What other Jobs Require these Skills?

Animators work with graphic design software and specialized animation programs to create the illusion of movement from a series of still images. Studying animation is a great opportunity to open the door to a range of professional career paths, including those in movies, TV, film, video games, and the internet. Animation skills also can be used for mathematical or medical animations, illustrations, and visual effects. However, education isn’t necessarily enough preparation to pursue an animation career; candidates also must be able to demonstrate that they have the creative and technical skills necessary to succeed in the particular role. This article will take a closer look at how best to prepare for a career in animation, including the hard and soft skills that are essential to learn, as well as other job requirements for animation-related professional paths.


What is an Animator?


Animators bring characters, objects, and scenes to life by placing images in a sequence that suggests movement. They may use hand-drawn or computer-generated images or a combination of both. Animators are often involved in the full scope of a project, from developing new concepts to designing characters and backgrounds and outlining the animation sequence in storyboards. They begin an animation sequence by creating keyframes and the main points of movement, then develop the in-between frames that ensure smooth motion.


Animators usually report to a Creative Director or Animation Director and might also work closely with writers, other artists, and technical staff. On larger projects, Animators may be part of a team assigned specific roles, such as Character Animation, Background Animation, or Special Effects Animator. Animation is often used in movies, television shows, video games, websites, and other media.