Animator

What is an animator?

An animator is someone who brings characters and objects to life through drawings, models, or computer-generated images. They create the illusion of movement by creating a series of images called frames.

What does an animator do?

Usually, an animator does the following:

• Collaborates with a team to develop animations for movies, TV shows, video games, or advertisements
• Creates storyboards and sketches to plan out the animation
• Uses computer software or traditional techniques to bring characters and objects to life
• Adds sound effects or voices to enhance the animation
• Reviews and makes necessary edits to the animation based on feedback

What does the day-to-day life of an animator look like?

An animator usually works between 9am and 5pm, although the hours can vary depending on the project or company. They may work in a studio or from home if they are self-employed.

In a typical day, an animator might:

• Attend team meetings to discuss the progress of the project
• Create or refine animations using software or traditional tools
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure the animation meets the desired vision
• Review and make necessary revisions based on feedback

Where does an animator work?

Animators can work in various industries, including:

• Animation studios: These are companies that specialize in creating animated movies, TV shows, or video games. Examples include Pixar Animation Studios and Studio Ghibli.
• Advertising agencies: Animators may work for agencies that create animated advertisements for television, online platforms, or social media.
• Game development companies: Some animators work on creating animations for video games. They may be employed by companies like Nintendo or Ubisoft.
• Self-employment: Some animators choose to work as freelancers or start their own animation studios.

What tools/software/hardware does an animator use?

An animator uses a variety of tools including:

• Software: Popular animation software includes Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, and Autodesk Maya.
• Drawing tablets: These are devices that allow animators to draw directly on a screen using a pen-like stylus. Examples include Wacom tablets or iPad Pro with Apple Pencil.
• Traditional tools: Some animators still create animations using traditional techniques, such as drawing on paper or using stop-motion with physical models.

What do I need to become an animator?

There are a number of ways you can become an animator, including:

• Bachelor's degree: Many animators have a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Some universities and colleges in the UK offer relevant courses, such as the Animation BA (Hons) at Bournemouth University.
• Animation courses: You can also take animation courses or workshops to learn the necessary skills. There are online platforms like Animation Mentor or Escape Studios that offer animation courses.
• Portfolio work: Building a strong portfolio showcasing your animation skills is crucial. It can include personal projects or animations created during your studies.

What career paths are available?

There are a number of career paths available to you as an animator, including:

• Senior Animator: With experience, you can progress to a senior animator role where you may lead a team of animators and take on more complex projects.
• Art Director: Some animators choose to become art directors, overseeing the artistic direction and style of an animation project.
• Animation Producer: If you have strong organizational and project management skills, you could become an animation producer, responsible for coordinating and managing animation projects.

What jobs are similar to an animator?

• Motion Graphics Designer: Creating animated graphics for various purposes, such as title sequences for movies, TV shows, or promotional videos.
• Storyboard Artist: Creating visual representations of a story or script to help plan the overall flow of a movie, TV show, or animation.
• Character Designer: Designing and developing characters for animations, including their appearance, personality, and movement.

What made you want to become an animator?

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How did you get your first animator job?

What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being an animator?

Are you an animator? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to animation. If you're interested, contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.