Flash Animator

Description: Animators create art that is used to tell a story or communicate a message. An animator can work as a freelance artist or work for a larger production company.

Knowledge Required: Fine art, writing, business, film, communication, graphic design

Skills: Communication and storytelling skills, as well as familiarity with digital media and animation software, will increase opportunities for employment.

Career Path: Many colleges and universities offer programs leading to a bachelor's or master's degree in fine arts, with courses or concentrations in animation. Independent schools of art and design offer postsecondary training that is focused more on studio work. While in school it is important to build a portfolio and pursue internships.

Best Cities for the Job: Metropolitan areas with concentrations of business in the creative field such as Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Median Annual Income: National: $58,250 CA: $70,420

Future Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 12 percent increase in job opportunities in this field, due to an increasing reliance on artists to create digital or multimedia artwork.

From the Field: "I get to create worlds, which is really exciting. So the characters in it, what they look like, what their spaces are like." -Katherine Woodman-Maynard, Animator, The Post-Nup Show.

Associated Curriculum: Digital Media Arts: Introduction to Visual arts and Digital Design, Unit 3