Description

Animation is the art of creating cartoons, typically through hand-drawn drawings motion capture animation or using computers. Nowadays the majority of animators utilize various computer programs, but a understanding of the basics of animation is essential.

Animation is utilized in games, films, TV commercials, and shows. Animation professionals are usually required to create 2D as well as 3D animations with storyboarding and it is essential to know various animation programs and programs, including Maya 3DSMax, Flash, and Morpheme. The creation of characters is usually an essential aspect of the job, and animators might require a background in rigging, scripting and modeling. Part-time and full-time jobs are offered, and some are freelance. Animators typically work in teams that include other artists and marketing specialists to develop and visualize ideas.

Animators need to be creative people who are able to develop and create innovative and fascinating ideas. A lot of work is performed by individuals and it's essential to stick to deadlines, but collaboration and communication skills are essential to work together on projects from beginning to the end. Animation is constantly evolving and advancing constantly and it's vital to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and changes in the field. An undergraduate degree from animation, art or another related field could be required by certain employers.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Animator with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Creating and developing high-quality animation sequences that bring characters and objects to life.
  • Collaborating with the creative team to conceptualize and storyboard animations that align with the project's vision.
  • Applying principles of animation and timing to enhance the fluidity and realism of character movements.
  • Using industry-standard software and tools to animate characters, objects, and visual effects with precision and attention to detail.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Animator job role, 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

Design Thinking

2

Animation

3

3D Design

4

Adobe Animate

5

UI Animations

Skills That Affect Animator Salaries

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

Animation

11%

Design Simulation

78%

Career Prospects

The role of an Animator is vital in the creative industry, especially with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom. If you're looking for alternative roles, consider the following options:

  • Character Designer: A role specializing in creating and developing unique characters for various forms of media, such as animations, games, and films.
  • Motion Graphics Designer: A position focused on designing captivating visual elements and animations for videos, websites, and presentations.
  • Storyboard Artist: A role that involves translating scripts and ideas into visual sequences, helping to plan and visualize the narrative of a project.
  • Visual Effects Artist: A position specializing in creating and integrating special effects, such as explosions, creatures, or magical elements, into live-action or animated footage.

How to Learn

The job role of an animator in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for animators has been steadily increasing, with a positive trend expected to continue. According to Google, the number of employment opportunities in the animation industry is expected to rise in the future. This indicates a promising outlook for animators, with a favorable job market and ample career prospects.