As technology has developed in recent years, new and innovative fields have emerged for the workforce to consider entering. One of the more prominent has been mixed media animation. With a projected industry growth of 5% over the next decade, learning how to break into this dynamic field can be a great step in a new direction for any budding designer.
What is Mixed Media Animation?
Mixed media animation is a fascinating field due to how new it is and the modern skills it requires. In short, mixed media animation is the dynamic combination between a number of different animation types including flat art, 3D imaging, stop-motion, live-action, and more.
A worker in this industry will use a script to create a video that mixes and matches different types of art styles. This could even be something as simple as overlaying a live-action commercial with animated popups displaying key information. Beyond this, the average multimedia artist salary in the United States currently sits at $69,030 per year or $33.19 per hour.
Combining this strong salary with the dynamic work performed in the role, it’s no surprise that mixed media animation is growing as a field and being used by businesses across the world.
What Education is Required for Mixed Media Animation?
While a college degree isn’t required for all mixed media animation roles, roughly 72% of workers in the industry have at least a bachelors, with an additional 5% having a higher level of education. In most cases, those interested in the field will have completed their degree in graphic design, fine arts, or animation.
After receiving a degree, most people looking to break into the industry will partner with a mixed media animation agency or company that specializes in the field. Over time, they will begin to build a portfolio of work that they helped with which can then be used to either accelerate their career at the company or take off on their own for freelance.
What is a Day in the Life?
For the majority of mixed media animation, there are six primary factors used in the design process: discovery, script, design, storyboard animatic, animation, and sound design. While these names can vary from organization to organization, the overall process is the same.
A mixed media animator will start with identifying the story or message that a client is hoping to convey. From there, the animator is responsible for taking the message and breaking it down into a format that is both easy to understand and motivating. For example, if the goal is to sell a certain product, an animator may find real sample groups who have seen great benefits from the product and decide to tell their story.
Following this, the animator will create a visual representation of that message, along with recording voiceover work. Next, an animator will finally start the process of animation and bringing the message to life. The last stage of the production process is the addition of music and other sounds that help get the message across further.
Why is Mixed Media Animation Growing?
As technology has evolved, so too has the way by which companies advertise. Live action videos are overlaid with helpful animations that emphasis the product or service. This form of advertising tends to keep viewers more engaged and interested with the advertisement as a whole.
Additionally, companies have realized that they can outsource their advertising to firms or individuals who possess great talent, typically at a fraction of the cost they would have paid for standard advertisement campaigns. These are the primary reasons for why companies have taken a greater interest in hiring mixed media animators, which has also opened up positions in-house at many organizations.
In reality, there is no better time to make a switch over to mixed media animation if the field is of interest or benefit to your career as whole. Doing so could potentially open the door to new opportunities for growth and wealth.
Pursue your dream career today
Mixed media animation is a fascinating and dynamic career choice for anybody with a broad interest in digital art. With reasonable educational requirements and a huge career trajectory, breaking into this field can provide a designer with all the tools they need to build a successful business. Whether you are hoping to go freelance or work for a mixed media animation firm, there are no shortage of opportunities in this field for the future of work.
