Animator

There are many types of animation, including 2D, stop-motion, 3D, hand-drawn and computer-generated, but all roles require a high level of creativity and passion

An animator produces multiple images called frames, which when sequenced together create an illusion of movement - this is known as animation. The images can be made up of digital or hand-drawn pictures, models or puppets.

Animators tend to work in 2D animation, 3D modelling, stop-motion or computer-generated animation.

Computer-generated animation features strongly in motion pictures (to create special effects or an animated film in its own right), as well as in aspects of television, the internet and the computer games industry.

The basic skill of animation still relies heavily on artistic ability, but there is an increasing need for animators to be familiar with technical computer packages.

Responsibilities

Producing animation involves several stages including generating ideas, building models, rigging lighting and using computer animation software known as CGI (computer-generated imagery).

As an animator, you'll typically need to:

• liaise with clients and develop animation from their concepts
• create storyboards that depict the script and narrative
• draw in 2D to create sketches, artwork or illustrations
• design models, backgrounds, sets, characters, objects and the animation environment
• use a range of materials, including modelling clay, plaster, oil paints, watercolours and acrylics
• develop the timing and pacing of character or object movements to match soundtrack and audio cues
• use technical software packages, such as Adobe Animate, Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, LightWave, Softimage or Cinema 4D
• build up accurate, detailed, frame-by-frame visuals
• record dialogue and work with editors to composite the various layers of animation (backgrounds, special effects, characters and graphics) to produce the finished piece
• work to production deadlines and meet clients' commercial requirements
• work as part of a broader production team, which may include printers, copywriters, photographers, designers, account executives, website designers or marketing specialists
• deal with diverse business cultures, delivering presentations and finding funding
• promote your work and ideas to potential clients, whether you’re freelancing, self-employed or working in a studio.

Salary

• Entry-level salaries typically range from £18,000 to £22,000, with roles in computer game animation often starting at the higher end.
• Experienced animators can earn £25,000 to £35,000.
• Senior-level animators with over ten years' experience can earn £40,000 or more.

For information on freelance rates, consult the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU).

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Hours are usually standard office hours (around 40 per week), but as deadlines approach you may need to work overtime, including at the weekend. Flexible working is quite common.

What to expect

• Animation is typically office or studio-based, although experienced freelancers may work from home using personal studio setups.
• It's a global industry, and many projects serve international clients. Maintaining regular contact with production companies is important to remain on their preferred list of animators.
• UK animation hubs include London, Bristol, Manchester, Dundee and Edinburgh.
• Travel in the UK or abroad may be required to showcase your work at festivals or meet clients.

Qualifications

This field is open to all graduates, but the following degree or foundation degree subjects are particularly relevant:

• animation
• art and design
• computer-aided engineering
• design for moving image
• electrical engineering
• film and video
• graphic design or illustration
• model making or sculpture
• multimedia
• spatial design
• 3D design.

Entry without a higher education qualification is unusual, but not impossible. Exceptions may be made for very talented candidates. Many animators consider having an artistic background just as important as having skills in IT.

Although not essential, a relevant postgraduate qualification may improve your career prospects. Search for postgraduate courses.

Skills

You'll need to show:

• artistic talent and technical skills
• a good eye for detail
• communication and storytelling skills
• ability to work with others and to take direction
• networking skills and commitment to projects through previous work experience
• an engagement with the industry from submitting work to festivals and competitions
• the flexibility to switch between several projects at once.

In character animation, you may also need skills in comedy, dialogue, action, singing or music.

Work experience

Animation is highly competitive. A showreel (visual portfolio) is essential when approaching production companies or animation commissioners in advertising, music or television.

While it's acceptable to send speculative applications, targeting specific projects is more effective. Keep your showreel short and impactful - many decisions are made within the first minute.

You could also apply for an artist residency to build contacts, gain experience and create a portfolio. Residencies vary in length and may involve working solo or alongside professionals.

Check opportunities with universities, regional film offices, and the British Council. The British Council’s arts department may promote your films internationally.

Useful organisations and events include:

• ASIFA (International Animated Film Association)
• Cartoon

Also contact your local media development agency or ScreenSkills for workshops, support and networking events.

Employers

Most animation companies work across sectors such as television, advertising, and film. In contrast, video game studios tend to focus on a single area.

The UK is a leader in pre-school storytelling and design, which continues to attract investment and generate jobs.

Other areas of work include:

• feature films
• children's TV
• video games
• music videos
• title sequences and idents
• adult comedy and drama.

Many animators work as independent filmmakers, producing their own short films and pitching to commissioners at broadcasters such as Channel 4, the BBC (especially BBC Two), or to online and commercial clients.

Having a short film aired could lead to longer commissions or commercial projects, such as music videos or advertising work.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Animated Jobs
• Animation Magazine
• Association of Illustrators (AOI)
• Datascope

Other useful directories and sources of agents include:

• Creative Review
• D&AD

Professional development

You'll mainly learn on the job but attending classes and courses can be helpful, either to refresh or hone your skills in drawing, modelling or software.

The British Film Institute (BFI) lists media and multimedia courses.

Larger companies may offer a more formal training package, which may include a Masters qualification in animation or working towards a professional qualification in a more specialist area.

Numerous short courses and masterclasses are available, ranging in length from a few days to several weeks. These usually cover a specific area of animation. For details, visit ScreenSkills - Training courses.

Regional audiovisual sector skills councils can be very useful when it comes to researching short courses or seeking opportunities to further develop specialist areas. Contact ScreenSkills to find out which organisation covers your location.

Career prospects

Most animators start out as studio runners or junior animators.

In 2D animation, entry-level roles include 'inbetweener', and as a next step, key frame artist.

3D animation has a more hierarchical structure. From junior animator, you can progress to senior animator and eventually to design manager or art director positions.

Senior roles involve more project management, creative direction and team leadership.

The UK is renowned for stop-motion or stop-frame animation and children's animation and has a thriving computer games industry. However, animation is global, and you may need to move abroad if you wish to pursue certain specific roles or specialisms.

For example, the USA is home to major animation and VFX studios and much 2D animation is produced in East Asia. Because of this, many animators pursue international opportunities to broaden their client base.

Versatility in your work will increase your options, for example, working across puppetry, modelling, drawn and digital techniques.

Another potential career route is to move into teaching or lecturing in animation.