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Special Effects Artist

Special Effects Artist

  • Bring imagination to life with stunning visual effects in films and games.
  • Transform creative ideas into captivating animations that captivate audiences.
  • Blend art and technology to craft unforgettable multimedia experiences.
💰 Earn $97K-$162K
📚 Bachelor Degree

Overview

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

2 to 4 years

Job Openings

6,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$130,460 in California
$99,060 Nationally

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Day-to-Day

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
  • Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Special Effects Artist? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

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Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

  • Being creative or artistic
  • Thinking and problem solving

You are skilled in 💫

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking

You value 🙏

  • Accomplishing things
  • Having freedom
  • Job security

Deep Dive

Special Effects Artist

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