Animator

Animator Career

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Animators simulate movement by creating a rapid progression of image sequences. Each image is called a frame, and by running them together you create an optical illusion where the eye connects static shots into continuous movement. You can animate something by hand or through computer imaging.

Your overall goal as an Animator is to bring an object to life. For this you need more than stop-motion filming or a digital skeleton structure: You need artistic creativity and strong storytelling skills. You work must act and dance like a real boy, so to speak. So you need to imagine and plot out how it will interact with other characters and surrounding environments.

If you are illustrating a tap-dancing cat, for example, you could be the best drawer in the world but if that cat is landing flatfooted instead of on its toes then it won’t seem like a tap-dancing cat. So without the artistic vision your technical skills lose value.

On the whole, your artistic vision defines your work and creations while your technical skills allow you to bring that vision to life. You layer characters, objects, and backgrounds to create a world that will capture and intrigue your viewer.

The animation field tends to be divided into the areas of 2D animation and 3D animation, though it is very common for Animators to practice both types of animation.

How do I become an Animator?

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This field will require a degree to enter. You can choose a specialty degree if you are set on a specific area like 2D, but a general animation degree will give you a nice overview to all parts of the field and still allow you to specialize through your class choices.