Animation is the process of hand-drawn, computer-generated or stop-motion processes to create the illusion of movement and tell a story.
What does working in this department look like?
In general, crew working in animation are following direction from directors and/or supervisors, and are collaborating to bring their vision to the screen. Unlike in VFX, working in animation means you are part of telling a whole story, rather than enhancing already produced images. The work can be very fast-paced, dynamic, and requires extensive teamwork to bring the final story to life.
What jobs are available?
- Production Designer
- Art Director
- Storyboard Artist / 2D Storyboard Artist
- Production Management (Various Roles)
- Animator
- 2D Animator
- 2D Designer
- 2D Layout Artist
- 2D Builder
- Previsualization/Layout Artist
- Rigger
- Character FX (CFX) Artist
- Lighting/Comp Artist
- 2D Colour Artist
- 2D Compositor
- Shot Finaling Artist
- Finance (Various Roles)
- Human Resources and Recruitment (Various Roles)
Skills needed
- The skills needed to work in animation are broad and varied and range from creative to technical.
- Many hires have a combination of formal education and strong artistic skills and are proficient at various software packages.
Experience
- Many hires in animation demonstrate their work experience through an online portfolio that shows one’s talent, creativity and a range of styles through work on a range of projects.
Many job roles in the motion picture industry are represented by a union or guild.
If you see a logo below, the role may be covered by a union or guild. Please consult those organizations to understand the requirements (such as certification, licensing or work experience) to join as a member.
Community
Connecting with these organizations is a great way to expand your network, gain knowledge and attend events to further your career.
