Animator

An animator uses computer graphics, drawing or modelling to produce a series of photographs which gives the illusion of movement.

The Work

As an animator you would work on one project at a time.

You could be:

• reading the storyboard telling the 'story' for the animation


• planning and designing the 'frames' (pictures) which tell the story


• creating 3D computer sequences to make the characters 'move'. This is now the most common method of animation


• drawing background and characters and using digital equipment to copy them hundreds of times over, with tiny changes in position


• making puppets from clay and then changing their positions again and again, photographing the frames. One second of film will need up to 25 photographs.

Conditions

• You work in an open plan office or studio.


• You work standard office hours but will have to work overtime to meet deadlines.


• If you are freelance, your hours will be more irregular.

Getting In

• Artistic talent is more important than formal qualifications.


• You need a good showreel of animated work or else a portfolio of design work for entry to courses and jobs.


• There are no formal entry requirements, but most entrants have a degree or Higher National Certificate or Diploma (HNC or HND), usually in animation or art and design. A relevant postgraduate qualification can be helpful.


• You may have to do several work experience placements without pay before getting your first job.


• Employers rarely advertise posts. The best way in is to make contacts in the field and visit or email advertising agencies or animation studios on spec, perhaps offering to carry out work on a freelance basis in the first instance.


• You should have normal colour vision.

What Does It Take?

You should have:

• imaginative and original ideas


• good IT skills including specialist animation software


• drawing skills


• good sense of colour and style


• an eye for small detail


• creative ability to solve technical problems.

• patience


• the ability to accept criticism


• good communication skills to present ideas


• the ability to work to deadlines


• the ability to work either alone or as part of a team


• business skills if you are self-employed.

Training

• Courses are available in animation and visualisation, 3D computer animation, animation and multimedia and computing for graphics and animation.


• The National Centre for Computer Animation at Bournemouth University runs postgraduate specialist courses.


• You need to keep up to date with new software packages.


• Skillset lists courses endorsed by the industry in the animation section of their website. There is also careers advice on working in animation on the website.

Getting On

You could move into consultancy work, or get a job abroad. Animators are in demand internationally.

If you are an employee of a production company you could progress to become director of animation.

Current uses for animated special effects include:

• advertisements and feature films for large screen and television


• computer animated simulation rides


• computer games and virtual environments


• web graphics.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:

• where you work


• the size of company or organisation you work for


• the demand for the job.

More Information

''Just over 2,000 people work in animation in the UK nearly half of them are freelance. There are currently more than 300 companies producing a range of work.'' (Skillset Animation website)

Addresses

The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.