Animator
What is the work like?
As an animator, you would bring drawings or models to life on screen. Your work could be used in animated short and full-length films, television cartoons, adverts, computer games, websites and film special effects.
You could specialise in one of the following animation techniques:- 2-D hand-drawn, or traditional
- 2-D computer-generated
- 3-D computer-generated (known as ‘CGI')
- stop-frame, stop-motion or model animation.
Producing an animation involves many stages and processes, from generating ideas to building models and final editing. Each stage can involve several specific tasks and job roles.
In the development stage, directors and producers create ideas, plan the project and find funding.
In Pre-production – production designers create the look; storyboard artists take the script or ideas and show the story in a visual way; and layout artists draw how each shot will look.
During production – digital painters touch up colours; animators and modellers follow the storyboard and use computer or stop-frame animation to create movement and personality.
In post-production – compositors join the different layers of animation (backgrounds, special effects, characters and graphics); editors produce the finished piece.
Working on a smaller project might mean you covering several of these jobs. On large or long-running productions, you could be part of a team of animators and assistants working on one stage for several weeks, months or even years.
See Skillset’s website for detailed information about specific animation job roles.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become an animator, you will need skills in drawing, modelling or using computer animation packages. Some animators are self-taught, but many start by taking an animation or art-related course at college or university, to develop their skills before looking for work.
Several colleges and universities offer foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses in animation. The most useful courses include practical skills and work placements. See Skillset’s website for details of industry-endorsed animation courses. You should check with colleges and universities about course content and entry requirements.
You could also get into the industry with qualifications in other relevant subjects such as:
- illustration
- graphic design
- computer programming
- model making or sculpture
- 3-D design
- multimedia design.
You will often start as a studio runner, then progress to junior roles like storyboard assistant, digital painter or assistant animator. You do not need any qualifications to work as a runner, although in practice many people who start at this level are graduates.
Employers always want to see proof of your talent and creativity, so you will need a ‘showreel’ DVD of your best animation work to show to companies and studios.
You could also show commitment to joining the industry by entering animation competitions and festivals, and sending short animated films or ideas to broadcasters.
What further training and development can I do?
Most of your training would be on the job, learning from more experienced animators.
You should keep up to date with developments in the animation industry throughout your career. It will be useful to learn more software packages that are relevant to your job, for example:
- 3ds Max
- Flash
- Maya
- Action Script
- Motionbuilder
- Lightwave 3D
- After Effects.
Many other packages are available, and some companies also create software to meet their own needs. Your employer may organise some training courses for you, or you may be responsible for your own training and development.
You can take short courses in various animation software packages and techniques at several film schools, universities and private training companies. Visit Skillset’s website to search for courses.
With experience and advanced skills, you can progress from junior roles to become an animator, lead animator and animation director.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Glasgow
G2 4QE
Tel: 0141 302 1700
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
London
SW9 9BT
London
W1T 1LN
Tel: 020 7255 1444
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are around £20,000 a year.
- With more experience and skills, earnings are usually around £30,000 to £40,000 a year.
You may also earn a bonus at the end of a project, particularly in the computer games industry.
Freelance animators are usually paid a fee for each contract or project. Rates can vary based on your track record and the type of production. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
For many jobs you will work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but you may sometimes need to work overtime and unsocial hours to meet deadlines.
The work can be office- or studio-based, depending on your role and the type of animation.
In stop-motion animation you may spend a lot of time on your feet adjusting models. In other types of animation, you would spend most of your time at a computer or drawing board.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity and imagination
- good drawing or modelling skills
- patience and concentration
- accuracy and attention to detail
- good computer skills, preferably including graphics and animation software
- communication and presentation skills
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- good teamworking skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for large or small animation studios, computer games developers, interactive media designers or post-production houses (producing animated film and TV titles and credits). Freelance fixed-term contracts are common.
The main centres for animation in the UK are London, Bristol, Cardiff, Dundee and Manchester. CGI is the fastest-growing sector of animation, but there is still a demand for people with good drawing skills. The more skills you can offer, the more employment options you will have.
Jobs are sometimes advertised on specialist industry websites, although many jobs are not advertised as it is common to find work through networking.
You may find the following links useful for general reading, job vacancies and making contacts (links open new window):
Imagine
Animation World Magazine
Animation Industry Database
Festivus
Broadcast Freelancer
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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