Description

Animators work by creating cartoons, usually through hand drawings, motion capture animation, or with computers. In the modern era, most animators use a range of computer programs, though sufficient knowledge of basic animation is still absolutely necessary.Animation is used for games, films, television shows, and commercials. Animators are often expected to create both 2D and 3D animations using storyboarding, and it's important to be familiar with a variety of animation programs and software, such as Maya 3DS Max, Flash, and Morpheme. Character creation is often an important part of the position, and animators may need to be skilled in rigging, scripting, and modeling. Both full-time and part-time positions are available, and some even work freelance. Animators usually work on teams with other artists and marketing experts in order to plan and visualize concepts.Animators must be creative individuals who can develop and contribute to unique and intriguing concepts. Much of the work is done independently, so it's important to be able to adhere to deadlines; however, communication and teamwork skills are also important in order to collaborate on projects from start to finish. Animation itself is evolving and improving all the time, so it's extremely important to stay up-to-date with all changes and developments in the field. A bachelor’s degree in art, animation, or a related field may be required by some employers.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an animator with 0-3 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Creating 2D or 3D animations using industry-standard software, such as Maya or Adobe Animate, to bring characters and objects to life. Utilize software to produce visually appealing animations.
  • Collaborating with the creative team to develop storyboards and concept art, ensuring the visual style and narrative coherence of the animation. Work with the team to plan and visualize the animation's storyline and appearance.
  • Implementing animation techniques, including keyframing, rigging, and motion capture, to achieve smooth and realistic movement. Apply various animation techniques to achieve lifelike and fluid motion.
  • Reviewing and revising animations based on feedback from clients or supervisors, making necessary adjustments to meet project requirements.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Animator, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficiency in animation software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Maya, or Blender, with a strong understanding of the principles of animation.
  • Creativity and imagination to conceptualize and develop engaging characters, storyboards, and visual effects that align with the project's objectives.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work meticulously to animate characters, objects, and environments with precision and fluidity.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with a team, including directors, artists, and other animators, to bring ideas to life and meet project deadlines.

Essential Skills For Animator

1

Animation

2

Graphic Design

3

Design Simulation

4

Adobe After Effects

Skills That Affect Animator Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Animation

3%

Graphic Design

13%

Design Simulation

9%

Adobe After Effects

9%

Career Prospects

The role of an Animator is crucial in creating engaging visual content. For individuals with 0-3 years of experience in Australia's animation industry, here are four alternative roles to consider:

  • Motion Graphics Designer: A position specializing in creating animated graphics for various media platforms, such as videos, websites, and advertisements.
  • Game Artist: A role focused on designing and animating characters, environments, and visual effects for video games.
  • 3D Modeler: A position involved in creating three-dimensional models and assets for animation, visualization, and virtual reality projects.
  • Storyboard Artist: A role centered around illustrating and visualizing the narrative and sequence of events in animations, films, or TV shows.

How to Learn

Based on the latest data from Google, the job role of Animator in Australia is projected to experience a steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been an increasing demand for animators, and this trend is expected to continue. With the continuous growth of the entertainment, gaming, and advertising industries, the employment opportunities for animators are expected to expand. The precise number of employment opportunities in the future is not specified in the data provided. However, considering the constant demand for animation in various sectors, the outlook for this job role in Australia appears promising.