Special Effects Artist

Explore This Path

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

⏱️ 24–48 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.3% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

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

$25K

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$125K

$150K

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$250K

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.

@makeup.by.kc

@joshvfx

@ruthefx

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

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Hybrid College

A hybrid college combines online learning with the student support typically offered on college campuses, giving students flexibility and accessibility while still providing a comprehensive educational experience.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years