How to Become an Animator: 5 Tips for Aspiring Animators

An animator creates 2D, 3D, or stop-motion animation and visual effects for film, commercials, television shows, video games, computer graphics, and even mobile applications. Animators use their skills to create animation sequences by hand or with computer software and can work in a variety of roles, such as special effect animators, multimedia artists, 3D animators, graphic designers, or game designers.

Animators are often freelancers who work on a per-project basis for motion picture studios, video game studios, cartoon networks, advertising agencies, web design firms, and mobile technology companies. Full-time animation roles at studios and production companies begin with entry-level positions such as storyboard artists, modelers, junior animators, or junior compositors. Mid-level positions include compositors, concept artists, character designers, background designers, layout artists, and animators. Senior-level positions include being an art director, head of story, animation technical director, or special effects director. Animators can also go on to become producers or directors.

Animators typically complete artistic training programs and gain experience through internships before landing animation jobs. Consider the following steps to becoming an animator:

• Education: Complete a bachelor’s degree program in animation to learn the technical skills and necessary computer programs, such as After Effects, Maya, Adobe Premiere, and Final Cut Pro.
• Special training: Many animation programs specialize in different areas, like special effects or 2D animation. Identify the kind of animation you want to pursue and find training courses and degree programs that best suit that specialty.
• Experience: Complete internships while still in school to gain valuable, hands-on work experience. You can also volunteer with local non-profits or schools and contribute your animation skills for educational videos. These experiences will help you build your portfolio and boost your resume.

If you plan to pursue a career as an animator, follow these tips to build the necessary skills:

1. 1. Develop soft skills. In addition to having the artistic ability and technical skills, an animator must have soft skills, namely strong communication skills. Animators need to be able to work well in teams and manage their time effectively, especially since a 10-second animated sequence can take weeks to perfect. Animators must also be perceptive when it comes to human behavior, facial expressions, and emotions to render believable animations.
2. 2. Know the production process. Animators need to know their selected industry, such as gaming, film, or television. Understand the different stages of production in those industries—such as preproduction, production, and postproduction—and what role the animator plays throughout the process. Understanding the craft of video editing, no matter the industry, can support your work as an animator.
3. 3. Continually refresh your skillset. Keep track of the developments and trends in the animation field and update your skillset to stay competitive. Take online animation courses to learn new skills and new animation software. Animators can also pursue a master's degree, such as a Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects, to prepare for more senior-level positions.
4. 4. Create a demo reel. A demo reel is a short, two to four-minute video that showcases the best animated sequences you have created. Link to your demo reel on your website. You can create different demo reels for different types of animation for your job search since many employers look at demo reels as part of an application.
5. 5. Build a portfolio. Your portfolio should include your best work from internships and volunteer opportunities and reflect the kind of work you want to do. Many animators have online portfolios so they can easily share their work.

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