Design & Visual Arts

Multi-Media Artist and Animator

SOC 27-1014.00 · ESCO 2166 · OSCA 232231

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Role snapshot

Overview

Creates visual effects, animations, and digital artwork for films, games, advertising, and online media using specialised software. This role involves developing storyboards, designing characters, and bringing static concepts to life through motion and interactivity, contributing significantly to visual storytelling and user engagement.

Brings stories and concepts to life through dynamic visuals, enhancing entertainment, communication, and immersive experiences across various digital platforms and media.

On the job

  • Develop storyboards and concept art to visualise animated sequences or visual effects.
  • Design and model characters, objects, and environments using 2D and 3D software.
  • Animate characters and objects, applying principles of motion, timing, and weight.
  • Create and integrate visual effects (VFX) such as explosions, particles, and environmental elements.
  • Collaborate with directors, game designers, and production teams to ensure artistic vision and technical requirements are met.
Multi-Media Artist and Animator at work

Tools & technology

Adobe After EffectsAutodesk MayaBlenderAdobe PhotoshopZBrushSubstance Painter

Average salary

$78K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$55K Bottom 10%
$110K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Typically requires a bachelor's degree in animation, digital media, fine arts, or a related field. A strong portfolio demonstrating skills is often more crucial than formal credentials.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Senior Multi-Media Artist
Animation Director
VFX Supervisor

CURRENT ROLE

Multi-Media Artist and Animator

Design & Visual Arts

ADJACENT MOVES

Game Designer
Graphic Designer
Junior Animator
Motion Graphics Assistant
3d Modeler
Vfx Junior Artist

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

A

artistic · ARC

People who enjoy creative expression, technical problem-solving, and structured execution of artistic visions tend to thrive in this role.

Personality characteristics

Imaginative

Possesses a strong ability to envision and create new worlds, characters, and visual narratives.

Methodical

Can meticulously plan and execute complex animation sequences and visual effects with precision.

Focused

Comfortable with long periods of concentrated work on detailed visual tasks, often independently.

Collaborative

Works effectively with creative teams, accepting feedback and contributing to a shared artistic vision.

Resilient

Handles iterative design processes and constructive criticism without becoming easily discouraged.

Technically Adept

Enjoys learning and mastering specialized software and tools required for digital art and animation.

Best for

  • Individuals passionate about visual storytelling and bringing digital worlds to life.
  • Those who enjoy both the artistic design process and the technical challenges of animation and VFX.
  • Creatives who thrive in collaborative environments but can also work independently on complex tasks.

Watch out for

  • Project-based work can lead to fluctuating workloads and occasional weekend work to meet deadlines.
  • Requires continuous learning of new software and techniques to stay current in a rapidly evolving field.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Multi-Media Artist and Animator — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Daily Team Standup
Concept Development & Storyboarding
Character Design and Modeling
Tue
Animation Production (Keyframing)
Peer Review Session
VFX Element Creation
Wed
Project Planning & Asset Management
Client Feedback Integration
Compositing and Rendering
Thu
Technical Troubleshooting & Research
Animation Refinement
Team Brainstorming for New Project
Learning New Software Feature
Fri
Final Polish and Quality Assurance
Project Review with Director
Portfolio Update & Self-Development
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

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