Have you ever wondered what goes into the special effects in modern-day movies?
Multimedia Artists are responsible for digitally designing programs, such as those used in CGI films.
But Multimedia Artists don’t always work in the video and film industry; some work as freelancers, and some work for technology and scientific companies.
If you are passionate and creative, a career in multimedia arts may fit you!
Multimedia Artist Job Information
| Official Job Title | Multimedia Artist |
| Average Salary | $69,030 |
| Stress Level | Above Average |
| Work/Life | Average |
| Job Satisfaction | Average |
| Career Advancement | Above Average |
Multimedia Artist Job Description
What is a Multimedia Artist?
Multimedia Artists are creative professionals who use digital programs and software to create digital pieces of artwork or possibly marketing and other business materials.
The type of work done will depend on the industry the Multimedia Artist works in, but most work in television, film, video games, internet publishing, social media marketing, and more.
What Does a Multimedia Artist Do Daily?
Daily, Multimedia Artists will be expected to create graphics or animations using different graphic design software, design concepts for new art projects, develop storyboards, meet with clients to work on projects, and manage deadlines.
Every day will be different, but most days will be spent working on multimedia projects.
Responsibilities, Duties & Roles of a Multimedia Artist
Multimedia Artists are usually required to be responsible for several projects and be able to complete them on deadlines.
Multimedia Artists are usually in charge of designing media projects or campaigns for organizations, or they could be in charge of animating a video game.
Depending on your industry as a Multimedia Artist, your duties and responsibilities may differ.
Common duties and roles will include:
- Developing storyboards for bigger projects
- Creating 2D or 3D works on the computer
- Animating graphics
- Design layouts
- Proofreading and editing copy
- Designing websites or graphics for websites
- Meeting with clients, developing progress reports for clients
- Meeting with team members and supervisors
Multimedia Artist Salary
Average Salary
According to Zippia.com, the average salary for a Multimedia Artist is $69,030.
Starting Salary
Zippia.com reports the average entry-level salary for a Multimedia Artist at $45,000 a year.
Senior Salary
Depending on where you work, Multimedia Artists’ salaries could be up to $112,030 a year.
How to Become a Multimedia Artist
The Entry Level: Certifications, Training & Degree
While many graphic design programs used by Multimedia Artists can be easily learned in one’s free time, most employers will want to see at least a bachelor’s degree on your resume.
Most Multimedia Artists earn a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, graphic design, computer graphics, animation, or other related fields.
Most of the training needed for this job will be done in college or through an internship experience.
While it’s not required to do an internship in this field, making an effort to complete an internship will look good on any application and stand out to employers.
Other Skillsets, Requirements & Qualifications
Many companies use Adobe Creative Suite programs for multimedia design, art, and animations.
To boost your resume, it’s a good idea to consider earning an Adobe program certification, such as Apple Certified in Final Cut Pro X or becoming an Adobe Certified Professional.
Once you’ve earned the certification of your choice, be sure to list it on your resume!
If you try harder than the next potential candidate, an employer will likely hire you.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Multimedia Artist?
Between completing a bachelor’s degree and an internship, it should take about four to five years to become a Multimedia Artist.
Some positions may require a couple of years of work experience on your resume before they accept your application.
Is It Hard to Become a Multimedia Artist?
While it takes a lot of computer knowledge and a creative mind to become a Multimedia Artist, it is a pretty easy career to get into once you’ve completed college.
Finding a full-time job as a Multimedia Artist may be a little more complicated, as there is always so much competition in emerging fields like this.
Multimedia Artist Career Paths
The Multimedia Artist Career Path
Multimedia artists may start in an assistant or entry-level position, working their way up to a regular Multimedia Artist with more responsibilities.
While you can stay in this position, there are many opportunities to advance to higher-paid positions with more responsibilities.
Those roles include Art Director, Creative Director, Project Manager, etc.
Projections for Growth in Multimedia Artists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states there will be a 5 percent growth in Multimedia Artist jobs through 2031, which is much faster than average.
It is a growing career path!
In Summary: Is a Multimedia Artist a Good Career?
If you enjoy using your creative mind, yes, it is!
It isn’t the highest-paying career, but many people who enjoy what they do, don’t mind the lower pay because they are passionate.
If the pros out weight the cons, take a chance!
Working Conditions
Can a Multimedia Artist Work Remotely from Home?
In many cases, yes!
Another great thing about the technological age is that many industries can conduct work virtually and on a computer.
Many Multimedia Artists may work in a corporate office, but some may be able to work from home if their company allows it.
Freelance Multimedia Artists usually work from home, so it’s something to consider if remote work is important to you.
How Many Hours Does a Multimedia Artist Work?
Most work full-time careers, but many Multimedia Artist positions may require little work, creating a shorter workweek.
Most full-time Multimedia Artists will work 40 hours a week or more if they have to meet deadlines.
Can a Multimedia Artist Work Part-Time?
Depending on the position and workload, some Multimedia Artists can work part-time positions.
If you work for a bigger organization or corporate office, you will most likely have to work full-time.
What are the Average Vacation Days for a Multimedia Artist?
Full-time Multimedia Artists usually receive two weeks of paid vacation days to use each year.
Alternative Careers & Similar Jobs to a Multimedia Artist
- Film Editor
- UX Designer
- UI Developer
- Product Engineer
- Video Game Writer
- Application Developer
- Computer Engineer
- Technical Program Manager
- Cloud Architect
- Web Designer
Multimedia Artist Resume Tips
If you plan on being a Multimedia Artist, you are okay with going into a creative field.
It only makes sense to make your resume creative!
Use a design program, like Adobe Photoshop or InDesign, to create a beautifully crafted resume and prove to employers you know how to use the programs they will probably require.
Besides a unique design, highlight design skills, computer program knowledge, and other common professional skills in your resume.
Since you plan on going into a creative job, it would also be helpful to consider putting together a portfolio of any multimedia projects you have worked on in college or past jobs.
Multimedia Artist Interview Questions
Q1: How do you plan and organize your work?
Why It Works: Being a Multimedia Artist will require much work on different projects.
Employers will expect you to be able to properly plan and manage your work.
Q2: Share a time you had to deal with a difficult co-worker or client.
Why It Works: Some people are just difficult, but employers will want you to keep calm and work with people, even if you don’t like them.
Q3: Give an example of a time when you thought outside the box. How did it benefit your employer?
Why It Works: Multimedia Artists are creative, so employers will expect you to develop and share creative tactics that may benefit the business.
Q4: How do you handle stress and pressure?
Why It Works: Handling a lot of projects at once can be stressful.
Most Multimedia Artists will be expected to handle these situations calmly and professionally.
Q5: What multimedia and graphic design programs do you have experience in?
Why It Works: Employers will want to know what programs you know, how well you know them, and if you use the programs they use at their company.
Jobs Related to a Multimedia Artist
With a background in multimedia, you could easily land a job in one of these similar careers:
- Film Editor
- Art Director
- Graphic Designer
- Cartoonist
- Sketch Artist
- Producer
- Director
- Editor
For HR Managers: Tips for Hiring a Multimedia Artist
Key Characteristics to Look for in a Multimedia Artist
Potential Multimedia Artists should have a creative mind, be open to new ideas and be proficient in creative and design techniques.
They should be able to demonstrate the latest media and design trends in their work samples.
They will need to be good communicators, be able to work under lots of pressure, and listen to feedback.
They will need patience and a friendly attitude.
Minimum Level of Education & Experience
At a minimum, Multimedia Artists will need a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, commercial design, animation, multimedia design, graphic design, or something similar.
Most Multimedia Artists can start working in these positions right out of college, especially if they have had an internship during college.