My job in Belgium: How much does a junior 3D artist earn?

What is your job?
I work in an animation studio where, as well as animation movies, we also make animated series and special effects for live action films. My task list then depends on what projects we have if we're not busy with a specific film production. I have already spent time with the layout team where we converted a 2D comic strip to a 3D version. For these films I work in "stereo". That is a technique of the camera so that the viewer can have an enjoyable experience watching a film in a 3D-cinema. So, it's a job with variety!

Do you like your job?
I love my job. It is hard work but it gives me a great sense of achievement whenever I see one of "my" films or series on TV or in the cinema. Since I was a child I was fascinated by animated films so I have found my dream job!

What do you think of your salary?
As a junior I am very happy with my income (€2,000 gross, €1,900 net with copyright payments, with free lunch vouchers and mobile phone). More is always welcome but I can't complain. I live a good life, I want for nothing.

How many hours a week do you work?
In principle I should work 38 hours per week, but coming up to a deadline I sometimes have to work overtime.

Do you save money?
I try to save a few hundred euros a month. That doesn't always work out but I do my best.

What is your biggest expenditure?
My rent followed by my train pass. Travelling every day from Lier to Ghent is not cheap, but a car would be even more expensive!

What would you never spend your money on?
Expensive products that are priced above their value. The first things that come to mind are cigarettes and designer products. A nice T-shirt is no less hip because it doesn't have a designer label. Of course I'm still in favour of good quality.

What do you gladly spend your money on?
On my hobbies, for example listening to music and going to concerts. Sometimes I have to be careful not to spend too much money on these things.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
That depends, of course, on how much I'd win. If it was millions I'd buy a car and then a house or an apartment. I would continue working because a dream job is not something you give up lightly.