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Helping you find a career as an animator

Animators are a type of artist who produces multiple images known as frames, which are then sequenced together to produce an illusion known as animation. Such animation is often featured in films and computer games.

There are different types of animation, including 2D, 3D, stop-motion and computer generated. Frames are often produced with the use of models and puppets.

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FAQs

FAQs

What does an Animator do?

An animator carries out a variety of tasks. Artistically, they must:

Create scripts and storyboards for sequences to be animated
Design models, backgrounds, characters and sets
Use materials such as clay, plaster and paint to develop models
Produce animated sequences in an effective and convincing way
Use technical software such as Flash, Maya and LightWave
Record dialogue and introduce soundtracks

Additionally, an animator must:

Work with production deadlines and meet clients' requirements
Work as part of a broad production team
Pitch your ideas and concepts to prospective clients

What skills should an animator have?

Animators must be highly creative people with great artistic talent and a passion for their work. Skills in computer generated animation are increasingly necessary.

A strong attention to detail and an ability to work under pressure will also be beneficial, as would a passion for animated features, both stop-motion and computer generated, from which to draw inspiration.

What hours do animators typically work?

As animators are often self-employed, hours are flexible. However, due to the nature of the work animators may find themselves working unsociable to meet deadlines.

What environments do animators work in?

Animators are typically based in offices and studios, although professional freelance animators may have home-based studio equipment.

How much do animators earn?

Entry-level salaries in the field are in the region of £15,000 to £18,000. Salaries can rise quickly with experience. Experienced animators can earn around £23,000 to £26,000, with salaries rising to £36,000 after several years in the industry.

Are there any perks and benefits?

As over half of animators in the UK are self-employed, you may have the opportunity to be your own boss, as well as work from home or a local studio.. You may find yourself involved in the promotion of the film or computer game you had a hand in animating.

Once a foothold has been made in the industry, career prospects are strong. The UK has a reputation as a powerhouse of stop-motion animation and its computer games development industry is also thriving. Opportunities to travel to the USA and East Asia to work in CGI animation and games studios may also be available.

What qualifications do animators need?

Studying the following subjects can be useful:

Animation
Art and design
Film and video courses
Graphic design
Multimedia
3D design

Although not essential, postgraduate qualifications in animation may be a route into the industry. Courses include:

Two-year MA Animation at the Royal College of Art
15-month MA in Animation from the University of the West of England
A year-long MA in Digital Effects from Bournemouth University
Two-year MA in Directing Animation at the National Film and Television School As animation is a highly competitive industry, potential candidates must have a showreel. This is a short portfolio of your previous work - whether professional or non-professional - to present to potential clients and employees.