SUMMARY OF THE OCCUPATION
Multimedia artists and animators are employed primarily in motion picture and video industries, advertising and computer services. They create pictures by hand and by using special computer software. These pictures form the animation or special effects seen in film, television and computer games. Some create story boards for commercial, movies and cartoons. Storyboards show the scenes of television commercials, like a comic strip, and allow advertising agencies to evaluate commercials. Storyboards also act as guides and have information as to where to place actors and cameras on the set and other details.
Multimedia and animation are industries where education and experience are crucial since jobs are competitive. Many multimedia artists and animators pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art or a related field to develop a good portfolio of work and learn the strong technical skills that many employers prefer.
In Trinidad and Tobago, most of the persons in this industry are entrepreneurs. 
Persons are hired on a contractual basis. Freelance artists try to develop a portfolio of clients who regularly contract for work. Some freelance artists are widely recognized for their skill in certain specialties. These artists may earn high incomes and can choose the type of work they do.
Employment opportunities for multimedia artists and animators is expected to grow. Expected growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies and television. However, growth will be slow as some companies prefer to hire animators who are overseas. In addition, competition for jobs will be tough given the number of persons who are entering the occupation.
In this occupational area we will examine three job titles:
- multimedia artist or animator
- storyboard artist
- concept artist.
ARTISTS AND ANIMATORS
Many multimedia artists use 3D imaging to model objects by computer and work with others to create movement for the objects. Multimedia artists and animators use cameras and lighting to create special effects. They generate ideas and make them come to life using art and special animation techniques. They may edit film and text and establish story lines and sequence and pace of the scenes. Thus, they identify the colors needed and create them using paint and chemicals. They also review film and video in post-production stages.
Multimedia artists and animators who work in the advertising field use their skills to create complex graphics and animation. They produce multimedia presentations, webpages, brochures, promotional products and graphics and illustrations for technical publications. Multimedia artists and animators must be knowledgeable of many types of software. They use computer-aided design (CAD), graphic design, photo imaging, video creation and web software.
The primary function of the multimedia artist is to create animation and visual effects for television, movies, video games and other media. They create two-and three-dimensional models and animation.
Duties of the job:
- Design complex graphics and animation using independent judgment, creativity and computer equipment.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process using computer animation or modelling programs.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow and transparency and/or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Assemble, typeset, scan and produce digital camera-ready art or film negatives and printer’s proof.
- Apply story development, directing and cinematography and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
- Script, plan and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
- Create basic designs, drawings and illustrations for product labels, direct mail or television.
- Create pen-and-paper images to be scanned, edited, colored, textured or animated by computer.
- Convert real objects to animated objects through modelling, using techniques such as optical scanning.
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design and progress tracking.
Although most multimedia artists are self-employed, some work for the motion picture and video industry. They often work long hours, especially when deadlines are approaching. Many artists work in fine-or commercial art studios located in office buildings or warehouses. Others work in private studios in their homes. Some fine artists share studio space where they may also exhibit their work. Studio surroundings usually are well lighted and ventilated, however. Fine artists may be exposed to fumes from glue, paint, ink and other materials and to dust or other residue from filings, splattered paint or spilled fluids. Artists who sit at drafting tables or who use computers for extended periods may experience back pain, eyestrain or fatigue.
They operate a variety of equipment, including cameras, scanners and special effects.
- Certificate in fine art
- Diploma in animation studies
- Training in computer graphics and other visual display software
The multimedia artist must show evidence of appropriate talent and skill. This is displayed in the artist’s portfolio, which is an important tool used by art directors, clients and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or contract for his or her work. A portfolio is a collection of samples of the artist’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills in art or visual communications. If the multimedia artist has a very good portfolio he/she would more than likely be accepted for the job without previous training and certification.
The multimedia artist must be motivated to work and embrace learning and he must be patient. In addition, he must have the ability to work as part of a team/group, and must be able to plan and direct and evaluate projects.
It is important that the multimedia artist is able to communicate clearly, display creativity, problems solving and critical thinking as well as excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent computer skills and the ability to work with specific computer applications, for example TOONBOOM, are critical.
Employment for multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow. Competition for jobs will be high as this occupation is popular with many young persons. However, opportunities exist as employers are constantly seeking “up-and-coming” and “fresh” talent. Thus, of all the occupations in the art and creative fields, opportunities are expected to increase the prospects for multimedia artists and animators is good, despite the expected high levels of competition.
Increasing reliance on artists to create digital or multimedia artwork will drive growth of the industry. Multimedia artist and animator positions are set to increase to keep pace with consumer demand for realistic video games, special effects and 3D animated movies. With mobile technology growing in popularity, multimedia and animation experts will be needed to create computer graphics, as well, demand for animators is also increasing in areas such as design and scientific research.
PAY
The basic salary of a multimedia artists and animators ranges from $5,000.00 to $15,000.00 per month.
STORY BOARD ARTIST
The primary function of the storyboard artist is to interpret scripts and sketched ideas in order to create storyboards.
The storyboard artist’s duties include:
- Illustrate the narrative, plan shots and draw panels to demonstrate action and maintain continuity between scenes.
- Prepare storyboards for production including indications of dialogue, character performance and camera moves, and could be asked to produce work either as rough or cleaned up drawings depending on the requirements of a particular production.
- Need to be aware of any relevant technical or budgetary restrictions related to production, and they are responsible for delivering the storyboard on schedule.
- Need to consistently revise and update their work to reflect a changing script or comments from the Director, Producer, Client.
The greatest challenge that comes with this job is to manage the time constraints – being able to turn around concepts and visualizations in a short space of time. Work for television commercials is particularly complex and difficult as a result of the high daily costs involved for producers with respect to the cost of media time which subsequently result in very tight production schedules. Often, storyboard artist will be asked to return designs within a day.
- An academic background in Art and Design
- Diploma in animation studies
- Training in computer graphics and other visual display software
- Basic understanding of film theory
The storyboard artist must show evidence of appropriate talent and skill. This is displayed in the artist’s portfolio, which is an important tool used by art directors, clients and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or contract for his or her work. A portfolio is a collection of samples of the artist’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills in art or visual communications. If the storyboard artist has a very good portfolio he/she would more than likely be accepted for the job without previous training and certification.
The storyboard artist must display excellent drawing skills and ability to adapt to a wide range of artistic styles. In addition, he must be able to tell a good story and be film literate with a good understanding of layout, composition, sequential drawing and editing. It is important that the storyboard artist is able to display creativity, problems solving and critical thinking as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
Storyboard artists work for well-recognized advertising agencies and can be of Value to the organisation in terms of delivering high-end projects. Freelance storyboard artists will tend to draw a variety of different creative projects and need not just focus on advertisements, feature films or commercial productions. Film is more competitive but yields the greatest returns in terms of remuneration and the development of one’s professional reputation.
PAY
The basic salary of a storyboard artist ranges from $5,000.00 to $15,000.00
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
- INVESTT
- EXPORT
Trinidad and Tobago animation network (TTAN)
CONCEPT ARTIST
The primary function of the concept artist is to develop plans and visual concepts for games and movies. These professionals typically work in computer gaming or movie studio environments creating characters and scenery
The concept artist must use his/her creative and technical abilities to design visual effects that will attract users or viewers of the finished product. This position requires a passion for visual production of gaming, video or film. A Concept artist must use principles of art and graphic design. The responsibilities include the creation and design of environments, backgrounds, characters and color schemes of gaming or video production from concept to completion based on ideas presented by art directors and development teams.
The concept artist works in an office environment for long hours and normally must adhere to strict deadlines.
- An academic background in Art and Design
- Training in computer graphics and other visual display software
- Strong understanding of color theory and color palette creation.
- Training in computer animation tools such as Maya, Sketch up, Painter or Photo shop
The concept artist must show evidence of appropriate talent and skill. This is displayed in the artist’s portfolio, which is an important tool used by art directors, clients and others in deciding whether to hire an individual or contract for his or her work. A portfolio is a collection of samples of the artist’s best work. Assembling a successful portfolio requires skills in art or visual communications. If the concept artist has a very good portfolio he/she would more than likely be accepted for the job without previous training and certification.
The concept artist must display excellent illustration skills and be able to visualize perspective and 3-dimensional space. He should have a keen interest in design, architecture and film and be able to visually interpret other person’s ideas. It is important that the concept artist is able to display creativity, problems solving and critical thinking as well as excellent interpersonal skills.
The role of the concept artist is highly specialized and there is a limited demand for this work. The work is on a freelance basis. The challenge for Concept Artists is to produce illustrations that are striking but also accurate and clear. Concept artists continue to work on illustrations throughout the shoot and may often be required to change and adapt their original ideas as filming progresses.
PAY
The basic salary of a concept artist ranges from $5,000.00 to $15,000.00
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
- INVEST
- EXPORT
- Trinidad and Tobago animation network (TTAN)