How can I become a Rigging Artist? What kind of starting salary can I expect?

About Character Riggers: Character riggers are experts in manipulating the geometry of characters in their interaction with environments. Character riggers accomplish this through a thorough understanding of physics and anatomy, operating systems such as UNIX, and software such as Autodesk Maya, Motion Builder, 3D Studio Max, and XSI. Becoming a Character Rigger: The most common degree path for aspiring character riggers is a Bachelors in computer animation with a character rigger concentration. Other degree paths include computer science with a character rigger concentration and commercial graphics with a character rigger or animation concentration. Anatomy and geometry courses are strongly recommended if you choose another related degree path. In addition to a Bachelor's degree in any of the areas listed above, most employers prefer several years experience in the field. If you are just entering college, do your best to secure an internship or find work at a production studio or design firm in any capacity. This will give you a head start in gaining valuable experience that will help you secure an entry-level position once you have received your degree. Job trends for Character Riggers: Character riggers can find work in animation, games, advertising, specialized design services, the TV and film industries, computer systems design and related services, and software publishing. Opportunities in these industries are greatest in the states of California, New York, Washington, Texas, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Character Rigger salaries: Salaries for character riggers depend on the industry, experience, geography, and the nature of the position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report average salaries for character riggers, but several sites such as PayScale and Indeed.com list average salaries based on reports gathered from job sites and employees from various companies. Average salaries for character riggers, as reported by PayScale, are between $25,585 and $71,415 per year. Indeed reports that the average salary for character riggers is $46,000 per year. Other sources place the range between $48,000 and $60,000 per year for three to five years experience, and $84,000 per year for six years experience or more. According to some sources, a lead rigger can earn as much as $108,000 per year.

0 Upvotes 0 Upvotes 0 Downvotes

• • Report Abuse
• Comment

Animation is at boom globally with thousands of animated movies/serials/games etc. coming into the market. These animated fields are majorly based on characters that are real life and show very detailed movements. Rigging is a very integral part of the animation, as it is through this that one is able to give a skeleton model to the 3D animated character and this way allows very genuine movements that are viable. So, basically a character need to be rigged before it is animated to be able to display movement. To be able to perform this task, one needs to be highly skilled, that can be learnt through a degree in computer animation. Once that is complete, you will need to gain experience in the field through internships as good companies prefer experienced professionals. The staring salaries are average that range between 25,000-40,000 INR, but can grow really well as one progresses through experience.

0 Upvotes 0 Upvotes 0 Downvotes

• • Report Abuse
• Comment