What are the skills needed to become an animator?
While the total number of jobs in animation is small compared to other industries, opportunities are
increasing with the growing popularity of animated films and television.
increasing with the growing popularity of animated films and television.
Drawing and Composition:
Even if it is your aim to break into high-tech CGI animation using software, you should have good solid drawing skills to begin your animation career. You need to understand composition, motion, ratios and perspective, even if you will not work every day with a pencil and paper. Many people who work in the industry attended art school, and many art schools now offer specialized courses in all types of animation, including 3D and digital animation.
Even if it is your aim to break into high-tech CGI animation using software, you should have good solid drawing skills to begin your animation career. You need to understand composition, motion, ratios and perspective, even if you will not work every day with a pencil and paper. Many people who work in the industry attended art school, and many art schools now offer specialized courses in all types of animation, including 3D and digital animation.
Storytelling:
The aim of all types of animation is to tell compelling stories. Good scriptwriters and editors are always in demand, so knowing how to craft a story is important. Storyboard and layout artists are also an essential part of the team in an animation studio. Having a wide range of general knowledge and an interest in stories and storytelling can be useful. You can increase this skill area by reading and watching a broad range of books, movies and TV to analyze how they tell stories.
The aim of all types of animation is to tell compelling stories. Good scriptwriters and editors are always in demand, so knowing how to craft a story is important. Storyboard and layout artists are also an essential part of the team in an animation studio. Having a wide range of general knowledge and an interest in stories and storytelling can be useful. You can increase this skill area by reading and watching a broad range of books, movies and TV to analyze how they tell stories.
Math and Computer Skills:
With an increasingly technologically based job, entrants to the animation field need a good all-round knowledge of computer systems, scripting languages and digital asset management. Even if you aim to work on the creative side, you must be able to understand and communicate effectively with technical specialists. You can gain certifications in some of the major software tools such as those offered by Autodesk, which can demonstrate to employers that you understand the industry standards.
With an increasingly technologically based job, entrants to the animation field need a good all-round knowledge of computer systems, scripting languages and digital asset management. Even if you aim to work on the creative side, you must be able to understand and communicate effectively with technical specialists. You can gain certifications in some of the major software tools such as those offered by Autodesk, which can demonstrate to employers that you understand the industry standards.
Teamwork:
Animated films are most often produced by a large team of people working closely together on specific tasks. You will need to demonstrate to a potential employer that you can work well within a team and that you can take direction. You need to have patience, good social skills and an ability to manage your time and work to deadlines.
Animated films are most often produced by a large team of people working closely together on specific tasks. You will need to demonstrate to a potential employer that you can work well within a team and that you can take direction. You need to have patience, good social skills and an ability to manage your time and work to deadlines.