Animator
An animator produces multiple images called frames, which when sequenced together rapidly create an illusion of movement 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 model-making animation, stop frame 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 work, the internet and the computer games industry.
The basic skill of animation still relies heavily on the animator's artistic ability, but there is a growing need for animators to be familiar with technical computer packages.
Producing animation involves a number of stages including generating ideas, building models and rigging lighting. Computer animation uses software known as CGI (computer-generated imagery).
Tasks typically involve:
Much of the work involves pitching and being proactive in selling your ideas and work to prospective customers and clients. This applies across the board, whether you are self-employed, working freelance or employed within a business.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following degree or foundation degree subjects are particularly relevant:
Entry without a higher education qualification is unusual, but not impossible. Exceptions may be made for very talented candidates. Many animators consider that having an artistic background is just as important as a competence in IT.
Though not essential, a relevant postgraduate qualification in animation may enhance your employability. Courses include the two-year MA Animation at the Royal College of Art , the two-year MA in Games Design and Development at The National Film and Television School and the one-year (30-week) PGDip in Character Animation at Central Saint Martins . Other postgraduate courses can be found on the Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries website.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Animation is a competitive industry. If you are looking for work in the industry you must have a show reel. This is your portfolio to show to production companies or animation commissioners in advertising agencies, music companies or television companies.
It is acceptable practice to send show reels out speculatively, although it is better to target particular projects. Take time to ensure your show reel is short and punchy as companies are likely to be drawn in during the first five seconds and will probably have made a decision after one minute of film.
Graduates may consider applying for a residency in order to raise their profile, make new contacts and build a portfolio. Residencies provide the opportunity to work as an artist-in-residence and have access to facilities and a working environment that are conducive to creative work. Graduates either pursue their own work or can work with industry professionals on specific projects. Residencies can last from two weeks to several months.
The Skillset Media Academy Wales offers residencies, as do a number of other universities, including the London College of Communication . The British Council and regional film offices are good sources for researching residencies. Graduates are also recommended to send their films to the British Council, where their arts department may promote them at festivals overseas.
You may find the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) and Cartoon (European Association of Animation Film) helpful in establishing contacts. It is also worthwhile contacting your local media development agency to find out about workshops, support and networking opportunities. Skillset acts as an umbrella information and advice service for the audiovisual industry.
The Careers in VFX video, produced by Creative Skillset in collaboration with visual effects (VFX) companies and UK Screen , provides a useful insight into how to get into digital/computer animation. It explains what VFX is, the subjects you need to study and the different roles involved.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most animators learn on the job but attending classes and courses can be helpful, either to refresh or hone your skills in drawing, modelling or in software. A list of media and multimedia courses can be found at British Film Institute (BFI) .
Larger companies may offer a more formal training package. This might include taking a Masters qualification in animation or working towards a professional qualification in a more specialist area.
There are around 100 short courses and master classes, lasting from a few days to several weeks, covering specific areas of animation. Visit the Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries for details.
Local audiovisual sector skills councils can be very useful when it comes to researching short courses or opportunities to develop further specialist areas. Contact Skillset to see which organisation covers your nation/region of the UK. Local sector skills councils may, in turn, direct you to local organisations that offer audiovisual training, for example Cyfle in Wales or South West Screen in Bristol.
Most animators begin as studio runners and then progress to junior animation roles. In 2D animation, you may begin work as an 'inbetweener', then progress to key framer. 3D animation has a more hierarchical structure: starting as a junior animator, with progression to senior animator after a few years' experience and finally design manager or art director.
Senior roles involve more paperwork, managing staff and generating new ideas. Career progression is usually mostly through freelance work, which develops the animator's reputation, and this is likely to ensure a regular supply of work as well as more senior responsibilities.
The UK is particularly good for stop motion or stop frame animation and children's animation and has a thriving computer games industry. However, animation is a global industry and you may have to move abroad if you wish to specialise in a particular type of animation. The USA is home to some of the largest animation, CGI special effects and games studios. A lot of 2D animation is also done in East Asia. Animators are increasingly looking for work overseas, as well as in the UK, in order to maximise their client base.
In terms of development, versatility is the key and if you can work with puppets, models and drawn and computer-generated animation, you may find more options open to you. Another progression route for animators is to go into teaching or lecturing.
According to Creative Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for the Creative Industries , most animators (nearly 40%) work as freelancers or on short-term contracts.
There are 250 businesses working in some kind of animation and the UK workforce is around 4,700. Generally, companies work in several areas of animation (television, advertising, feature film, etc.) but computer games studios tend to specialise in the one area.
The UK also leads the world in the production of pre-school storytelling and design, and this area continues to attract investors, ensuring the availability of work.
Other areas of work include:
Many animators work as independent film makers, producing their own short films and trying to win commissions from animation commissioners at Channel 4 , the BBC (in particular BBC2), the web or other related media. Getting a short film broadcast could lead to a commission for a short series, a longer film or interest from music company advertising agencies (for music videos) or commercial and business ventures.
Other useful directories and sources of agents include:
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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