Career Options

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Like many creative industries, there are so many job roles within animation, some sectors I have the skills for and can execute to a high standard, others I lack the skills in or simply don't have the ability to work at a professional level. After considering all of the skills I have and researching all of the job roles within the animation industry, below I have outlined the career options I can get involved in;

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Animator (2D computer animation)

• Animating scenes of an animated product, including plotting the camera moves, editing the soundtrack, and charting information on dope sheets 

• Producing a composited version this work for comments from the Director or Animation Director

To do this role, I will need to:

• have animation and acting skills, combined with a good sense of graphic design

• have a good level of computer literacy

• have a good working knowledge of relevant graphics, animation and compositing software, including Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects Flash and/or Cel Action 

• have a good understanding of the principles of animation and filmmaking

• have knowledge of drawing and structure

• be self-motivated

• be able to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback

• be able to communicate clearly with colleagues 

• be able to manage relevant aspects of production

• have the capacity to work both independently and as part of a team

• have an appreciation of accuracy and pay close attention to detail

• be able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure, if required

• have respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio or production

• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

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Animator (Stop Motion)

• Animating models or puppets one frame at a time to create a performance and provide the action outlined in the storyboard

To do this role, I will need to:

• have strong observational, acting and timing skills 

• be able to work in a range of stop motion animation techniques, including excellent sculpting skills (if working in clay)

• have good communication skills, including in liaising with members of other departments, particularly model making

• have good team-working skills 

• be able to clean up models or puppets and make replacement parts, if required

• be able to operate relevant animation and camera equipment

• have a good understanding of character development and storytelling

• be flexible and adapt to the requirements of different types of production for a variety of media, such as television, films, commercials, etc.

• be able to take direction and accept constructive feedback

• be able to work without supervision and follow a brief

• be able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure

• show respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio or production

• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

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Digital Painter

• Adding colour to the line images created by Animators

To do this role, you will need to:

• have a good eye for both detail and colour

• be methodical and conscientious in your approach to work

• have good computer skills and be able to adapt quickly to new software 

• understand the animation process, as you gain more experience

• be able to take direction 

• have good team-working skills

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Layout Artist (2D computer animation)

• Preparing elements for animation, including posing characters, putting together the necessary visual and audio elements, and setting up preliminary camera movements

To do this role, I will need to:

• have a methodical way of working

• have an appreciation for accuracy and pay close attention to detail

• have good working knowledge of relevant graphics, animation and compositing software including Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and/or Cel Action and After Effects

• have a good understanding of the principles of animation and the various stages of production

• possess a good sense of composition, continuity, timing and camera mechanics

• be able to take direction and be willing to address constructive feedback

• have good communication skills, particularly with regard to collaborating with colleagues and other departments

• be able to manage relevant aspects of production

• be able to work both independently and as part of a team

• be able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and effectively under pressure

• have respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio or production

• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

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Model Maker Trainee

• Supporting the model making team as its most junior member in some companies (in others, Junior Model Maker is the entry-level role)

• Learning on the job to progress to the role of Model Maker

To do this role, I will need to:

• have a keen interest in model making and some relevant skills or achievements

• possess manual dexterity combined with artistic ability

• be able to think in 3D

• be methodical, thorough and patient

• pay close attention to detail

• have good communication skills

• have good team-working skills

• be able to take direction and accept delegated tasks willingly

• show respect for the procedures and requirements of a particular studio or production

• have knowledge of the requirements of the relevant health and safety legislation and procedures

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Production Assistant (Animation)

• Assisting in the smooth running of the production

• Supporting the Production Co-ordinator or Production Manager

To do this role, I will need to:

• Have good communication skills

• have good organisational skills

• be able to prioritise, multitask and use your own initiative 

• be numerate, literate and capable of taking accurate notes

• have good typing and IT skills, including use of spreadsheets and databases

• be able to take direction 

• have good team-working skills

• pay close attention to detail