What are the chances of getting a job?
Strong competition for entry-level animator/digital artist jobs
Competition for entry-level animator/digital artist jobs is strong. For graduates, chances of getting a job are best if you:
- have showreels of your work that target an employers' needs
- promote your personal brand (your unique skills, style and technique)
- showcase your work through social media and websites such as Art Station and The Rookies
- have work experience such as internships, summer scholarships, collaborations, team projects or freelance work
- have a positive, can-do attitude
- network to get your work and name known
- are prepared to adapt to a wide range of tasks and learn new skills rapidly.
According to Massey University's College of Creative Arts, around 60% of their graduates find work related to animation.
According to the Census, 621 animators/digital artists worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Experienced and multi-skilled animators/digital artists in demand
There is a shortage of experienced and talented animators/digital artists. They are in demand from animation, advertising and designcompaniesin New Zealand and overseas.
Also in high demand are animators/digital artists with technical skills in coding and computer software, game development, simulation and rendering research, technical directing, rigging and lighting. Animators who can work as producers managing staff or workflows, or have marketing skills are also needed.
Animators/digital artists who combine their animation qualification with computer software development training canincrease their chances of finding work.
Multimedia specialist (film animator) appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled animators/digital artists from overseas to work in New Zealand.
Most animation work project based
Experienced animators/digital artists are usually employed as freelancers for one-off projects such as commercials, films or events which have a limited production time.
Animators/digital artistsneed to be able to plan and manage their contracts, and network to find new work.
Types of employers varied
Employers of animators/digital artists include:
- major feature film studios
- television studios
- digital companies that create commercials, TV shows, TV and film credits and music videos
- web and mobile game design companies
- publishing companies.
Animators/digital artists may work as freelancers, or work on contract for companies that offer graphic design, animation and advertising services.
Sources
- Boucher, N, project manager - outreach, Massey University College of Creative Arts, careers.govt.nz interview, October 2018.
- Feron, R, lecturer - 3D, Media Design School, careers.govt.nz interview, October 2018.
- Immigration New Zealand, 'Long Term Skill Shortage List', 27 May 2019, (www.immigration.govt.nz).
- Miles, N, Toybox, careers.govt.nz interview, October 2018.
- Reece, S, 'SIT to Offer Gaming, Animation Courses', 26 September 2018, (www.odt.co.nz).
- Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.
- Stats NZ, 'The Screen Industry Survey 2016/17', 10 April 2018, (www.stats.govt.nz).
(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information)
Progression and specialisations
Animators/digital artists may progress to set up their own animation or digital business, or move into management roles.
Animators/digital artists may progress to become narrative designers (designing the stories of games), art directors, animation directors, producers, production managers or technical directors.
Animators/digital artists may specialise in:
- 2D animation or 3D animation
- concept art
- game and app development
- lighting
- modelling
- motion scheduling and stop-motion
- previs layout (laying out scenes before they're animated)
- rendering
- rigging (creating a skeleton for an animation)
- shading and texture
- storyboarding
- visual effects.
