Daily Career Connection

Animators are artists who create motion graphics and illustrations. When most people think of an animator career, they think of cartoons or the computer animations we see in movies and television. However, the field of animation is more expansive this that and continues to grow.

Animators might work in a number of industries including film, television, and video games, but they are increasingly finding work in areas like advertising, and web design. In each of these fields, the role of an animator may vary in different ways; however, the basic duties and responsibilities are the same. An animator is expected to create and/or design motion graphics that will tell a story or convey a particular message.

There are a number of different types of animation as well. In general, an animator will work in 2D animation, 3D animation, or computer graphics and design. Each is done differently and the end product can be drastically different depending on what medium is used.

Animators might also use a range of different computer programs to help in the creation of their final project. The program used may vary depending on the type of animation, the quality of the animation, as well as the animator’s personal preferences. A skilled animator will be proficient in many different programs, as this will also help in being competitive for jobs.

Animators are increasingly finding opportunities to work full-time as employees within a company; however, some still work as freelance animators. Working in a company grants an animator a number of benefits including job security, a steady income, and often health benefits. Animators might be hired by television or film production companies, advertising companies, web design firms, video game companies, or animation firms. As an employee for one of these companies, an animator will generally work with a team on projects based on the company’s interests.

The opportunity to become a freelance animator has increased, especially with the help of the internet. Many animators are now able to create their own websites and use them as portfolios for their work. This makes it easier to contact potential employers and provide them with a sample of the animator’s skills and proficiencies.

Animators are not required to have any particular qualifications, other than the ability to use computer programs and design creative animations; however, many find that it helps to have some educational background. Having a degree in animation or an arts related field helps by demonstrating to employers that the animator has a certain base of knowledge and a commitment to the field. Despite this, whether an animator is hired or not will ultimately come down to his/her skill and ability.

The animation industry is on the rise since the video game, film, and online marketing industries are all on the rise. There is an increasing demand for skilled animators who can create attractive, compelling, and/or funny animations. And though there is a lot of competition for jobs, with determination and hard work, it will not be difficult for a skilled animator to find a good job.

Discover the range in salaries in animation here: http://www.animatorsalarydata.com

A career as an animal groomer might be the right move for you if you like being around animals and enjoy taking care of them. It can be a very rewarding occupation and the demand is certainly there. Over 70% of households in the U.S. have at least one pet. Last year these pet owners spent almost $50 billion on their four legged friends. Keeping a pet groomed costs the average family about $70 a year. So how much can you make as an animal groomer? There are many factors that will affect what your income will be. Here are some things to consider. If you were to become a dog groomer for example you would typically charge $30 an up to groom a small dog. Larger dogs would cost their owners $75 and up for grooming. A typical groomer would work with 5 or 6 animals a day. Whether you would work for someone else or start your own pet grooming business would also factor in on how much you could expect to make.

If you think becoming an animal groomer is something you would like to do you are going to need some instruction and training. There are animal grooming schools that you can physically attend and there are also online pet grooming schools where you can learn all you need to know. There are pros and cons to both so it is wise to do some research to determine which course is best for you.

A school that you physically attend will give you more hands on training and you will have immediate feedback from your instructors on how you are doing. The animals you work with will be provided for you. On the downside these schools can be quite expensive and on average will cost about $5000 to attend. You will have to travel to school and attend classes when they are provided which might be difficult to do if you have a busy schedule.

Online pet grooming schools also have their own sets of pros and cons. If attending one of these schools you must be motivated. Most let you learn at your own pace so you are going to have to be disciplined and do the studying on your own. You will have to provide your own animals to work with although this can actually be a plus in that you can start to find customers while you are in school. Of course the biggest benefit is the cost savings. You can receive a pet grooming certificate and complete the course for under $250 in as little as 12 weeks.

Its great if you can make a living doing something you love. Animal grooming can be a satisfying career choice. Taking care of animals can be a very rewarding experience both personally and financially and becoming a animal groomer is something you might want to consider.

I have been able to make my living working with animals for the past 25 years. For more information on making a good living as a animal groomer visit Pet Grooming Education.