Animator

What is an Animator?

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in animator roles:

• Design 2D animations using hand-drawing or computer animation programs
• Convert recorded actor movements into 3D renderings using designed characters
• Design animated movies, video games, and TV shows, and add animations to other forms of media
• Work with a team of animators, designers, and developers to turn animations into a fully functional product
• Revise animations based on feedback

A Day in the Life

Animators are responsible for creating some of the most beloved entertainment of our time—animated movies, cartoon television shows, and video games of all genres. They are artists—and sometimes programmers—who translate their artistic talents into computer code in order to create moving pictures using designed animations. These skills may lead them to work for major publishers like Pixar and Disney, or they may work for some of the largest gaming studios like Nintendo or Sony.

Animators usually specialize in designing a specific type of animations. They may focus on animating characters, or they may focus on animating backgrounds and scenery. Some also specialize in 3D animations, which require taking the recorded movements of real actors and applying them to character designs and movements. While some animators still create animations the old way by producing thousands of hand-drawn pictures, most these days use computer programs to create animations.

Animators almost always work with a team and divvy up responsibilities for projects. Each animator works on their specific portion of the project, and then at the end, all pieces are merged together to create a cohesive whole. For this reason, animators must be effective team players as well as skilled animators because disconnects could lead to disjointed final projects. Additionally, animators who work on video games also commonly work with developers to transform animations to code.

Typical Work Schedule

Animators usually have a flexible schedule that is more target oriented with total working hours of around 35 to 40 hours per week. Some animators may choose to work as a part-time job or based on temporary contracts. Working as a freelancer allows you to set your own schedule and work from home or choose your workplace. However, you may still have to work longer hours which may include working during evenings or weekends because the work will often be tied to strict deadlines.

Projected Job Growth

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for animators and other multimedia artists is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029. This is almost the same as the average expected growth for all other occupations. The demand for animation and other visual effects will be particularly obvious in the fields of video games, movies, social networking and digital marketing. Since animators can work remotely, companies may prefer hiring overseas animators to reduce the costs which may decrease the demand for the job in the country.

In recent years, more advanced technologies in animation whether in the hardware or the software as well as the professional animators will be a necessity to handle the consumers’ continuous requests for more realistic video games, movies and television special effects. In addition, the increasing demand for modern graphics for smart phones and other mobile devices will provide more job opportunities for animators in this new field. The job has recently become more popular which increased the competition in the job market. This requires building your skills in addition to having a professional portfolio. You may need to decide to specialize in a specific form of animation to get better job opportunities.

Animator Specializations

• 2D animators specialize in producing flat animations for cartoon movies and TV shows.
• 3D animators specialize in producing three-dimensional animations using real actor models.
• Video game animators focus on designing backgrounds, characters, and levels for video games.

Typical Employers

Working as a freelancer is a popular choice among animators which is a more flexible and financially rewarding choice. Statistics show that around 50% of animators work from home as self-employed. You can also find various opportunities in the software industry as well as working with computer systems design where animators design various aspects of the user interface. In addition, digital marketing, advertisment or public relations are valid options for animators.