Lisa_careers

(Note: the pictures for book illustrator did not work but the website is)

1a. Special Effects Animator These pictures illustrate from different 3-D models. The first picture (Kingdom of Hearts) comes from a drawing and transform into a video game-like masterpiece and is created for that purpose. The second picture is a green-screen piece, used a green screen to make effects from people wearing a lycra suit (to capture their movements) to realistic creations like Avatar. The last picture (Coraline) was made from clay, using a camera for capturing movements by moving slightly to make the characters to move (and taken a picture).

First: http://favoniangamers.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/kingdom_hearts_2_wallpaper.jpg  Second: http://storeimages.impulsedriven.com/product_gfx/avatar_ss1.jpg Third: http://www.usccb.org/movies/images/Coraline2.jpg i. http://www.finddesignschools.com/a/special-effects-animator-.html ii. http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2010/nov/27/working-life-special-effects-animator iii. http://www.schoolsforme.net/careers/visual-effects-effects-animator/ iiii. http://www.educationcenteronline.org/Film-TV-Multimedia/Special-Effects-Animation.html iiiii. [] vi. http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Master's_Degree_in_Special_Effects_Animation.html vii. http://education-portal.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Special_Effects_Animator_Career_Guide.html viii.http://www.finddesignschools.com/a/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-special-effects-animation-student.html viii. http://www.finddesignschools.com/a/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-special-effects-animator.html 1b. Computer/Video Game Designer These pictures (Left to Right: Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Star Wars II Battleground, and Carmen Sandiego the Secret of the Stolen Drums) are done in the computer and "depending on where you work and level of skill, you may be responsible for just one design element (like one character, for instance), or have your hands in the entire process from concept to launch."
 * Websites:**

First: **http://www.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/MarvelUltimateAllianceScreens8.jpg** Second: **http://www.differentvideos.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Star-Wars-Battlefront-2-IGN-Gameplay-Vault.jpg** Third: **http://image.gamespotcdn.net/gamespot/images/2004/reviews/915380_20040928_embed002.jpg** Websites Information: i. http://www.animationarena.com/how-to-become-a-video-game-designer.html ii. http://www.allartschools.com/art-careers/game-design/computer-game-design-job iii. http://www.collegesurfing.com/content/game-designer/ iiii. [] vi. http://www.careertoolkits.com/video-game-designer/game-designer-education.html

1c. Book Illustrator (for children's or adults or with comics)





These pictures are drawn for the author of a book, based on the idea or description of the plot. And depending on what kind book illustrator you want to be (The age of the audience, what type of author wants on his/her book, etc.) (The illustrator's name is Patricia Moffett.) i. First picture: http://www.childrensillustrators.com/illustrator-details/patmoffett/id=207/slideshow/pag=8/ ii. Second picture: http://www.childrensillustrators.com/illustrator-details/patmoffett/id=207/slideshow/pag=43/ iii. Third picture: [] Websites: i.http://www.childrensillustrators.com/ ii. http://www.ehow.com/how_4473237_become-illustrator-childrens-books.html iii. http://www.ehow.com/how_2296159_become-illustrator.html iiii. http://www.ehow.com/how_4460539_become-childrens-book-illustrator.html iiiii: http://www.schoolsintheusa.com/careerprofiles_details.cfm?carid=1093 2a. A Special Effects Animator does drawings of characters and turned them into 3-D models. The animator's goal is make characters move "realistically {by change} positions incrementally to form the action." 2b. "{A Computer/Video Game Designer} can choose to focus {his} work on any phase of the computer game design process, from the initial planning, to designing characters and environments, to programming. The following tasks are all part of producing an enjoyable video game:
 * Designing elements such as characters, levels, puzzles, etc.
 * Art and animation
 * Coding and programming
 * Project management (budgeting, time management, and communication with other departments)
 * Testing”

2c. Book Illustrator does the pictures depending on the age of the readers for the author of the book.

3a. A Special Effects Animator have had to do are 2-D and 3-D characters and non-organic objects such as "Light wave, Electronic image, Wavefront or other high end 3D applications." "An effects animator must be multi-faceted in his/her ability to create concepts, as well as be comfortable mimicking a variety of styles to create consistently themed animations with a high level of finish. She/he visually translates complex, abstract concepts to audiences of diverse backgrounds. He/she may also formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for team collaboration on desired effects." "You'll begin by studying the basics of game design – meaningful play, player interaction and options for creating and refining game content. You'll go on to study multiple narrative, interactive narrative and character structures in relationship to gaming environments."

** "Depending upon experience, responsibilities may include: ** <span style="font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px;">"In Ringling College of Art and Design's deep and specialized four-year Computer Animation degree program, you will develop skills in modeling, lighting, motion and sound - while learning how to tell a story. At the same time, you will gain command of the technical skills required in today's highly competitive animation industry."
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oversee and help design plans for creating 3D models and animations to be incorporated into video productions and multimedia products.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Create special effects, animation, and photo-realistic 3D models using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in video productions and multimedia products.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oversee and develop pencil sketch boards and original artwork/illustrations.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ensure animation content created is consistent with the style set out for production.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Work with clients to develop concepts for productions.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Maintain relationships with inside and outside creative resources.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Work with internal animators to ensure consistency in animation application.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Oversee research prior to the commencement of a new production, ensuring effective plan/budget/schedule is in place.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Keep up to date in latest animation technology and may train other less experienced animators.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Create and manages animation pipeline.
 * <span style="color: #555555; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: circle; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 18px; margin-right: 14px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">Provide team leadership to less experienced staff.

3b. "{Computer/Video Game Designers'}<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;"> jobs require innovation, top-notch technical skills, and some of the sharpest, most creative minds around. To become a game designer, expect to spend a lot of time in the classroom learning the technical skills, working your way up via internships and entry-level design positions, and - the best part - playing lots of video games!" "Depending on where you work and your level of skill, you may be responsible for just one design element (like one character, for instance), or have your hands in the entire process from concept to launch." "<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With all of the video games released every year, you might think that it would be fairly easy to get a job as a game designer. However, there are many people out there who want to work in the video game industry. It's a fun career field where you get to immerse yourself in the gaming world.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The market is fairly competitive, but with the proper training and education for video game design, you'll be able to jump ahead of the pack and score your dream job. Training in computer programming is the best type of training you can get if you want to work for a video game firm. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">A good education is first and foremost. Here’s where it gets a little tricky, though. You'll need to choose a degree that matches the specific aspect of video game design you want to go into. That means if you’re interested in programming games, you’ll want to look for a computer science/programming degree that focuses on creating interactive programs (generally in C or C++) and interfaces. ||  ||   || ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">Supplementing these programming classes with classes in computer design isn't a bad idea either. == <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">On the other hand, if you want to work creating game concepts or characters, you’ll want to look for a good creative writing program. While most of these programs prepare students for careers as journalists or fiction writers, the classes in character and plot development will be very helpful for future video game designers. If possible, take a few scriptwriting classes as well – scripts for movies and video games are actually fairly similar in their design and setup. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If you’re an artist interested in doing art design for video games, you’ll want to look for a good art program that focuses on computer-generated (CG) graphics. While any degree in fine art is going to help, much of the actual artwork used in video games is not hand-drawn first. Being familiar with the programs used in computer generated artwork will put you ahead of other artists looking to do video game work. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Video game designers often have to be well-rounded since they almost always work in teams. With this in mind, it’s not a bad idea to get a minor in another video game design-related field. Programmers who minor in art or creative writing can bring more skills to the table, for example, than students who have only a programming degree. Since many games are brought over from Japan, writers with minors in Japanese language are very sought after. Having these additional skills will help you land a great job over someone who only has a major in a video game design field. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In addition to the education needed to be a video game designer, many game design companies want to see that you have a passion for video game playing. In fact, some companies actually ask for a video game resume – a listing of the game systems you’ve used, your favorite game titles and your rankings in these games. If you’re applying to work in a specific game genre, it’s import ant to know the leading titles in that genre. For example, if you want to work for Square-Enix, you should be familiar with the Final Fantasy series – the company’s biggest success – and with role playing video games in general.
 * ==<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">**Education Requirements for a Video Game Designer** ==

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Remember, the video game design industry is competitive, and you’ll be facing some stiff competition to land a job. Anything and everything you can do to improve your resume – be it adding a minor to your degree program or playing every video game you can get your hands on – will help you jump-start your career in video game design.”

>  >   >   >
 * <span style="border: 0px initial initial; clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Obtain a Bachelor of Fine <span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #1f7ad7; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|Arts] degree in visual communications, game design or other related fields. To become a video game director you must have at least five years of experience as a video game designer. Most video game designer positions require a four-year degree as the technologies within this industry are advanced. Ensure that the degree program you choose not only provides a solid <span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #1f7ad7; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">[|education] within game design and development but also provides courses in game distribution and game production; both are vital areas of expertise for video game directors.
 * <span style="border: 0px initial initial; clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="stepNumber" style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Study as an intern within a major video game design company. This may require relocation; however, after you graduate with your bachelor's, an internship will help establish your name within the industry as well as provide you with ongoing education in this constantly changing industry. Create a resume and cover letter and call the HR department of larger video game design companies, such as Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and Sony Computer Entertainment. Visit the career counseling department of the college you attended and ask for their assistance in obtaining an internship within a game development company.
 * <span style="border: 0px initial initial; clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="stepNumber" style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Complete the internship and develop your portfolio. A video game designer portfolio is vital for gaining employment within this highly competitive field. Gather your resume, cover letter and portfolio and submit them to as many game development companies as possible.
 * <span style="border: 0px initial initial; clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="stepNumber" style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Work as a video game designer, or other related position, for at least four to five years before applying to be a video game director. In many cases, if you work on a successful video game series you may be approached to oversee the development of a new game. Like most industries, the video game industry requires time and patience to make it to a management level position, such as a video game director."

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">**3c**. "{The Book Illustrator} takes a lot of work and perseverance to get to a level where you can support yourself from this kind of job." "<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-color: #ffffff; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; bottom: auto; color: #000000; float: none; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: normal; left: auto; line-height: normal; margin: 0px !important; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; position: static; right: auto; text-transform: none !important; top: auto; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal;">**<span class="itxtrst itxtrstspan itxthookspan" style="border: initial initial initial; display: inline; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px !important; text-align: left;">Study ** your type of illustration. This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to go to college. Many successful illustrators are self-taught. Learn all you can about what you want to illustrate. If you want to illustrate children's books, for example, study children's books, join forums for children book illustrators, and read lots of how-to books. Above all, practice, practice, practice."  ====<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: normal;">4a. An artist takes "<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial,verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">3-4 years as an animator, additional similar work experience may be required." <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">"<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The ability ﻿<span style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">to draw, coupled with knowledge and skill with computer animation programs." "  <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal;">A university degree in animation is probably the best way to get into the field. Many universities offer degrees in animation, or they offer animation as a subcategory of illustration, design or even film technology." <span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 19px;">"<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial,verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Strongest markets for the majority of these posts remain in California, Washington, New York, Minnesota and Oregon. This position may also be available in other software development hubs throughout the U.S." Like Art Institute of California. You have to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. "A    <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">bachelor's degree from an art institute or college often provide students training in special effects areas, such as design and visual integration, visual communication, 2-D and 3-D effects creation, and digital art design. Often, prospective animators in these programs learn how to use specific types of graphic manipulation and animation software programs. Some special effects programs include general art classes, such as drawing and sculpture, to develop student skills in the manual aspects of graphic design." ====

4b. <span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;">You need very specific training offered at video game design schools. Bachelor’s degree is required. "<span style="color: #343434; font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;">**Things that Affect Video Game Design Salaries:**

<span style="color: #343434; font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"> Geographic Location – If you live in a large city instead of a rural area, chances are good that your video game designer salary will be higher to account for cost of living differences. You may also find more top-notch employers who are willing and able to pay more to attract talent.

Job Experience –The longer you've worked in the field the more valuable you'll be to your employer. Not only will you have game design expertise, but you should also have a strong understanding of how to get things done in a real-world work environment. Education Level – The more training you have, the more versatile you'll be. Or perhaps you'll have specialized knowledge and skills that will make you a more attractive job candidate. While a degree is not the be-all-end-all key to success, it certainly can't hurt you—especially when it comes time to negotiate your video game designer salary. Job Title – If you get hired in an entry-level game design job, you'll probably make significantly less than someone with the word "senior" or "manager" attached to their title. While paying your dues is often an inescapable part of starting a new career, it never hurts to be thinking about your job path and how you might like your career to evolve over time. Employer – If you work for a large, well-known company, you may make more than if you work for a small startup. There can be clear advantages to either, so it's really a matter of determining which employer is the best fit for you. But salary may certainly play a significant part in your decision."

<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If the video game designer job sounds like the one for you, there are plenty of opportunities for getting into the industry. Education and career training programs in Video Game Design are for students who want to combine a passion for playing games into a computer design career. These courses prepare graduates for entry-level employment in positions including game designer, modeler, and visual effects specialist. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A rapidly increasing number schools offer programs to prepare you for a video game designer job. Some schools that Offer Video Game Designer Programs include:
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Art Institutes
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Devry University
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">ITT Technical Institute
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Kaplan Career Institute
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">New England Institute of Technology
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The College of Westchester
 * <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px initial initial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Westwood College

4c. The book illustrator doesn't have to go to college (but it will be nice) but they have to practice.

5a. An animator gets: <span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial,verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">** Average Salary: **$46,615 <span style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">** Top Salary: **$65,118 <span style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">** Entry Level Salary: **$30,658

<span style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 0px;">5b. A Video Game Designer gets by “{ <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">J}ust how big will vary by experience, skill level, and employer, however, a survey conducted by Game Developer notes that video game designers earn a median annual salary of $73,000.” " A **video game designer** with less than three years of experience will make, on the average $46K a year. With between three and six years experience a game designer can bring home $55,600 a year. Once you have over six years of on the job experience you can average almost $70K a year.”

5c. A book illustrator gets:

<span class="main" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px;">$16,900 || <span class="main" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px;">**Average Salary:** <span class="main" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px;"> $35,260 || <span class="main" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px;">**Maximum Salary:** <span class="main" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px;"> $73,560 || 6a. An animator gets both the internship and portfolio. <span style="color: #4a4f56; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 28px;">**Step Two: Gain Experience Through an Internship**
 * || <span class="main" style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px;">**Entry Level Salary:**

<span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Experience is often one of the most important aspects an employer will look for in a prospective employee. Some colleges offer internship opportunities with employers that allow students to work in the industry while applying the skills learned in school. Additionally, these internships usually earn the student credits that go towards program completion. ===<span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #4a4f56; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Step Three: Build a Portfolio** === <span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Developing a portfolio is often the capstone of special effects and animation education programs. As a student progresses through the classes, projects are added to the portfolio to showcase the student's skill and workmanship. For a special effects animator, a portfolio of work could contain conceptual drawings for movies, video games, television show and other projects that have been completed. As with other art-based industries, a portfolio is often an integral part of the artist's resume and it is essential that the portfolio is kept up-to-date with examples of the latest animation technology available. ===<span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #4a4f56; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Step Four: Earn Certification** === <span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Some employers prefer job candidates who have earned certification in one of the many programs used for animation production and graphic design. Frequently, professional certification involves understanding the various components and features in a certain program or design system. Preparing for certification may require additional training in the software program, although some degree programs include certification training in the course curriculum. ===<span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #4a4f56; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**Step Five: Create a Resume** === <span style="border: 0px initial initial; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Along with a portfolio, special effects animators often create resumes to present to prospective employers. Resumes should include basics, such as educational background, references and work experience, as well as any awards and certifications earned during the student's training process. Additionally, the resume should also complement the portfolio contents by including additional information on the featured projects.

6b. Video game designer: <span style="font-family: verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">Because the field of video game design is competitive, the requirements to become a game designer usually include at least a bachelor's degree, previous experience in the field such as an internship, and a professional portfolio. Even graphic designers and video game specialists keep samples of their work, since art is an expression of personal talent. You'll want to keep your portfolio current and fresh as you're searching for professional opportunities.

6c. Book Illustrator:

==<span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 21px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Internships == >  ==<span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 21px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Considerations == > > <span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">7a. <span style="color: #2a2c2b; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; line-height: 23px;">A special effects animation student spends the day listening to lectures, attending tutorials and working in computer labs. > <span style="color: #2a2c2b; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So what does a video animator do in a typical working day? Animators will usually work for larger businesses and corporations in an office. Some special effects animators work from home or in their own smaller offices as freelance artists. Freelance animators work in an intensely competitive environment. They must bid for work, source clients, manage their own accounts and complete high volumes of work at a more competitive price than larger publishing houses. A freelance special effects animator has a higher degree of creative control, more flexible work hours and more freedom to produce the project in a way that works best for them. > <span style="color: #2a2c2b; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;">The majority of animators usually work in an office following standard working hours. At certain times in the course of developing a project, overtime will be required. Work occurs in a creative, yet structured, environment and the video animator works as a part of a larger production team. > Certain aspects of the approach to work may be unstructured and set up to make creative individuals feel at home in the office environment, however, there are still strict deadlines to meet. How you meet your deadlines may be more self-managed and you may able to be flexible with your hours and schedule. > 7b. A video game designer's office tends to be more informal than a typical corporate cubicle. For example, a common setup seems to be rows of computers where co-workers sit next to each other. This facilitates teamwork and openness, allowing ideas to spread easily within the office. Game designers rarely work regimented hours, as projects differ in their demands. The nature of the profession is much more relaxed and creative than a typical job, as the goal is to create something original and entertaining. Even the act of testing and troubleshooting, which is normally an annoyance, is truly just playing a video game. > <span style="color: #2a2c2b; font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> <span style="color: #000000; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;">7c. <span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">Illustrators usually work for a publishing company, a medical institution, newspapers and magazines, or a graphic design firm. Many are self-employed, and work for clients on a contract basis. They work in company studios or in home offices to complete their work. They work regular, 40-hour weeks, unless they are in the midst of a major project, meaning they must work longer hours. They use computers, pencils, and paint to complete their illustrations. >> >> <span style="color: #5f5f5f; font-family: Candara,'Trebuchet MS',Helvetic; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;">Illustrators may work alone, especially if they are self-employed. Those who work in an office environment will have coworkers in numerous departments to share ideas and concepts with.
 * <span style="border: 0px initial initial; clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">An alternative to taking formal classes in illustration is to seek an internship with a children's illustrator. The advantage of doing this is that you get more hands-on experience in the illustrating industry and can network better. Internships may be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization with which you work, and the length of the internship also can vary.
 * <span style="border: 0px initial initial; clear: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Companies that work with illustrators for children's books take art degrees into consideration when hiring. However, it is more important that the illustrator demonstrate artistic ability. If you have a good portfolio, you can compete with more educated illustrators. A "good" portfolio needs both hand-generated and computer-generated images and should incorporate as many different illustration techniques as possible. As digital technology becomes more advanced, illustrators will need to demonstrate increased competency in computers, so even "natural" artists should learn computer skills.

<span style="line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"> 8. <span style="line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"> a. For the animator, I was thinking of a movie reel with the original pictures (drawings from hand) and clay characters as part of the animation (like what animators did for Avatar and Coraline) and/or drawings on the computer like Kingdom of Hearts.

<span style="line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"> b. For the book illustrator, I was thinking of book full of pictures from existing novels and/or my own stories.

<span style="line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;">9. <span style="line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"> a. The picture is a good idea because some movies like Coraline and Avatar comes from special effects animation. So I put the movie reel as part of a film of animations and put the original pictures on top of holes along with the animated characters next to each other on top of different holes.

<span style="line-height: 1.6em !important; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"> b. The book with the pictures will be good because it’s simple and not overwhelming with different detail (the too-much-stuff kind of thing) and very easy to make.