Special Effects Designer Salary & Career Facts

With movies, television shows, and computer games playing a large part in our everyday lives, career opportunities for special effects designers are continuing to grow. More and more colleges are offering specifically designed courses to help students learn the appropriate knowledge and skills. The special effects industry is expanding, and with it, many job opportunities as special effects designers are beginning to emerge. 

Education for Special Effects Designers 

Not only does special effect designing require natural talent, but it also involves obtaining the proper education and experience. Achieving a degree will automatically give you an advantage against other special effects designers. However, gaining experience is also extremely important. It is helpful to research and become familiar with software programs and tools special effects designers typically use.

Once you have learned basic knowledge about special effects, it is important to apply your education to your own projects and develop a portfolio of your work. You will become more comfortable with the process of special effects and develop valuable experience.
Not only does formal education give you an advantage against other special effects designers, but it also allows you to work with expensive software programs and then apply your knowledge to the development of your own special effects portfolio.

Degree Options for Special Effects Designing

In order to gain the proper education and training, most special effects designers obtain either an associate’s degree or a BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) degree.
Many colleges are continuing to expand their degree programs and are beginning to offer BFA degrees and classes in:

● Animation
● Graphic Design
● Computer Graphics
● Visual Effects
● 3-D Character Modeling and Animation
● Digital Matte Painting and Lighting
● Visual Communications
● Multimedia Design and Development
● Web Graphic Design
● Communication and Technology
● Game Design and Animation

Along with getting a degree in one of the programs listed above, special effects designers are encouraged to take other art classes that can help improve their design skills. Some of the classes include:

● Drawing
● Sculpting
● Modeling
● Hand-drawn Animation

Skills Needed for Special Effects Designing Jobs

There is a certain set of skills that is important in achieving a career in special effects designing. These skills include:
● Listening and comprehending
● Artistic ability
● Able to work under pressure
● Able to meet deadlines
● Flexibility
● Multi-tasking
● Ability to understand different computer programs

Types of Special Effects Designing

Special effects designers are part of an expansive industry. There are many different career opportunities within the field, such as character animators, modelers, and special effects makeup artists.

Salary for a Special Effects Designer

The average salary for a special effects designer is between $ 68,000 and $ 79,000 a year.