on projects ranging from commercials to educational content. There are a growing number of animation studios in Nashville and across the state. Career Pathways and Educational Requirements The world of animation is a realm where imagination knows no bounds. Animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move and visual effects for television, movies, video games and other forms of media. Animators can find work in several fields such as filmmaking, medical or mathematical animation, illustration, game development, visual effects (VFX) creation, production artists, storyboard artists, char- acter designers, background artists and art directors among other opportunities. “Learning the foundations and practice of animation, from character design to top-end computer graphics and 3D graphics is im- portant preparation for those who want to work in the field,” says Tom Bancroft, artist- in-residence in Lipscomb University’s anima- tion program and former Disney animator. “Acquiring specialized training and honing relevant skills can significantly enhance your prospects in the field.” Animators must have a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of motion and proficiency in animation soft- ware such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony or Autodesk Maya among others. Bancroft recommends finding a program with instructors who have worked in the animation industry as they keeps them up-to-date on the latest practice and technology. Salaries and Compensation While salaries in the animation industry can vary based on factors such as experience, specialization, and location, animators in Tennessee can expect competitive compen- sation. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for multimedia artists and animators in Ten- nessee is around $60,000, slightly above the national median for the profession. Entry- level salaries range from $45,000-$80,000 and experienced animators working in major animation studios or on high-profile projects can command significantly higher salaries. Getting Started in Animation Bancroft recommends some steps those in- terested in the field can take to get started: n Develop Skills: Practice drawing, story- telling and digital animation techniques to build a solid foundation for your career. Ex- periment with different software tools and techniques to expand your skill set. n Build a Portfolio: Create a diverse portfolio showcasing your best work, including char- acter designs, animations and concept art. Your portfolio serves as a visual resume, high- lighting your talent and creativity to potential employers. n Seek Internship Opportunities: Apply for internships at animation studios, gaming companies and creative agencies to gain hands-on experience and expand your pro- fessional network. Internships offer a valuable opportunity to learn from industry profes- sionals and gain real-world exposure to the animation production process. n Stay Updated: Keep abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies. Colleges in Tennessee offering degree programs in fashion and design: Tennessee colleges offering animation two- and four-year programs in animation include East Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Middle Tennessee State Univer- sity and Southern Adventist University. Learn more about this career: n www.bls.gov/OOH/arts-and-design/multime- dia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-1 n https://research.com/careers/animation-careers n www.precedenceresearch.com/press-release/ animation-market Tennessee Career Guide | 2024-2025 37 Tennessee’s Top Careers Lipscomb University’s Department of Cinematic Arts offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation and graduate certificate programs in an- imation foundations and 2D advanced animation. Lipscomb is the only university in the country to have two former Disney supervising animators as instructors. Stu- dents will grow their creative skills under some of the most prominent animators in the U.S., including Tom Bancroft, Tony Bancroft, Diana "Coco" Russell and John Pomeroy. They learn from experts in Maya software, the industry-standard in computer graphics and CGI effects. Each semester top animation industry talent serve as guest lecturers, and stu- dents have travel study opportunities to Los Angeles for animation conventions and internship experiences. Learn more at https://www.lipscomb.edu/acade- mics/programs/animation. The Information on this career is submitted and sponsored by
