Animator Job Titles

Those who have animation training can pursue many exciting career paths where their skills and training will be put to good use. Animation jobs take many forms, including 2D and 3D animation. Those who opt for an animation-related career can also specialize in various types of animation, including jobs like Storyboard Artist, Layout Artists, Cleanup Artist, and Gameplay Animator. Each of these titles overlaps in certain ways with regard to the skills needed to perform core work tasks; however, some of these specializations require their own training and tools as well. Read on to find out more about the skills Animators can learn that have applications across careers, as well as the tools needed to work in subgenres of animation.

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. In the games industry, animators are known as Computer Graphics (CG) or 3D Animators and may collaborate with programmers and artists. In the animation industry, Animators work from a brief provided by the Director or Animation Director and a storyboard developed by the Storyboard Artist. A Special Effects Supervisor, known as an SFX Supervisor, is usually in charge of the special effects team on a film or television production.

The working environment for Animators can vary greatly, depending on their place of employment and current project. Some Animators work in studios as part of a larger team and collaborate closely with other artists and designers. The team-based environment can be fast-paced, with many brainstorming sessions and group meetings. Freelance Animators work more independently and manage their own schedules and client communications. Being an Animator requires a mix of creativity, technical skills, and attention to detail. Animators need to keep up with the latest animation software and techniques, and they must be able to adapt their style to fit different projects.

Animator Skills

Becoming an Animator requires both soft and hard skills. These individuals must have training in art and technology, as well as the ability to effectively manage projects and timelines. Animators also regularly use drawing and illustration skills to share ideas and create new character designs and scenes. Animators should have well-developed communication skills since they’ll need to work as part of a team and adapt to criticism and feedback. Time-management skills enable Animators to manage projects that face tight deadlines and complete multiple tasks simultaneously. A strong dose of creativity is also essential for coming up with new ideas and developing unique animations. 

Animators should also be well-versed in using animation software like Adobe Animate, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom. Some animation companies have their own computer software that artists must learn to use, or Animators may write their own computer code to create the desired effects. 

Animation professionals often specialize in a specific medium, like animated movies, video games, or television shows, or they may focus on a particular type of imagery, such as scenery or backgrounds. Video Game Artists focus on creating each video game level’s look, feel, and layout. Animators usually work as part of a team to create their portion of the project, and then the pieces are subsequently joined together in one cohesive animation.

Animator Career Path

Pursuing a career in animation can be an exciting and creative outlet for artistic-minded individuals. Animation is a core component of film and TV and is also used in many other places, such as in advertisements, on social media, and on websites. Animation provides a way to inform, entertain, or convey information to a target audience. Animators are hired to work in-house in places like film studios, advertising agencies, and gaming companies. These individuals often work as part of a team and use software tools like Blender and Adobe Animate to tell compelling visual stories. 

While no two animation careers are the same, most Animators follow a basic video creation process in which they bring their ideas to life. This starts with brainstorming concepts. Once an idea can be briefly described, they then write a verbal script to add to the animation. Animators then create style frames, which are drawings that showcase the styles the animation will take. Next is the storyboarding phase, where the narrative and action that will take place are fleshed out. Voice-over and music are then added, and the storyboards are combined with the audio elements so the Animator can decide how long the shots will take. A complete draft of the sequences is then undertaken in the rough animation form. This is fine-tuned in the fine animation phase until the project begins to take on the shape it will in its final form. All the sound elements are then put together during sound mixing. Finally, the animated final project is ready to be shared with the client.

In addition to in-house animation jobs, freelance animation jobs are another excellent option to consider. Unlike in-house jobs, where an employer regularly assigns projects and monitors their progress, freelance jobs allow the individual to be their own boss, select their own projects and pay rates, and set aside the necessary time to complete them. Those interested in freelance jobs should be self-motivated and autonomous workers able to balance their animation work alongside business considerations, including securing healthcare, budgeting for time off, and continuously applying for new work. This career path provides more creative freedom, allowing the Animator to choose the project they wish to complete and not waste time completing random, less appealing projects. The effort required for most individuals to pursue freelance animation jobs is significantly more than that typically required to land an entry-level studio job. It requires establishing initial clients, networking, and managing administrative tasks like bookkeeping and handling taxable income. 

Before you pursue a career as an Animator, you may wonder if you need a degree to work in this field. While some employers seek candidates with college degrees in media arts or computer animation, this is not required for all professional roles. Career-focused skills programs, including those provided by Noble Desktop, can provide the hands-on training needed to become an Animator and teach the tools and skills you’ll use in this field. These programs typically take much less time to complete and cost significantly less than four-year college study, which makes them an appealing alternative to university coursework. Graduates can put their training to use immediately upon graduation rather than waiting four or more years to do so. Additionally, comprehensive programs like certificates often provide professional development incentives like career counseling, portfolio development, or private mentoring along with tuition, which are excellent resources for career-minded individuals. 

Career Paths in Animation

The following sections will examine several potential career paths for aspiring Animators, as well as the salary ranges and job descriptions for each role.

Gameplay Animator 

Gameplay Animators work with techniques like key-framing and motion capture to bring digital creatures, humans, vehicles, and props to life in games. These professionals focus on gameplay and character performance and also implement non-player character movements and behaviors, which are controlled by AI. Gameplay Animators are hired to maximize a game engine’s technology and the opportunities for interactivity and gameplay in the gaming experience. These individuals work alongside Designers and Game Programmers to generate initial character movements while adhering to technical constraints. This requires maintaining vast libraries of character movements, which can be revised as animation cycles for every character.

Gameplay Animators must possess programming knowledge, game development training, and 3D animation skills. They rely on a solid understanding of body mechanics, camera animation, cinematic framing, shot contiguity, facial animation, and the game production pipeline process. These individuals commonly work with tools like Maya. According to Glassdoor, Gameplay Animators in the US make approximately $76,000-$86,000 a year.

Storyboard Artist

Storyboard Artists are visual storytellers who transform written scripts into 2D images that comprise a storyboard. These images are either created by computer or by hand and are intended to map out key scenes and actions. They serve as a visual guide for how the animated feature will play out. Storyboards have a range of uses, including in TV, advertising, video games, and film. A strong storyboard not only shows the logical progression of action in a film but also depicts the story’s emotional impact as well. Storyboard Artists are mostly involved with pre-production tasks, including camera angles, timings, and sequence points of view. 

Those interested in becoming Storyboard Artists must be skilled artists, capable of drawing objects, environments, and people. They also must have well-developed visual storytelling skills. 2D animation training, as well as soft skills like collaboration and teamwork, are essential to succeed in this role. These professionals regularly work with pen and paper, as well as computer programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Toon Boom Harmony. Storyboard Artists in the US make approximately $97,000-$107,000 a year, according to Glassdoor.

2D Animator

2D Animators create traditional anime and cartoons in which backgrounds and characters are drawn by hand. Then, these images are scanned into a computer and placed in layers to create the illusion of movement. The process of 2D animation involves creating a storyboard, characters, backgrounds, and a timeline and story sequence. Whereas traditional animation requires hand-drawing each frame, in 2D animation, the same image can be repeatedly used. 

On a daily basis, 2D Animators perform tasks like collaborating with writers, clients, and directors about stylistic elements and how they’re being executed through animation, preparing rough sketches, creating illustrations and models, selecting color palettes, and setting up exposure sheets. They also synch audio and voiceover tracks with visual elements. 2D Animators regularly work with both rudimentary and advanced tools. It’s common for these professionals to use pen and paper, paint and cels, puppets, flipbooks, or clay for their artistic creations. They also use software like Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, Toon Boom Harmony, and Freehand. The average yearly pay for a 2D Animator in the US is $75,000-$85,000, according to Glassdoor.

3D Layout Artist 

Those who work as 3D Layout Artists determine the virtual camera angle for each shot, including its depth, movement, angle, and point of view. This is done so that the elements being framed will tell the story in the most compelling way possible. 3D Layout Artists collaborate with Directors and VFX Supervisors to determine the camera’s look and feel, as well as the animated sequence’s environment. These individuals serve as both a technical and stylistic eye for the shot and dictate the sort of action that will be conveyed through animation. On a daily basis, these individuals perform tasks like interpreting storyboards, positioning characters, assembling environments, determining the camera path in a scene, and experimenting with various camera angles to find the best shots.

Those interested in pursuing a career as a 3D Layout Artist rely less on traditional animation skills than they do rough animation blocking. While it’s helpful to know basic animation techniques, 3D Layout Artists need a more specialized sort of training, which includes knowledge of anatomy, a thorough understanding of landscapes and environments, familiarity with filmmaking techniques like lighting, choreography, and cinematography, and visual skills like perspective, depth, and composition. They use software like Maya, D3 Studio Max, Blender, Avid, and Toon Boom. According to Glassdoor, 3D Layout Artists in the US make $91,000-$101,000 a year. 

Cleanup Artist

Cleanup Artists are creative minds who refine rough sketches that were executed during the concept stage and transform them into polished line drawings. This process involves tracing over keys with solid lines to ensure the essence of the original sketch is translated. Often, those who have a background in illustration are qualified to pursue a career as a Cleanup Artist since they already have training in precision and accuracy. On a daily basis, these professionals work closely with Designers and Animators to design key images. They also define a character’s image from various angles so it will appear to be 3D. They use visual cues and body language to convey characters’ attitudes and work to ensure the visual style is consistently maintained throughout the entire film or show. 

In addition to expertise in drawing and illustrating, Cleanup Artists must have a sound knowledge of human and animal anatomy and their skeletal framework. They work with a combination of basic and advanced tools, including paper and pen, Toon Boon, and Lightbox for tracing. In the US, the average salary for a Cleanup Artist is $66,000-$76,000 annually.

Why Become an Animator?

If you’re an artistic individual with a flair for creating visually engaging stories, becoming an Animator is an excellent career path. Animation-related career paths provide an excellent platform for individuals to use their creative license daily. This diverse field presents many opportunities for creative people to pursue a range of artistic projects and endeavors, none of which are the same. Because many professions and industries seek out those with a background in animation, those who know how to work with computer animation tools like After Effects and Premiere Pro have a good amount of job flexibility regarding the types of projects they can explore. Animators may opt for traditional animated entertainment projects, video game design, digital advertising, or VR design. This range of opportunities ensures that Animators with the proper training can always find job opportunities.

Animation skills are useful in many professional roles that extend well beyond film and TV. These professionals also exercise their creative muscles in roles like Game Developers, VFX Artists, Medical Animators, or Mathematical Animators, where they create 3D moving images. Those with a background in animation can work as Multimedia Animators, which involves using various types of software to design and animate images, as well as how the objects they create should move and how their surrounding environment should change. They may also wish to pursue a career in 3D design in fields like engineering or architecture, where they have the opportunity to transform basic images into colorful 3D designs with lifelike characteristics such as depth. Animation skills are also useful for careers in motion graphics design, which combines 2D and 3D animation skills with graphic design principles.

Learn the Skills to Become an Animator at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop has several exciting educational opportunities available for aspiring Animators at all levels. In Noble’s Video Editing and Motion Graphics Certificate, participants receive comprehensive hands-on training designed to prepare them to pursue a career in motion graphics or video editing. Instruction is provided on core Adobe apps like Cinema 4D Lite, After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Audition. All participants in this program create a professional demo reel that can be shared with prospective employers. This certificate program includes eight 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. Financing options are available.

Those who want to take their motion graphics skills to the next level can do so in Noble’s Motion Graphics Certificate. This intensive program teaches students to create visual effects and motion graphics using Adobe After Effects. Participants study how to make 3D animations using Cinema 4D Lite. Instruction is provided on how to edit videos with Adobe Premiere Pro. This certificate program teaches students how to develop a project from concept into design and ultimately to fully animated graphics. Graduates of this course leave with a demo reel of motion graphics projects that can be shared with future employers to highlight their skills. Five 1-on-1 mentoring sessions are provided as part of this program.

For those who want to focus their training on a specific Adobe application, Noble offers After Effects Bootcamp. This hands-on program takes students from the basics of animation, such as how to navigate the workplace, up to advanced techniques, including green screen removal and motion tracking. An expert instructor with real-world animation experience teaches this project-based course. Tuition includes a bonus 1-on-1 mentoring session that can be used to drill down on difficult bootcamp concepts or for professional development purposes.

All Noble courses include a free course retake for up to one year. Instruction is provided in person in New York City and live online.