Pros and Cons of a Being a Computer Artist
A computer artist uses graphics, Web design and multimedia tools to create interactive images, backgrounds and Web pages that are eye-pleasing for users. Read on for more pros and cons of the field to see if this career is right for you.
| PROS of Being a Computer Artist |
|---|
| Average job growth (6% growth between 2012 and 2022)* |
| Can enter field with experience or associate's degree* |
| Promotional opportunities to art director with higher-level degree program or experience* |
| Job opportunities in multiple industries (film, publishing and video game)* |
| CONS of Being a Computer Artist |
|---|
| Entry-level artist may do routine work to start* |
| May need evidence of experience to gain employment* |
| Overtime may be required when under strict deadlines* |
| Freelance computer artists may need to hold a full-time job until they build a portfolio* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Essential Career Info
Job Duties
As a computer artist, you'll create special effects and animations, along with multimedia and interactive content, for the Web and games. You'll use video, audio, written and artistic materials to produce what your employer or client requires. The ability to storyboard - or sequence materials and effects - is essential to a career as a computer artist.
Salary Info
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2014, there were 29,000 multimedia artists and animators working in the U.S.; they earned a mean annual wage of $69,410 (www.bls.gov). The BLS stated that, at that time, California was the highest employing state in the nation for this field, while the motion picture and video industries were the highest employing and the wholesale electronic markets industry was the highest paying.
What Are the Requirements?
Useful Skills
Some employers might train you on the job; however, a certificate or associate's degree program in computer arts also could teach you the skills needed for an entry-level position. Based on information obtained from Careerinfonet.org, some of the topics of study you might want to seek in your education program include:
- Media and animation
- Reading, oral and written comprehension
- Fine arts, English and speech
- Verbal and written communication
- Critical thinking, time management, active listening and decision making
Job Postings from Real Employers
According to the BLS, training in visual display software, graphics and computer techniques is critical in the media art industry. Many employers require knowledge of specific software before they'll consider you for open positions. Here are some examples of job openings posted on Monster.com in March 2012:
- An advertising company in Boston, MA, sought a computer artist with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline. The employee would create OLA banners, HTML e-mails and print advertising. The candidate needed copy flow, typography and copy editing skills, knowledge of Photoshop and InDesign skills, including style sheets, layers and templates.
- A Los Angeles, CA, advertising agency was hiring a Web production artist with Flash animation experience. This individual would make website updates and would report to the interactive director. Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator and Actionscript 3 was desired.
- A company in the Boston, MA, area was seeking a Web production artist to work with its creative director designing and developing an e-mail campaign. This employer desired a minimum of two years' experience in the field, including a background in nested tables, inline style and HTML coding for e-mail, as well as the ability to use Adobe CS3 on a PC platform.
How to Stand Out
Get Your Bachelor's Degree
The more experience and education you have in computer art, the better your prospects for gainful employment. Through a bachelor's degree program in computer arts and design or a related field, you can take courses in 2-D and 3-D animation, sonic art, modeling, photo manipulation, digital illustration, Web design and graphics. Many programs also include internship opportunities for on-the-job experience.
Develop a Portfolio
Most college programs in computer art incorporate portfolio development throughout your studies, and as you complete work programs or internships, you can add to your portfolio. Once employed in the field, you can continue developing your portfolio for possible career advancement.
Other Career Paths
Desktop Publisher
Do you like designing documents but don't think interactivity is for you? As a desktop publisher, you would use computers to design documents for print using graphic arts, text, photos, illustrations and other visual elements. You might develop brochures, books, newsletters, newspapers or even entire advertising campaigns. There isn't a specific educational requirement for desktop publishers, and many learn through on-the-job training; however, artistic ability and a good eye for page layout are needed. As of May 2010, the BLS reported that the mean annual wage for desktop publishers was $39,060 in the U.S.
Graphic Designer
Another career option is graphic designer. This position requires communicating messages effectively via visual, electronic or print media. Graphic designers use layout, color, photography, illustration and animation to perform their jobs. In addition, many graphic designers choose to specialize in an area like Web page design. Graphic designers typically need a bachelor's degree to gain entry-level positions in the field. Graphic designers earned a mean annual salary of $48,140 as of May 2010, according to the BLS.
