Best Careers: Multimedia Artist

The rundown:

Multimedia artists can help us envision worlds that are beyond our imagination: galaxies far, far away; trips to the future and the past; even a glimpse of our world through someone else's eyes. As a multimedia artist, you may work in film, video game design, advertising, Web development, or animation. Multimedia artists use computers to create characters, landscapes, and special effects for much of the media we consume today. You may also be responsible for drawing storyboards of scenes and plotlines for producers to evaluate. Multimedia artists work with programmers to bring their creations to life. The title of multimedia artist can also apply to fine artists who utilize film and computers in their creative projects.

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The outlook:

Multimedia art offers the best outlook among artist occupations, according to the Labor Department. Employment in the multimedia arts, whether in film, advertising, or Web development, is expected to rise by 11,200 jobs, or more than 14 percent, between 2008 and 2018, boosted in part by the growth in mobile technology and in the production of 3-D animated movies. But competition will be steep, reflecting an increasing interest in the field.

Money:

Multimedia artists pulled in median annual earnings of $58,250 in 2009. Starting pay was about $32,000 a year, and the top 10 percent of multimedia artists and animators make more than $99,000 annually. Salaries differ by industry: In the motion picture business, average annual earnings are around $72,000; in advertising, they're about $58,000. For freelancers, income varies based on reputation, experience, and the strength of the artist's portfolio. As in many artistic fields, it can be tough getting started—so it helps if you love the work.

Upward mobility:

Artists may begin with basic duties at a design or production firm and, as they learn from other artists, will gain increased responsibilities. Freelance artists can charge more for their work as they complete higher-profile projects and gain wider recognition.

Activity level:

Moderate. Multimedia artists spend many hours in front of a computer screen and thus may experience eyestrain, as well as wrist or back pain.

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Stress level:

Average. Many multimedia artists work flexible hours, but those employed by a company may work extra hours during big projects.

Education and preparation:

A bachelor's degree is generally required to become a multimedia artist, because of the technical expertise required in this position. Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JQuery, and other programming tools is essential, along with expertise in Photoshop. Your portfolio is even more important than your resume, since that's the best way to showcase your talents. It helps to have experience at a design or advertising firm or a film production company. Those who freelance must be adept networkers and self-promoters.

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Real advice from real people about landing a job as a multimedia artist:

"This industry changes faster than people can tweet. I spent about five years developing media for CD-ROMs. That industry dried up in about six months. I'm now starting to design interactive magazines for the iPad. That industry didn't exist six months ago, and while it's taken a while to learn, I can now further market my skill set and become a more valuable designer. Be quick to learn new technologies but be patient in adopting. When looking for jobs, it's helpful to join at least two organizations: One trade-related, and one local, for networking." —Haydn Adams, owner of Nautilus Designs in Greenbrae, Calif.

Suggested job searches: Artist jobs | Multimedia Artist jobs | Animator jobs | New Media jobs