How to Become a Multimedia Artist

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions will likely need at least a bachelors degree in multimedia design, graphic design, or visual arts. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a master’s degree in multimedia development or video game development/design can help you stand out in the hiring process.

Begin your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a multimedia artist.

Much Does a Video Game Developer Make?:
$61,370 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+4,300 additional people employed

Specialization Options:
Professional video production, video animation, 3D printing and 3D visual graphics.

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Mutimedia Artist & Animator page)

The Best Places to Become a Multimedia Artist

Multimedia artists work in a variety of places. The industries employing the most animators are as follows:

  • Motion picture and video industries 11%
  • Software publishers 5%
  • Computer systems design and related services 5%
  • Advertising, public relations, and related services 5%

Employment and Information Data for Multimedia Arts

Why Become a Multimedia Artist?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial art jobs utilizing new technologies in the fields of animation, product development or video game design will be in highest demand over the next decade. Multimedia artists in high demand because commercial art jobs utilizing new technologies in the fields of animation, product development or video game design will be in highest demand over the next decade. If your interests are both artistic as well as technical, Computer Animation may just be the career for you.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become a Multimedia Artist

  • Visual Thinking
  • Basic Drawing
  • Color
  • Painting Basics
  • Figure Drawing
  • Introductory Painting
  • Digital Drawing
  • Painting Materials and Methods
  • Contemporary Global Art
  • Silkscreen Printing
  • Printmaking

Degree Options for Multimedia Artist Careers

Multimedia degrees are offered at variation of schools – Art schools, technical schools, and many traditional colleges – and, depending on which type of school you decide on, there will be a broad range of degrees available students interested in advancing their career in animation.

Certificate
A certificate program provides a foundation for the beginning multimedia artist. The framework of the program allows students to explore different aspects of graphic design and animation while learning about theory and technology.

Associate’s Degree Programs
These programs offer a more in-depth course of study that generally provides students with some college background. The program typically is one to two years and designed to prepare students for a career in animation.

Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Computer animator (including multimedia arts and graphic design) programs offer students the opportunity to learn skills and production tools needed to produce professional-level products in a wide range of creative fields.