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Occupation AtlasSpecial Effects Artists and Animators

O*NET · 27-1014.00

Special Effects Artists and Animators

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.

Also called 3D Animator · 3D Animator (Three-Dimensional Animator) · 3D Artist · 3D Artist (Three-Dimensional Artist) · 3D Designer · 3D Designer (Three-dimensional Designer) · 3D Modeler · 3D Modeler (Three-Dimensional Modeler)
67 more

3D Specialist · 3D Specialist (Three-Dimensional Specialist) · Animation Artist · Animation Producer · Animator · Anime Artist · Anime Designer · Artist · Cartoon Animator · Cartoon Artist · Civil 3D Designer · Civil 3D Designer (Civil Three-Dimensional Designer) · Computer Artist · Computer Graphic Artist · Computer Graphic Designer · Computer Graphics Illustrator · Concept Artist · Content Producer · Creative Designer · Digital Artist · Digital Content Producer · Digital Designer · Digital Experience Designer · Digital Media Designer · Digital Media Specialist · Environment Artist · FX Artist · FX Artist (Effects Artist) · Game Artist · Game Developer · Graphic Artist · Graphic Design Specialist · Graphics Specialist · Interaction Designer · Interactive Designer · Interactive Digital Media Specialist · Media Designer · Media Producer · Media Specialist · Motion Designer · Motion Graphics Artist · Motion Graphics Designer · Motion Pictures Cartoonist · Multimedia Artist · Multimedia Author · Multimedia Authoring Specialist · Multimedia Designer · Multimedia Developer · Multimedia Graphic Designer · Multimedia Producer · Multimedia Specialist · Multimedia Technician · Production Artist · Special Effects Artist · Special Effects Designer · Special Effects Specialist · Special Effects Technician · Storyboard Artist · Studio Designer · Technical Animator · Texture Artist · Video Game Animator · Virtual Reality Specialist · Visual Designer · Visual Effects Artist (FX Artist) · Visual Interaction Designer · Web Graphic Designer

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code ARC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Graphic Designers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

ARCArtistic · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • A Artistic7.00
  • R Realistic3.71
  • C Conventional3.13
  • I Investigative2.77
  • E Enterprising2.62
  • S Social2.18

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent5%
  • Some College Courses40%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
  • Bachelor's Degree53%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (54%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (48%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (35%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Speakingbasic3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Writingbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Monitoringbasic3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Coordination2.93.6Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
Show the other 23
  • Persuasion2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Instructing2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.63.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operation and Control2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Operations Analysis2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Programming2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Equipment Selection1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Quality Control Analysis1.80.9
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Troubleshooting1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

6 core · 7 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.4.5
  2. Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.4.3
  3. 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.4.3
  4. Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.3.9
  5. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.3.6
  6. Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.3.6
Show the other 7
  1. Implement and maintain configuration control systems.4.0
  2. Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.3.9
  3. Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.3.7
  4. Assemble, typeset, scan, and produce digital camera-ready art or film negatives and printer's proofs.3.5
  5. Convert real objects to animated objects through modeling, using techniques such as optical scanning.3.4
  6. Create pen-and-paper images to be scanned, edited, colored, textured, or animated by computer.2.8
  7. Use models to simulate the behavior of animated objects in the finished sequence.2.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Computers and Electronics5.05.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language4.43.8Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Design4.24.3Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Communications and Media4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Customer and Personal Service3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Sales and Marketing3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Telecommunications3.52.7
  • Engineering and Technology3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing3.22.8
  • Geography3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Administration and Management2.92.6
  • Fine Arts2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
  • Administrative2.82.8
  • Mathematics2.53.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Education and Training2.23.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Law and Government2.21.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Public Safety and Security1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Foreign Language1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Biology1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • History and Archeology1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Mechanical1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Transportation1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Philosophy and Theology1.41.3Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Physics1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Therapy and Counseling1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.2—
  • Chemistry1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Visualization4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Written Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Near Vision3.94.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Deductive Reasoning3.63.8
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
Show all 52
  • Originality3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Speech Clarity3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Expression3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Fluency of Ideas3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information Ordering3.43.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Recognition3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Category Flexibility3.03.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far Vision2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Flexibility of Closure2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Finger Dexterity2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Speed of Closure2.52.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time Sharing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Control Precision2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Number Facility2.42.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Manual Dexterity2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Memorization2.12.6
  • Depth Perception2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Auditory Attention1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Rate Control1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.80.8
  • Trunk Strength1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Multilimb Coordination1.50.5
  • Response Orientation1.50.5
  • Dynamic Strength1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.85.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Thinking Creatively4.85.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Working with Computers4.84.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.63.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Processing Information4.13.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.03.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.52.9
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.42.7
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.23.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.23.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Developing and Building Teams3.12.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.13.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Training and Teaching Others3.12.3Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.02.9
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.92.7
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.73.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.52.6
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.42.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.4—
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.4—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Spend Time Sitting4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.5
  • Time Pressure4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.4
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.3
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.3
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.3

Technology

130 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (18)

  • Adobe After Effectshot
  • Adobe Creative Cloud softwarehot
  • Adobe Illustratorhot
  • Adobe InDesignhot
  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Canvahot
  • Cascading style sheets CSShot
  • Figmahot
  • Hypertext markup language HTMLhot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Autodesk Maya
  • Maxon Cinema 4D
  • SideFX Houdini
  • Unity Technologies Unity
  • Unreal Technology Unreal Engine

Hot (16; 12 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • AJAX
  • Apple macOS
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • C
  • C++
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • JavaScript
  • jQuery
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • PHP
  • Python
  • Trimble SketchUp Pro
  • UNIX
Other tools (96)
  • Ability Photopaint
  • ACD Systems Canvas
  • Adobe ActionScript
  • Adobe AIR
  • Adobe Director
  • Adobe Dreamweaver
  • Adobe Flex
  • Adobe FreeHand MX
  • Adobe ImageReady
  • Ambient Design ArtRage
  • Apple DrawBerry
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Aqsis Renderer
  • Autodesk 3ds Max
  • Autodesk 3ds Max Design
  • Autodesk Alias Design
  • Autodesk Alias Surface
  • Autodesk Combustion
  • Autodesk MotionBuilder
  • Autodesk Mudbox
  • Autodesk SketchBook Pro
  • Autodesk SoftImage
  • AutoDesSys form Z
  • AutoQ3D
  • Blender
  • Bohemian Coding DrawIt
  • Bunkspeed HyperDrive
  • Bunkspeed HyperMove
  • Caligari Corporation trueSpace
  • Celsys RETAS
  • Chaos Group V-Ray
  • Character Studio
  • Cheetah3D
  • Code libraries
  • Component libraries
  • Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite
  • Corel Painter
  • Crytek CryEngine
  • Cybermotion 3D Designer
  • DAZ Productions Bryce
  • DAZ Productions Carrara
  • Drupal
  • DX Studio
  • Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML
  • e-on software Vue
  • Electric Rain Swift 3D Xpress
  • Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML
  • Freeverse Lineform
  • Google Sites
  • HASH Animation:Master
  • Indigo Renderer
  • Inivis AC3D
  • Luxology Modo
  • Luxrender
  • MagicTracer
  • Massive Jet
  • Maxon BodyPaint 3D
  • MaxScript
  • Maya Embedded Language MEL
  • Mental Images Mental Ray
  • Microsoft Expression Design
  • Microsoft Silverlight
  • Nevercenter Silo
  • NewTek Lightwave 3D
  • Next Limit Maxwell Render
  • NodeBox
  • NVDIA Gelato
  • Object-oriented programming languages
  • Perforce Helix software
  • Pixar RenderMan Studio
  • Pixarra TwistedBrush
  • Pixelmator
  • Pixologic Zbrush
  • Quad Software Grome
  • QuarkXPress
  • RealFlow
  • Satori Paint
  • Serif DrawPlus
  • Side Effects Software Houdini
  • sK1
  • Skencil
  • SmithMicro Anime Studio
  • SmithMicro Manga Studio
  • SmithMicro SoftwarePoser
  • Social media sites
  • solidThinking
  • SplutterFish Brazil
  • Sunflow Render System
  • TechSmith Camtasia
  • Three-dimensional graphics software
  • Trapcode Particular
  • Two-dimensional graphics software
  • VectorDesigner
  • Xara Designer Pro
  • XML User Interface XUI
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Graphic Designers
  2. Film and Video Editors
  3. Art Directors
  4. Video Game Designers
  5. Producers and Directors
  6. Desktop Publishers
  7. Web and Digital Interface Designers
  8. Photographers
  9. Media Technical Directors/Managers
  10. Commercial and Industrial Designers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.