Animator

Animation is the art of making images that, when recorded in sequence, appear to come to life on screen. Animators use a range of techniques to create the illusion of movement, using drawings, models, puppets or, increasingly, specialised computer software.

Animation has a wide range of uses. In addition to narrative storytelling, eg in children’s programmes, shorts and feature films, animation is used in advertising, computer games, websites, music promos, film titles and television idents, and architectural visualisation.

There are four main specialisations in the animation sector:

3D computer generated (CG), the most sought-after specialism, thanks to computer games and film visual effects
2D computer generated, particularly popular for TV, motion graphics and internet animation
2D drawn or traditional
stop frame or stop motion, an increasingly niche area of work.

Animators usually follow a brief from a director, animation director or key animator, or direct from a client. They often work with established characters and layouts and have to produce work in a particular style. This ensures that the whole animation looks as if it has been created by one artist.

The work can be extremely painstaking and time consuming, but animators are still expected to meet deadlines and production schedules. They may work alone or as part of a very large team. Sometimes they are responsible for supervising the work of junior animators, ensuring that it meets the required standard.

Hours and environment

Animators usually work about 40 hours a week but may have to work overtime and unsocial hours to meet deadlines. There is a wide range of freelance and short-term contract work in animation, as well as some permanent jobs.

Animators usually work in offices or studios. Conditions depend on the type of animation: stop frame animation may involve standing for long periods under hot studio lights, adjusting models; other types of animation may involve sitting at a drawing board or computer.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live.

Newly-qualified animators may earn around €30,000 a year.
Experienced animators may earn up to €40,000.
Highly skilled animators may earn €60,000 or more a year.

Skills and personal qualities

Depending on the type of animation, animators need:

creativity and imagination
a feel for movement and timing
life drawing or modelling skills
computer literacy, including knowledge of relevant 3D graphics, animation and compositing software
patience, concentration and attention to detail
observational skills
to be able to work well independently and as part of a team
the ability to take direction and act on feedback
to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines
to be well organised and able to follow studio and production procedures
knowledge of the relevant health and safety procedures.

Interests

It is important to be interested in:

the principles of animation
art and design
film and television
computer and other technology.

Entry routes

Most animators have a degree . Relevant subject areas such as illustration, 3D/graphic design or computer/computer-aided engineering may be an alternative entry to the profession.However, experience and a track record of working on productions made by respected companies are often more important than qualifications. Animators are hired on the strength of their work and talent, normally demonstrated by a showreel.

There is a wide range of animation courses. In addition, there are relevant courses in games design, art and design, fine art, graphics, illustration, and sculpture. As the industry becomes more technology based, subjects such as computer science are increasingly relevant. People who can code effects for feature film animation are often in demand.

Getting on

Studios ask for different levels of experience; however animators who can demonstrate a varied range of work on their showreels tend to be the most employable. Depending on their skills and specialism, animators may progress to lead animator, animation director, art director, designer or director.

2D animators may have the opportunity to move into 3D, and computer animators may be able to re-train from one dimension to another.