The field of animation is burgeoning in Hawaii

Hawaii has a rapidly growing artist population compared to the 49 other states that it is separated from. The region boasts 7,750 artists living on the islands, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The career niches divide into fine arts, design, entertainment and new media. If you're an artist of any type, Hawaii might be the best location for you to find new projects.

There are several production and animation houses on the islands that work on TV shows, commercials and movies. Compared to the rest of the country, Hawaii's animation job market is burgeoning, to say the least.

According to the BLS, the field of animation will see a 14 percent salary increase between 2008-2018. That is the largest increase of any artistic occupation. As of May 2009, Hawaiian animators made around $57,960 a year.

Although that number may be relatively small compared to states such as California ($76,010), Maryland ($66,850), Washington ($64,840) and New York ($62,150), it is pretty large for such an isolated location.

For job seekers who are looking to enter the growing job field, having a noticeable passion for the arts is a desirable trait. A good animator has intensive drawing and art skills, as well as a vision of a broader story or picture. Employers want to see creativity oozing out of you at every moment, so an extensive portfolio showing the range of your imagination is an attractive asset to possess.

The field of animation is an exciting new opportunity for artists to explore new media. In addition to a rising salary, animator's skills are becoming more useful in different businesses. With online media becoming an increasingly important way to communicate with consumers, companies are finding more uses in providing visually appealing websites and promotional ads. Animators are vital to the creation of those productions.

For employers, being able to spot potential talent can be quite hard. Drawing skills and creative intuition can go a long way, but like in most commercial art fields, a successful employee also has a good sense of business. A talented animator has a broader picture for his art. Understanding the story themes and character qualities that the vast population of audience members would be attracted to is an important quality. Commercial success and artistic skills do not always go hand-in-hand. An animator that understands his role in the production company is a valuable new hire.