Animation
Overview of the Industry
Arts, AV, Technology, and Communication
Lesson Plan
Performance Objective
 Upon completion of this assignment, the student will have a better understanding of career and job
requirements in the animation industry.
Specific Objective
 Students will be able to explain the duties, skills, and requirements of a multimedia artist or animator.
 Students will be able to identify the tools and technology that multimedia artists and animators use in
the industry.
 Students will be able to identify the job skills, education, and experience needed for a particular
job/career in the animation industry.
 Students will be able to identify the current pay rate and the projected growth in a particular
job/career in the animation industry.
Terms
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Animator
Animation
Creative director
Multimedia artists
Technology
Design
Fine arts
Critical thinking
Time management
Time
When taught as written, this lesson should take approximately 1 day to teach.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
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This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
130.83. (c) Knowledge and Skills
(2) The student understands professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) adapt language for audience, purpose, situation, and intent;
(B) organize oral and written information
(C) interpret and communicate information, data, and observations;
(D) present formal and informal presentations;
(E) apply active listening skills;
(F) listen to and speak with diverse individuals
(4) The student applies information technology applications. The student is expected to use personal
information management, email, Internet, writing and publishing, presentation, and spreadsheet or database
applications for animation projects.
(8) The student develops employability characteristics. The student is expected to:
(C) demonstrate skills related to seeking and applying for employment
(E) demonstrate skills in evaluating and comparing employment opportunities
(9) The student applies technical skills for efficiency. The student is expected to employ planning and timemanagement skills to complete work tasks.
(10) The student develops an understanding of animation. The student is expected to:
(I) publish and deliver the product in a variety of media;
(J) research the history and evolution of animation by:
(ii) describing how changing technology is affecting the industry;
(v) comparing various styles of animation; and
(vi) exploring emerging and innovative animation technologies and software;
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English-English I
 110.3(b)(11). Reading/Comprehension of informational text/procedural texts. Students understand
how to glean and use information in procedural texts and documents.
 110.53(b)(2)(B) employ precise language and technical vocabulary to communicate ideas clearly and
concisely
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/):
Job Title: Multimedia Artist and Animator
O*Net Number: 27-1014.00
Reported Job Titles: Animator, Creative Director, Art Director, Artist, Graphic Artist, Graphic Designer,
Illustrator, 3D Artist, 3D Animator, Animation Director
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Tasks:
 Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a
process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
 Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer
equipment.
 Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and
transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
 Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards
that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters
 Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and
assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design and progress
tracking.
 Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
 Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software
and hand drawing techniques.
Soft Skills: Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
PREPARATION
 Review and familiarize yourself with the terminology, website links, and different jobs related to the
multimedia artist and animation industry.
 Have information and websites ready to go prior to the start of the lesson.
 Teacher should have several examples of different types of multimedia and animation jobs and schools
to review and discuss with students.
REFERENCES
 Conduct an online search for multimedia, design and animation schools and jobs

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15
Edition, Multimedia Artists and Animators, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-anddesign/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm
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http://www.collegeatlas.org/animation-programs.html
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http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/353_animator_2d_computer_animation
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www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27.1014.00
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INSTRUCTIONAL AIDS
 Lesson: Overview of the Industry
 Slide Presentation: Overview of the Industry
 Overview of the Industry Grading Rubric
 Overview of the Industry Terms Handout
 Student Assignment Handout
 Teacher computer or projection unit
 Student computers, tablets, laptops, etc.
 Online websites (teacher-directed)
INTRODUCTION
Search online for a variety of multimedia, design and animation courses available at various trade schools and
universities. Examine different types of multimedia, design and animation jobs.
Begin a discussion about what students think is the true role of an individual who works in the multimedia arts
or animation fields.
The teacher should cover terms and concepts from the Overview of the Industry terms and should conduct a
Q&A to do a quick review for understanding.
Start a conversation by asking students the following:
 What do you think an animator does?
 What are the duties of a multimedia artist?
 What does an art director do?
 What qualifications do you think you need in order to get a multimedia, design or animation job?
 What do you think is the typical career route for one of these jobs?
Explain that in this lesson, the students will learn how to access information related to the skills, job
requirements, and expectations for various jobs in the animation industry.
NOTE: As the teacher goes through the slide presentation, students will use the websites or links provided to
search online for the answers to the questions regarding the job of a multi-media artist or animator.
Students will use these skills later, during Independent Practice as they search for the required information on
a related job or career in the animation industry.
(Answers to questions on the Slide Presentation are listed below in the Outline provided for the teacher.)
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Outline
MI
Outline
Go through the slide presentation with
students. Discuss the following:
I. What Exactly do Multimedia Artists and
Animators do?
II. Duties of a Multimedia Artist and
Animator
A. Create graphics and animation
using computer programs and
illustrations
B. Work with teams
C. Research
D. Storyboarding
E. Meet with clients
F. Review deadlines and development
timelines
III. Tools of the Trade
A. Digital cameras
B. Graphics tablets
C. Computers
IV. Technology of the Trade
A. Computer Aided Design CAD
software
B. Development environment
software
C. Graphics or photo imaging software
D. Operating system software
E. Video creation and editing software
F. Web platform development
software
Instructor Notes
Introduce this lesson by
searching online for a variety of
multimedia, design and
animation schools.
Examine different jobs in the
multimedia, design and
animation industry.
Slide 4: Do an internet search of
job listings for multimedia artist
and animators. Start a
discussion about qualifications,
duties, education and skills
needed for the job.
Slide 5: Take a few minutes to
discuss and possibly
demonstrate the tools
multimedia artist and animators
use.
Slide 6: Talk about industry
standard software that
multimedia artist and animators
use in their profession.
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MI
Outline
V. Industry Knowledge
A. Communications and media
B. Design
C. Fine arts
D. Computers and electronics
E. English language
F. Customer and personal service
Instructor Notes
Slides 7-9: Emphasize and
discuss the skills needed for the
multimedia artist and animator,
not just computer skills, but
personal skills as well.
VI. Abilities
A. Oral expression
B. Written comprehension
C. Oral c
D. Visualization
E. Written expression
F. Speech clarity
VII. Industry Skills
A. Active listening
B. Reading comprehension
C. Critical thinking
D. Time management
E. Coordination
F. Judgment and decision making
G. Speaking
H. Active learning
I. Complex problem solving
J. Monitoring
VIII. Related Occupations
A. Web developers
B. Art directors
C. Graphic designers
D. Interior designers
E. Producers
F. Directors - stage, motion pictures,
television, and radio
G. Technical directors or managers
H. Copy writers
I. Film and video editors
J. Desktop publishers
IX. Statistics
Slides 10: Talk about the
different roles and related
occupations in the multimedia or
animation industry.
Slides 11: Explore the Bureau of
Labor web site for job forecasts
and statistics
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Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic
or
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical
Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal
Linguistic
Visual
Spatial
Application
GUIDED PRACTICE
The teacher will use Overview of the Industry as an interactive slide presentation.
The teacher will provide website or links for career information. As the teacher goes through each slide,
students will search online for answers to the questions.
Information will be shared and discussed as a class.
Go over the Overview of the Industry terms handout with students to make sure they understand all of the
terminology.
INDEPENDENT PRACTICE
 Students will choose a related career or job in the animation industry and refer to the Student
Assignment Handout to research the following questions:
o
o
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o
o
o
o
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What do people in this job or career do?
What skills and abilities are required?
What degree and training do you need?
What companies employ people in this career or job?
What is the job schedule like for this career or job?
What kind of pay do people in this career or job make?
What is the Job Outlook through 2022?
Students will present their information in a creative format of their choosing (Possible choices include
a slide presentation, display board, skit with props, movie, film, game or game show, etc.)
Summary
Review
Review lesson concepts. Allow time for questions and comments.
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Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Any and all of the following can be used as informal assessments…
 The teacher will move throughout the classroom as students work through the Guided Practice
 Check for students being on-task throughout research project.
 Check for progress throughout the class period.
Formal Assessment
 Students will submit their completed project to be viewed by the class and evaluated by the teacher.
 An assessment of the student’s research will be based on the attached rubric.
Enrichment
Extension
Encourage students to conduct an online search for information on a well-known animation artist or
multimedia artist and create a presentation or share their information with the class.
Identify 5 similar occupations. Check out the job duties, education needed, and the current median pay.
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ANIMATION TERMS

Animator
An artist who creates multiple images that give an illusion of movement called animation when
displayed in rapid sequence; the images are called frames and key frames. Animators can work in a
variety of fields including film, television, and video games
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Animation
The process of creating a continuous motion and shape change illusion by means of the rapid
display of a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other
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Creative director
A position often found within the graphic design, film, music, fashion, advertising, media or
entertainment industries, but may be useful in other creative organizations such as web
development and software development firms as well
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Multimedia artists
Are contemporary artists who use a wide range of media to communicate their art. Multimedia art
includes, by definition, more than one medium; therefore multimedia artists use visual art in
combination with sound art, moving images and other media
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Technology
Is used in order to solve a problem, improve a pre-existing solution to a problem, achieve a goal,
handle an applied input/output relation or perform a specific function
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical
plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
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Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of
music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions,
conclusions or approaches to problems
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others
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STUDENT ASSIGNMENT HANDOUT
You are close to graduating high school and you want a career in the multimedia artist or animation field, but
what direction do you go? What career or job has the best future outlook?
The following list is given to you by your high school counselor for career or job choices in the multimedia
artist or animation field. What will you choose for your career?
Using the list below, choose one of the following careers or jobs in the multimedia artist or animation industry
that might possibly interest you:
 Animator
 Creative Director
 Art Director
 Artist
 Graphic Artist
 Graphic Designer
 Illustrator
 3D Artist
 3D Animator
 Animation Director
Now, use the following web sites to research the career/job that you chose from the list above:
 http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm (U.S. Department of
Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics)
 http://www.collegeatlas.org/animation-programs.html
 http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/353_animator_2d_computer_animation
 www.onetonline.org/link/summary/27.1014.00
Use the web sites from above to answer the following questions:
 What do people in this job or career do?
 What skills and abilities are required?
 What degree and training do you need?
 What companies employ people in this career or job?
 What is the job schedule like for this career or job?
 What kind of pay do people in this career or job make?
 What is the Job Outlook through 2022?
Once you have researched your topic and answered the questions, you will present your information in a
creative format of your choosing. Some possible formats are listed below:
 Slide presentation
 Display board
 Skit with props
 Movie or film
 Game or game show
REMEMBER: YOU CAN MAKE IT HUMOROUS AND FUN. TAKE YOUR TIME AND DO IT RIGHT
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Overview of the Industry Grading Rubric
CRITERIA
Content
(20 points)
EXCEPTIONAL
ABOVE
AVERAGE
BELOW AVERAGE
UNACCEPTABLE
8-10 points
4-7 points
1-3 points
0 points
Content is accurate
but some
information is not
presented in a logical
order, but is still
generally easy to
follow.
Content is accurate
but information is
not presented in a
logical order, making
it difficult to follow.
Content is
inaccurate and
information is not
presented in a
logical order,
making it difficult to
follow.
Content is
accurate and
information is
presented in a
logical order.
8-10 points
Slide
Creation
(20 points)
Presentation
flows well and
logically.
Presentation
reflects
extensive use of
tools in a
creative way.
Correct number
of slides.
Slide
Transitions
(20 points)
Transitions are
smooth and
interesting.
Transitions
enhance the
presentation
Pictures,
Clip Art &
Background
(20 points)
Images are
appropriate.
Layout of images
is pleasing to the
eye.
8-10 points
8-10 points
Technology
Connection
(20 points)
COMMENTS:
4-7 points
Presentation flows
well. Tools used
correctly.
Correct number of
slides. Overall
presentation is
interesting
4-7 points
Smooth transitions
are used on most
slides.
4-7 points
Images are
appropriate.
Layout is cluttered.
1-3 points
Presentation flows
well. Some tools
used to show
acceptable
understanding.
Correct number of
slides.
1-3 points
Smooth transitions
are used on some
slides.
1-3 points
Most images are
appropriate.
8-10 points
4-7 points
1-3 points
Comprehensive
use of
technology is
apparent.
General
understanding of
technology.
Acceptable
understanding of
technology.
0 points
Presentation has no
flow. No tools used.
Insufficient number
of slides.
0 points
No transitions used.
0 points
No images.
0 points
No understanding of
technology.
TOTAL POINTS:
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POINTS