Animation has taken some major leaps forward over the last few years. And it’s applications are more varied than ever—from advertising to special effects, from top-grossing movies to video games. Animation is not just a way to make cartoons for kids to enjoy after school or on Saturday mornings while eating sugary cereal. Whether online or on the big screen, animation is in high demand. So if you’re thinking about starting an animation career, your timing is impeccable.
Talent is required for a career in animation. Creative thinking, an understanding of composition and the ability to draw are the foundation of an animation career. Whether you’re creating storyboards or putting the finishing touches on a series of computer generated images, you’ll need to have a good grasp on basic artistic skills.
However, the classic, basic skills of creativity and drawing is not enough nowadays. With the increased use of computer generated imagery (CGI) technology in the film industry (in both live action films and animated movies), animation careers are becoming increasingly technical. You’ll need training in various software programs that are standard in the industry. In some animation jobs you may also find math and physics helpful, as well as a general knowledge of various computer operating systems.
If you want a job that will allow you to walk the line between art and technology, with a little bit of drama thrown in, an animation career is for you. With the growing demand for animation, there’s no time like the present to find an animation school and get started today. And CBU is certainly a good choice.
Everyday Tasks in an Animation Career
While there are many fields that have animator job openings, there are some common tasks that animators in any field do in the course of a normal day’s work:
- Drawing storyboards and creating models
- Designing an animated environment that includes backgrounds, sets and objects
- Designing characters
- Creating each frame
- Working out the timing of movements and making sure things meet the script and soundtrack requirements
- Using computer software, including Flash, Maya, Lightwave and others
- Working as part of a team
- Working with clients (developing concepts, pitching ideas, etc.)
- Production Designer
- Visual Effects (VFX) Supervisor
- Director of Photography
- Animation Director
- CG Supervisor
- Art Director
- Concept Artist (often 2D)
- R & D Artist/Look Dev Artist
- Character Designer (often 2D)
- Environments Designer
- Effects Designer
- Pre-Vis Artists (3D)
- Modeling Supervisor
- Modeling TD
- Modeler
- Shading/Texture Supervisor
- Shading TD
- Shader Writer
- Texture Artist/Texture Painter
- Rigging Supervisor
- Rigging TD
- Rigger
- Character TD
- Layout TD (several levels)
- Layout Supervisor
- Layout Artists
- Shot TD (Facility Houses)
- Set Dressers
- Lead Animator (sometimes called Supervising Animator)
- Animator
- Character Animator
- Junior Animator
- Effects (FX) Supervisor
- Effects (FX) Artist/FX Animator
- Effects (FX) TD (several levels)
- Cloth Simulation FX Artist / Fur/Feathers FX Artist / Water FX Artist etc (depending on requirements of production)
- 3D Tracker/Match Mover
- Matte Painter
- Digital Painter
- Lighting Supervisor
- Lighting TD / Lighter (several levels)
- Fixing TD
- Rendering Supervisor
- Rendering TD
- Renderer
- Render Wrangler
- Compositing Supervisor
- Compositor