What does an animator do?
From video games and anime, to Pixar and Disney movies – animations are everywhere and animation makers are the artists behind these creations. Using a series of images (known as frames) they create the illusion of movement. Working with hand-drawings, specialist animation software, or models and puppets; the methods used by an Animator will depend on their field. As an animator you could create special effects for a movie, develop characters for TV shows, design a fantasy world for a video game, work with advertising agencies on ad campaigns, or help design websites – all of which you could do working within an organisation or as a contracted freelancer.Is a career as an animator right for me?
If you’re highly creative, project-orientated and have a strong drive to succeed, then an animator job or career as an illustrator could be for you. Other desirable key skills and attributes of an animation maker include:
- an eye for design and movement
- attention to detail
- strong competencies in drawing
- aptitude for working with computers and learning new software
- excellent time-management.
How to become an animator
To work as an animation maker, you typically need a bachelor’s degree or a diploma in graphic arts, visual arts, animation, or a related field. Developing a strong portfolio is also crucial in showcasing your skills and creativity, which can be key to launching a successful animator career. A well-crafted portfolio demonstrates your abilities to potential employers and sets you apart in this competitive industry.
Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths you can take to reach your goals as an animation creator. At °ÄÃÅÂí»á¿ª½±½á¹û, we offer the following degrees in the area of animation:
Source:
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
To be a successful animator creator, you should be proficient in the following programs, along with essential transferrable skills such as communication and teamwork:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Graphic Design
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Acrobat.
These skills form the backbone of a successful animator career and are highly valued by employers in the animation and visual arts industries.
The time it takes to become an animator can vary depending on your previous education, the training requirements of specific fields, and employment opportunities.
A good place to start when thinking about how to become an animator is looking into a university undergraduate degree. Completing a bachelor’s degree in animation typically takes around three years of full-time study or the part-time equivalent.