What are the high end salaries for 3D Animator?

[bob-1]

Ok, after going through 66 pages of this board, I've been given a very negative impression in terms of money in the animation industry.

I am studying the in he UK currently in my first year of college (aged 17). I am decided to go into computer science (due to the balance of money which can reach 80k and above a year - and my passion for computing) or going into computer animation because I LOVE the 3D word and I havea keen interest, however, even though the job is rewarding in terms of personal satisfaction, the literal sallary earned from this field is relativly low - interms of having enough money to get through day by day.

My initial thoughts on the whole animation career was that I'd be working for a kick ass company (industrial Light and magic for example, dreamworks etc etc) with a steady job and making a lot of money (possibly

[david-schoneveld]

Right... I don't know why you think there is no money in animation, just because the people who post here say that? Thats not true at all, you CAN make a lot of money IF you are good. The difference is huge. If you are ok to pretty good you will make 25-30k (US) a year if you are great within a year or two you will be making 50+ no doubt. Because the company knows you will get that or more elsewhere if they don't keep you happy. So that being said it's all how good you are. If you want to make the most money in the animation industry you will continue with computer science degree and then learn Maya API + Houdini (or softimage API whatever) and such and you will make 100+ after 2-4 years, again depending on if you are good. The most money is the person with the hardest to find talent. That being in your case a good artist who is really good at programming. If you, for example, program a voxel based fluid effect in house plug in you will be paid whatever it is you want. The guys at DD (digital domain) who programed their stuff made tons of money, I can only say the rumors but they were given whatever they wanted. It's called a rock star in the industry or 10%ers 10% of the people do 90% of the work and they are paid accordingly. Anyone who dissagrees is not a rock star, and probably doesn't make good money. So you get good at programming, and you will get the money you deserve, so long as you are good. (by good I mean almost irreplaceable)

[gmask]

I more or less agree with destruct.. it is possible to make a good living in this field. If you have alot of skills and talent you'll go far. You can also be hamstrung by your own personality, where you are located and your goals versus your training and reel.

A computer science degree can be applied towards the field and might even be a good degree to fall back on if all else fails. However that degree alone will not get you the work you want and you may have to go out of your to create projects during your CS studies that you can make a reel from.

There will eb alot of competition to get the 100k job and it wil take years of experience to obtain that kind of pay. There are however positions out there that offer that but not to anyone who just graduated or just got into the industry... doesn't work that way.

It also helps to know people and to network. Reccomendations are highly valued and the more people you know the better and you get meet alot of people in a few years that can help you out. This is one good reaosn to go to a school that specialises in CG because you will run into the same peopl you went to school with later on int eh work place and many schools do have connections to production studios.

That being said there are alot of bottom feeders in the industry and by this I mena companies that hire inexperienced newcomers, pay them little and expect alot. It's likely that at some point you'll encounter this type of company. That is not to say that this is allways a bad thing. Sometimes you may do great things with the right people no matter what the pay is. If you are treated with respect then it's fine and you get the chance to build up that all important reel.

Most of the big places offer pretty good pay and benefits.. they also expect alot of dedication but most of the film places have downtime. The gaming industry has gotten a bad rap as of late because of companies like EA but not everyone has the same experience.

To answer your question.. how high? If you own the company you can be a millionaire but really you should be asking what is reasonable. In the states I'd have to say that entry level is roughly 25-35k, experienced is 35k-75k and senior and supervisor positions can be 75 to over 100k. Some specialized positions like flame operators or colorists can also make upwards of 100-200k but these are people who have alot of experience and have worked on projects everyone has heard of or seen and could be qualified as rockstars.

Since you seem interested in film you will need to specialize. Being well versed in natural phenomenon, hair, voxels etc are still niche skills as opposed to modellors which there are too many of.

Hope that helps

[bob-1]

Thanks for the reply guys - its sure bought some reassurance to me.

One thing I'm still fussing over is whether to do the Computer Science degree first and get to grips with programming and then enter the animation world (somehow, not sure yet, maybe do a maya course or an 1 year animation course) or to go straight into computer animation without gaining programming knowledge... decisions, decisions

One I thing I didn't quite get in your post gmask is your ending statement:

"Since you seem interested in film you will need to specialize. Being well versed in natural phenomenon, hair, voxels etc are still niche skills as opposed to modellors which there are too many of"

Would you mind elaborating on this? My termonolgy in animation is yet to be learnt =/

-Alex

[fredc]

hydrolist,
I agree with the others that it is possible to make a great living in this industry. However, I do not feel this should be a motivating factor to choose this industry. For every "dream" job occurpied by a talented artists who paid their dues, there are countless others who are more than capable of filling the same position, but there just aren't enough jobs to go around.

If someone is truely gifted and gets the proper skills they have a good chance to find good work. However, is a big, big issue to keep in mind when considering this field. Without talent the chances fall to slim and none for most people. It doesn't matter which art school you went to or how devoted you are.

If you are concerned about being able to settle down and have a family, home and security, then I would suggest you get your Computer Science degree first. The 3D industry will still be their when you get done. In your spare time, start learning 3D while finishing your CS degree. If you find yourself staying up nights creating 3D creatures or animating your own stories, then you'll know the 3D industry is for you and the CS degree will give you more options. If you just get bored, learning the 3D tools and find you are just going through the motions, then at least you have your CS degree to open doors in other fields.

I hate being so negative, but your story is so common that I could have written your original post for you. If it makes you feel any better, remember that at least you have options. So many go into this field because they looked into the abyss and felt this was the only thing they could do other than flip burgers. If you don't make it in the 3D industry, what other skills will you have if you don't get your CS degree?

Don't forget their is more to an education than money and security. Knowledge and learning is a very important part of life and the time spent getting a degree is never a waste. Art is important in life too, but this discussion has been about money and security. 3D has always been their for you to explore. You don't have to make a living at it to enjoy it.

Respectfully,
Urp