Animator Career
The role on an animator is to create several images known as frames, combining these and sequencing them one after another creating the illusion of movement. This fascinating art is created by drawings, puppets or models and work these into a 2D or 3D form.
If you decide to go into computer generated animation it will be highly used in motion pictures and TV work as well as on the Internet making this a diverse line of work.
A basic prerequisite for becoming an animator is an artistic skill and an eye for what looks visually impressive. It is increasingly important to keep up to date with the latest computer software’s that allow you to produce animation.
A day in the life of an animator:
As you go through several stages of the entire animation process you will be thinking of ideas, sketching, building models, using software called CGI (computer-generated imagery) making each day exciting and different.
You may have to create storyboards, liaise with clients about potential ideas, use different materials from clay to watercolours to create your visual masterpiece and build up frame-by-frame visuals in an intricate process. It works in your favour if you are a passionate sales person, as you will be pitching several ideas to potential customers especially if you are a freelance animator.
Expected salary:
Within the UK the average salary for an animator just breaking into the industry ranges between £12,000-£15,000 and rises quickly with experience. When you become an experienced animator you can expect salaries that range between £23,000-£26,000.
Typical hours:
Working as an animator can be fairly easy going as work begins with regular office hours being between 34-40 hours per week but as deadlines approach, the pressure heats up and overtime is crucial to get the work done.