Animator

As an animator, you would bring drawings or models to life on screen.

Their work can be used in animated short and full-length films, television cartoons, adverts, computer games, websites and film special effects.

They specialise in one of four animation techniques: 2-D hand-drawn, or traditional; 2-D computer-generated; 3-D computer-generated (known as ‘CGI'); and stop-frame, stop-motion or model animation.

Producing an animation involves many stages and processes, from generating ideas to building models and final editing. Each stage can involve several specific tasks and job roles. In the development stage, directors and producers create ideas, plan the project and find funding.

In Pre-production – production designers create the look; storyboard artists take the script or ideas and show the story in a visual way; and layout artists draw how each shot will look.

During production – digital painters touch up colours; animators and modellers follow the storyboard and use computer or stop-frame animation to create movement and personality.

In post-production – compositors join the different layers of animation (backgrounds, special effects, characters and graphics); editors produce the finished piece.

Working on a smaller project might mean you covering several of these jobs.

On large or long-running productions, you could be part of a team of animators and assistants working on one stage for several weeks, months or even years.

Starting salaries are around £20,000 a year. With experience and skills, earnings are usually around £30,000 to £40,000 a year. You may also earn a bonus at the end of a project, particularly in the computer games industry.

Freelance animators are usually paid a fee for each contract or project. Rates can vary based on your track record and the type of production. Contact the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) for current pay guidelines.

To become an animator you will need skills in drawing, modelling or using computer art packages.

Some animators are self-taught, but many start by taking an animation or art-related course at college or university, to develop their skills before looking for work. Several colleges and universities offer foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs, degrees and postgraduate courses in animation. The most useful courses include practical skills and work placements. You should check content and entry requirements carefully to make sure that the course is right for you.

You could also get into the industry with qualifications in other relevant subjects such as: illustration; graphic design; computer programming; model making or sculpture; 3-D design; multimedia design.

You will often start as a studio runner, then progress to junior roles like storyboard assistant, digital painter or assistant animator. You do not need any qualifications to be a runner, although in practice many people who start at this level are graduates.

Employers always want to see proof of your talent and creativity, so you will need a ‘showreel’ DVD of your best animation work to show to companies and studios.

You could also show commitment to joining the industry by entering animation competitions and festivals, and sending short animated films or ideas to broadcasters. With experience, you can progress from junior roles to become an animator, lead animator and animation director.