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Animator

Create drawings, models or 3D computer images to bring characters and stories to life in animated films, games and cartoons.

Also known as: modeller

About skills Getting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£690

Average

Monthly

£2,760

Average

Yearly

£35,880

Average

6,000

people are currently employed

High growth

400 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You'd create detailed drawings, models or 3D computer images to bring characters, stories and ideas to life on screen in animated films, games and cartoons.

You'd use your imagination and acting skills to get personality and character into the animation. You might work on films like Toy Story, a television cartoon like The Simpsons, an advert, a computer game or a music video.

The most common method of animation is to create 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI).

In stop-frame animation you'd make puppets and photograph them as you change the puppets' positions over and over again. One second of film needs up to 25 photographs.

You would:

  • read the storyboard for the animation

  • plan and design the frames (pictures) which tell the story

  • draw background and characters using a range of materials, such as pencil, ink or paint

  • use digital equipment to copy the artwork hundreds of times with tiny changes in position

  • work with an editor to add dialogue or a soundtrack

  • make sure the action or characters' speech and movements follow the audio or soundtrack

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

If it's a small project, you could be involved in many of the processes, from developing concepts to editing the final piece in post-production.

Hours

For many jobs you'll usually work normal office hours, Monday to Friday, but you may sometimes need to work overtime and unsocial hours to meet deadlines.

Environment

The work can be based at an office or studio depending on your role and the type of animation. Working as a freelance animator may allow you to work from home. In stop-motion animation you may spend a lot of time on your feet adjusting models. In other types of animation, you'd spend most of your time sitting at a computer or drawing board.

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Related industries

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • implementing ideas
  • developing a plan
  • attention to detail
  • observation
  • designing
  • creative
  • working with technology
  • cooperating
  • adaptability

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

Discover skills

Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Art and Design

  • Computing Science

  • Creative Arts

  • Graphic Communication

  • Media

  • Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media

  • Skills for Work: Creative Industries

  • Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media

You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.

Discover what's on offer at your school on  Apprenticeships.scot.

Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or a degree (SCQF Level 9/10). Work-based qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF Level 7) are also available.

To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and 2 Highers.

To enter an Animation degree (SCFQ Level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or a relevant HNC/HND. To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) requires a relevant degree and portfolio.

Qualifications that demonstrate creative skills and industry knowledge such as Skills for Work Creative & Digital (SCQF Level 4) or Creative Industries (SCQF Level 5) may be helpful.

  • Evidence of your ability as an animator

  • Portfolio of your work

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