Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Special Effects Artist or Animator Employers look for workers who have a good portfolio of work and strong computer programming skills. Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, art, or a related field to develop both a portfolio of work and the technical skills that many employers prefer.
Education
Special effects artists and animators typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer graphics, animation, fine arts, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree programs in computer graphics often include courses in computer science in addition to art. Programs in animation often require classes in drawing, animation, and film. Programs in fine arts may include courses in painting, drawing, and sculpture. Schools also may have specialized degrees in topics such as interactive media or game design. Employers usually prefer to hire candidates who have a good portfolio and strong technical skills, both of which students may develop while earning a degree. Advancement Special effects artists and animators who show strong teamwork and time-management skills can advance to supervisory positions, where they are responsible for one aspect of a visual effects team. Some artists might advance to leadership or directorial positions, such as an art director or producer or director. Other Experience Skills in graphics and animation can be honed through self-study. Special effects artists and animators can develop these skills to enhance their portfolios, which may make it easier to find job opportunities.
Your Next Step
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to decline 0 percent from 2025 to 2035. Despite declining employment, about 4,200 openings for special effects artists and animators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to be supported by demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. These workers are expected to continue to create realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. However, technological advancements may affect the role of special effects artists and animators. Some animation and special effects tasks can be completed more quickly with artificial intelligence (AI), which may dampen demand for this occupation. Special Effects Artists and Animators Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Total, all occupations 3% Art and design workers 1% Special effects artists and animators 0% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Special Effects Artists and Animators Do
Special effects artists and animators create two- and three-dimensional models, images that appear to move, and visual effects for television, movies, video games, and other forms of media.
Duties
Special effects artists and animators typically do the following:
- Use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation (images that appear to move)
- Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect
- Research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs or animation
- Edit animation and effects on the basis of feedback from directors, other animators, game designers, or clients
- Meet with clients, other animators, games designers, directors, and other staff (which may include actors) to review deadlines and development timelines
Special effects artists and animators often work in a specific medium. Some focus on creating animated movies or video games. Others create visual effects for movies and television shows. Creating computer-generated images (known as CGI) may include taking images of an actor’s movements and then animating them into three-dimensional characters. Other animators design scenery or backgrounds for locations.
Artists and animators can further specialize within these fields. Within animated movies and video games, artists often specialize in characters or in scenery and background design. Video game artists may focus on level design: creating the look, feel, and layout for the levels of a video game.
Animators work in teams to develop a movie, a visual effect, or an electronic game. Each animator works on a portion of the project, and then the pieces are put together to create one cohesive animation.
Some special effects artists and animators create their work primarily by using computer software or by writing their own computer code. Many animation companies have their own computer animation software that artists must learn to use. Video game designers also work in a variety of platforms, including mobile gaming and online social networks.
Other artists and animators prefer to work by drawing and painting by hand and then translating the resulting images into computer programs. Some special effects artists use storyboards or “animatics,” which look like a comic strip, to help visualize the final product during the design process.
Many special effects artists and animators put their creative work on the Internet. If the images become popular, these artists can gain more recognition, which may lead to future employment or freelance work.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Special effects artists and animators held about 51,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of special effects artists and animators were as follows:
| Self-employed workers | 63% |
| Motion picture and video industries | 10 |
| Software publishers | 7 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 4 |
| Advertising, public relations, and related services | 2 |
Many artists and animators work in offices; others work from home.
Work Schedules
Most special effects artists and animators work a regular schedule; however, when deadlines are approaching, they may need to work nights and weekends.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Artistic talent. Animators and artists should have artistic ability and a good understanding of color, texture, and light. However, they may be able to compensate for artistic shortcomings with better technical skills. Communication skills. Special effects artists and animators need to work as part of a team and respond well to criticism and feedback. Computer skills. Many special effects artists and animators use computer programs or write programming code to do most of their work. Creativity. Artists and animators must be able to think creatively to develop original ideas and make them come to life. Time-management skills. The workdays required by most studio and game design companies can be long, particularly when there are tight deadlines. Artists and animators need to be able to manage their time effectively when a deadline approaches.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about special effects artists and animators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.