Digital Arts and Media

Digital arts and media is creating art via software on a computer. This allows extra room for error and a huge range of tools that wouldn’t be available through painting in real life. Digital art and media are usually taken by students who are wishing to be the “creative level designer” in the gaming industry however it has other uses too, for example, it is heavily used in television shows and films. You can pursue many careers with knowledge in digital arts and media (DAM).

The entry requirements for a level designer are a graphic design degree, a foundation level in arts and design and 5 GCSEs (A*-C grade). Other jobs require specific requirements, for example, someone who would like to use Digital arts and media to get a job making Anime TV shows you’ll need skills in drawing, using computer animation software, presentation skills, and creativity skills. There aren’t many qualifications needed however it will be useful to have a diploma in digital arts.

The salary for these jobs really depend on who you’re working for but here are the averages:

·         Animator - £20000 (can be upwards of £65000)

·         Level Designer - £42000 (can be upwards of £64000)

      Animators and level designers fit the IT category as they both use CAD (computer aided design) and programs in computers to aid them when creating their work. 

The hours worked by an animator is 35-40 hours however it can vary depending on assignments and tasks they’re given. A level designer is similar working on average 40-45 hours per week, however, it can be a lot higher if they’re working on a big project.

As for vacancies for these jobs there aren’t that many, in London there are only 103 job vacancies for animators, this is probably because of the location and London isn’t exactly known for creating movies as its more of an American thing. If we relocated to the USA and looked for jobs there, there would only be about 200 more, which is actually quite a significant amount. The Level Designer is very similar and in London, I have only found about 200 vacancies. 

Generally, jobs in DAM are based in the USA, as they have far more advanced technology and a wider range of people meaning a wider range of creative ideas. Obviously, that doesn't mean that ALL Animators are located in the USA, there are plenty of other places that Animators are located for example the "Blue Zoo Animation Studio" located in London is well known for helping with the production of "Lego Batman".