Job Growth/Job Prospects for the Creative Class, Part III

Job Growth Architechs, Multimedia Artists & Animators ,& Video/Film EditorsMarlowsphere Blog (#123)

The last two blogs (#121/#122) took an overall look at job growth/job prospects for those in the so-called “creative class.” This is an appropriate time of year to do so given that May and early June are when college students attend graduation commencement ceremonies.

In this blog I take a specific look at those wishing to enter the fields of architecture, multimedia, and film.

Job Growth Outlook 2012-2022

  • Architects: +17%
  • Multimedia Artists & Animators: +6%
  • Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators: +3%

If any conclusion can be drawn from the numbers in this group of “creative class” disciplines, it is this: there is an ongoing seismic shift away from the printed word (and what it takes to create works with printed words) and towards the dominance of the visual image, generally speaking.

It is arguable that this shift has been taking place since the commercial introduction of the telegraph in 1844. Historically speaking, the telegraph (sometimes called the Victorian Internet) is the first significant electronic communications medium that subsequently led to broadcast radio, then broadcast television, cable, and then the Internet. In between these electronic technology developments we can point to early computers, desktops, laptops, satellites, CDs, DVDs, and now a host of mobile devices, et al. The list of electronic devices is overwhelming.

Shift of Printed Word to ImagesAt least one other conclusion can be readily identified. The explosive growth of electronic devices has, over a period of 170+ years shifted the dominance of the printed word—and all the professions required to accomplish the effective and efficient use of printed words—towards the visual image—and all the professions required to accomplish the effective and efficient use of visual images. In this context, it is no historical accident that since the end of WWII “image” has become more dominant than “substance,” or so it seems. the printed word

As with the previous two blogs, the following Job Growth/Job Prospects descriptions are taken directly from the pertinent Occupational Outlook Handbook (online) of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
 
Architects: +17%

ArchitectEmployment of architects is projected to grow 17 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations.

Architects will be needed to make plans and designs for the construction and renovation of homes, offices, retail stores, and other structures. As campus buildings age, many school districts and universities are expected to build new facilities or renovate existing ones. Demand is expected for more healthcare facilities as the baby-boomer population ages and as more individuals use healthcare services.

Demand is projected for architects with knowledge of green design, also called sustainable design. Sustainable design emphasizes the efficient use of resources, such as energy and water conservation; waste and pollution reduction; and environmentally friendly design, specifications, and materials. Rising energy costs and increased concern about the environment have led to many new buildings being built with more sustainable designs.

With a growing number of students graduating with architectural degrees, strong competition for internships and jobs in the field is expected. Competition for jobs will be especially strong at the most prestigious architectural firms. Those with up-to-date technical skills and training in sustainable design could have an advantage.

Employment of architects is strongly tied to the activity of the construction industry. Therefore, these workers may experience periods of unemployment when there is a slowdown in requests for new projects or when the overall level of construction falls.

Multimedia Artists & Animators: +6%

Multi-media Artists & AnimatorsEmployment of multimedia artists and animators is projected to grow 6 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations. Projected growth will be due to increased demand for animation and visual effects in video games, movies, and television. Job growth [in the United States] will be slowed, however, by companies hiring animators and artists who work overseas. Studios often save money on animation by using lower paid workers outside of the United States.

Consumers will continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and three-dimensional movies. They will also demand newer computer hardware, which adds to the complexity of the games themselves. Video game studios will require additional multimedia artists and animators to meet this increased demand. Some of the additional work may be sent overseas.

In addition, an increased demand for computer graphics for mobile devices, such as smart phones, could lead to more job opportunities. Multimedia artists will be needed to create animation for games and applications for mobile devices.

Despite modest job growth, there will be competition for job openings because many recent graduates are interested in entering the occupation. Opportunities should be best for those who have a wide range of skills or who specialize in a highly specific type of animation or effect.

Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators: +3%
 
Video & Film EditorsEmployment of film and video editors and camera operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations.

Job growth is expected to be slow in broadcasting because automatic camera systems reduce the need for camera operators at many TV stations. Because of the public’s continued strong demand for new movies and TV shows, companies are hiring more people as the motion picture industry becomes more productive.

Production companies and video freelancers are working within new content delivery methods, such as mobile and online TV, which has led to more work for operators and editors. These delivery methods are still in their early stages, yet they provide an opportunity for operators and editors to showcase their work.

In broadcasting, the consolidation of roles, such as field reporters who edit their own work, may lead to fewer jobs for editors at TV stations. However, more editors are expected to be needed in the motion picture industry because of an increase in special effects and content.

Job openings are projected to be in entertainment hubs such as New York and Los Angeles because specialized editing jobs are needed there. Still, film and video editors and camera operators will face strong competition for jobs. Those with more experience at a TV station or on a film set should have the best prospects.

The job prospects for writers & authors, editors, and journalists will be covered in the next blog.

If you have any questions or comments about this or any other of my blogs, please write to me at
meiienterprises@aol.com.

Eugene Marlow, Ph.D.
June 1, 2015

© Eugene Marlow 2015

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