Special Effects Artists and Animators
Medium45.29%
Found in Industries:
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$57,090
Median$99,060
High (90th %)$169,580
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Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
The occupation "Special Effects Artists and Animators" has an automation risk of 45.3%, which is only marginally below the base risk of 46.2% due to the persistent necessity for human creativity and nuanced judgment in the field. The somewhat elevated risk is attributed to the integration of advanced computer graphics technologies, AI-assisted design tools, and predefined animation frameworks that can automate large portions of the workflow. For example, the most automatable tasks in this occupation include designing complex graphics and animation using technology, creating basic designs for product materials and media, and participating in the logistical aspects of multimedia campaign production, like budgeting and progress tracking. These tasks rely heavily on standardized processes that are increasingly supported or even supplanted by artificial intelligence and automation tools. Despite the advances in automation, there remain crucial aspects of the role that are highly resistant to replacement. The use of models to simulate the behavior of animated objects involves an in-depth understanding of physics, storytelling, and timing that current automated systems struggle to replicate. Similarly, creating pen-and-paper images for subsequent digitization preserves a traditional, human-driven artistic component, emphasizing manual dexterity and visual intuition that automation cannot easily substitute. The process of converting real objects into animated models using sophisticated techniques such as optical scanning also demands human oversight for quality control and creative input, setting boundaries for automation within this occupation. Bottleneck skills further underscore why the automation risk is relatively contained. The key skill of originality is exceptionally resistant to automation, with skill levels cited at 3.5% and 4.0%, reflecting the irreplaceable value of human creativity in generating fresh ideas and unique artistic expression. While many production and technical tasks are susceptible to automation, the conceptualization and execution of original artistic visions remain beyond the reach of most automated systems. Thus, while routine elements and certain logistics can be automated, the core creative and interpretative demands of special effects artistry and animation act as significant barriers, protecting much of the occupation from wholesale automation in the near future.
Filter by Automatable Status
Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
Partially Automatable
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
Partially Automatable
Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
Partially Automatable
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
Partially Automatable
Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
Partially Automatable
Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
Partially Automatable
Assemble, typeset, scan, and produce digital camera-ready art or film negatives and printer's proofs.
Partially Automatable
Convert real objects to animated objects through modeling, using techniques such as optical scanning.
Partially Automatable
Create pen-and-paper images to be scanned, edited, colored, textured, or animated by computer.
Non-Automatable
Use models to simulate the behavior of animated objects in the finished sequence.
Partially Automatable
Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
Partially Automatable
Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
Partially Automatable
Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking Creatively
Autodesk MudboxAutodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk SketchBook ProAutodesk MudboxACD Systems CanvasAmbient Design ArtRageAdobe IllustratorAdobe Premiere ProCAdobe PhotoshopApple Final Cut ProApple macOSAdobe FlexAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DAJAXAdobe DirectorBlenderAdobe AIRAbility PhotopaintApple DrawBerryAqsis RendererAutodesk Alias SurfaceAutodesk CombustionAutoQ3DBohemian Coding DrawItBunkspeed HyperDriveMicrosoft WindowsMaxon Cinema 4DPixologic ZbrushSocial media sitesYouTubeCaligari Corporation trueSpaceCorel PainterDrupalJavaScriptCascading style sheets CSSFigmaNext Limit Maxwell RenderCelsys RETASCharacter StudioCheetah3DCode librariesPythonComponent librariesCrytek CryEngineGoogle SitesCybermotion 3D DesignerQuarkXPressDAZ Productions CarraraDX StudioMicrosoft WordPHPPerforce Helix softwareC++UNIXDynamic hypertext markup language DHTMLjQueryTechSmith CamtasiaCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteMicrosoft SilverlightUnity Technologies UnityMicrosoft ExcelPixar RenderMan Studioe-on software VueFreeverse LineformHASH Animation:MasterIndigo RendererInivis AC3DLuxology ModoMagicTracerMassive JetMaxon BodyPaint 3DMaxScriptMental Images Mental RayMicrosoft Expression DesignNewTek Lightwave 3DNodeBoxNVDIA GelatoPixarra TwistedBrushPixelmatorQuad Software GromeRealFlowSatori PaintSideFX HoudinisK1SkencilSmithMicro Anime StudioSmithMicro SoftwarePosersolidThinkingSunflow Render SystemTrapcode ParticularTwo-dimensional graphics softwareVectorDesignerXara Designer ProXML User Interface XUIAutodesk 3ds Max DesignAutodesk 3ds Max DesignAutoDesSys form ZAdobe DreamweaverACD Systems CanvasAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe Premiere ProAdobe PhotoshopApple Final Cut ProAdobe FlexAJAXAdobe DirectorAdobe AIRAbility PhotopaintApple DrawBerryMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft WindowsYouTubeAutodesk SketchBook ProDrupalJavaScriptBlenderCMaxon Cinema 4DAutodesk MotionBuilderCascading style sheets CSSExtensible hypertext markup language XHTMLPixar RenderMan StudioFigmaPythonGoogle SitesQuarkXPressCorel PainterC++UNIXTrimble SketchUp ProUnreal Technology Unreal EngineSerif DrawPlusAqsis RendererAutodesk Alias SurfaceAutodesk CombustionPHPApple macOSPerforce Helix softwarejQueryTechSmith CamtasiaMicrosoft SilverlightAutodesk 3ds MaxAutodesk MayaUnity Technologies UnityAutoDesSys form ZPixologic ZbrushAutoQ3DBohemian Coding DrawItBunkspeed HyperDriveCaligari Corporation trueSpaceCelsys RETASCheetah3DMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordCode librariesComponent librariesCybermotion 3D DesignerDX Studioe-on software VueFreeverse LineformHASH Animation:MasterIndigo RendererInivis AC3DLuxology ModoMassive JetMaxon BodyPaint 3DMaxScriptMental Images Mental RayMicrosoft Expression DesignNewTek Lightwave 3DNodeBoxNVDIA GelatoPixarra TwistedBrushPixelmatorDAZ Productions BryceQuad Software GromeRealFlowSatori PaintSideFX HoudiniLuxrendersK1SkencilSmithMicro Anime StudioSmithMicro SoftwarePosersolidThinkingSunflow Render SystemTwo-dimensional graphics softwareThree-dimensional graphics softwareVectorDesignerXara Designer ProChaos Group V-RayHypertext markup language HTMLAutodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DDynamic hypertext markup language DHTMLCorel CorelDraw Graphics SuiteAdobe FreeHand MXAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatAdobe DreamweaverAdobe InDesignHypertext markup language HTMLAdobe ActionScriptAdobe ActionScriptTrimble SketchUp ProAutodesk MayaAdobe FreeHand MXUnreal Technology Unreal EngineAmbient Design ArtRageAutodesk MotionBuilderNext Limit Maxwell RenderAdobe ImageReadyAdobe ImageReadySerif DrawPlusCharacter StudioCrytek CryEngineDAZ Productions CarraraMagicTracerTrapcode ParticularXML User Interface XUIChaos Group V-RayDAZ Productions BryceLuxrenderThree-dimensional graphics softwareAutodesk Alias DesignAutodesk Alias DesignAutodesk SoftImageAutodesk SoftImageBunkspeed HyperMoveBunkspeed HyperMoveElectric Rain Swift 3D XpressElectric Rain Swift 3D XpressMaya Embedded Language MELMaya Embedded Language MELNevercenter SiloNevercenter SiloObject-oriented programming languagesObject-oriented programming languagesSide Effects Software HoudiniSide Effects Software HoudiniSmithMicro Manga StudioSmithMicro Manga StudioSplutterFish BrazilSplutterFish BrazilAdobe Creative Cloud softwareMicrosoft VisioSocial media sitesAdobe After EffectsAdobe After EffectsExtensible hypertext markup language XHTMLExtensible markup language XMLExtensible markup language XMLMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPointAdobe Creative Cloud software
Computer Programmers
Medium53.56%
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Medium60.00%
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Video Game Designers
Medium46.94%
Design core features of video games. Specify innovative game and role-play mechanics, story lines, and character biographies. Create and maintain design documentation. Guide and collaborate with production staff to produce games as designed.
Art Directors
Medium42.81%
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Craft Artists
Medium47.40%
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Medium39.27%
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Commercial and Industrial Designers
Medium44.65%
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
Graphic Designers
Medium56.74%
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Low30.74%
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Set and Exhibit Designers
Medium47.21%
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Producers and Directors
Medium44.92%
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Media Technical Directors/Managers
Medium50.75%
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Writers and Authors
Medium55.16%
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Audio and Video Technicians
Medium57.78%
Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events.
Sound Engineering Technicians
Medium50.93%
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
Photographers
Medium49.91%
Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.
Film and Video Editors
Medium52.46%
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Desktop Publishers
Medium65.37%
Format typescript and graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.
Prepress Technicians and Workers
High75.59%
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Medium54.79%
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
Actors
Low19.10%
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
Medium47.39%
Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Low31.56%
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Models
Low32.12%
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.