To work as a computer animator requires strong artistic skills, knowledge of animation technologies, drawing ability, visualization skills, and training in graphic design or multimedia. Relevant degree programs are offered at universities like Swinburne and courses in animation directing and 3D animation are available. Career opportunities exist in video game animation, movies, television, and

1. COMPUTER ANIMATOR By Mireia Magurean 11 Kilmaire

2. WHAT IS IT? A computer animator is a person who designs, draws, lays out and produces animation sequences incorporated in multimedia products like movies and television etc. It involves the manipulation of still images to create the illusion of movement and giving the image personality Animators may be involved in activities such as the production of storyboards and stop-motion animation (flat plane, modeling) as well as drawing cartoon and other characters in a succession of related movements to create an illusion of movement. There are two types of animation COMPUTER-ASSISTED and COMPUTRE-GENERATED: Computer- Assisted animation is typically 2-D, like cartoons. The animators draw objects and character either by hand or with a computer, then they position it in key frames which form an outline of key movement. Computer-Generated animation involves 3-D images; these images are modeled on a plane with an X and Y axis.

3. WHAT …? To be a computer animator you must be able to have: Strong artistic skills Be familiar with the latest computer animation technologies Have excellent drawing skills Ability to visualise how animated images would appear Good understanding of conventional animation Confident Ability to learn quickly and apply new software knowledge Training in graphic art or multimedia.

4. COURSES Some courses are: Swinburn University Master of Multimedia Graduate Certificate of Multimedia Master of Multimedia Technology JMC Academy (Melbourne) Digital Animation (Degree) Digital Animation (Associate Degree) Victoria University Multimedia Application course AFTRS Computer Animation Graduate Diploma: Animation Directing Graduate Certificates: 3D Animation

5. CAREER PATHWAYS AND OPPERTUNITIES? With computer animation becoming more of a popular choice among film makers the industry is hot. Form computer animation there are many different types of fields animators could work in these might be: VIDEO GAME ANIMATION MOVIE AND TV INTERNET Or working at companies such as: ADV Films, Blizzard Entertainment, Disney, DreamWorks, Edios Interactive, Lucas Arts, Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Pixar, Sony, Warner Bro

6. INCOME RANGE? The possible income range for animator’s is about $44,000 a year. In the video and motion picture industry the salary can be up to $60,000 a year, but with all jobs it depends on the employer and the area you work in. So the range is from $25,000 to about $70,000.

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY Websites: Computer Animator. Retrieved August 20, 2008, from www.myfuture.edu.au/services/default.asp Computer Animator. Retrieved August 22, 2008,from library.thinkquest.org/22316/companim.html Computer Animator. Retrieved August 22, 2008, from www.adigitaldreamer.com/articles/ animation careerinfo.htm Computer Animator. Retrieved August 23, 2008, from http://animation.about.com/od/jobsites/Computer_Animation_Job_Sites.htm