Animator
Create drawings, models or 3D computer images to bring characters and stories to life.
About the job
What it's like
Is your mind packed full of cool, visual ideas? If so, a career as an animator will allow you to turn these dreams into motion.
Animators create detailed drawings, models or 3D computer images. These help bring characters, stories and ideas to life on screen. Your work could feature in animated films, games or cartoons.
You'll use your imagination and artistic skills to add personality and character into your animations. You could bring characters to life in a blockbuster like Toy Story, a hit game like Fortnite, or a classic cartoon like The Simpsons. Animators also work on adverts and music videos.
The most common method of animation is to create 3D computer-generated imagery (CGI). In stop-frame animation, you'll make puppets and take screenshots of them as you change the puppets' positions over and over again. One second of film needs up to 25 photographs.
On large or long-running productions, your team may work on one stage of production for several weeks, months or even years.
If it's a small project, you might be involved in lots of areas. For example, you could do anything from developing concepts to editing the final piece in post-production.
Your tasks might include:
reading the storyboard for the animation before you turn it into reality
planning and designing the frames (pictures) which tell the story
drawing backgrounds and characters using a range of materials, such as pencil, ink or paint
using digital equipment to copy the artwork hundreds of times with tiny changes in position
working with other professionals, such as editors and sound designers, to add dialogue or a soundtrack
making sure the action or characters' speech and movements follow the audio or soundtrack
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Creative Scotland – learn about the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries
ScreenSkills – discover everything you need to know about getting into the screen industries
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Animator'
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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.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta 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.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Art and Design
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Computing Science
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Creative Arts
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Graphic Communication
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Media
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Skills for Work: Creative Industries
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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.
There are multiple ways you can become an animator.
Let's explore all the routes you can take to get started in this career.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Animation
Computer Animation
Digital Media
Computer Arts
Film and Television
Games Design or Games Development
Illustration
Graphic Design
Visual Effects (VFX)
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Animation
Digital Media
Computer Arts
Visual Communication
Illustration
Creative Media
Computer Game Development
Film and Television
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You'll get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Creative Media.
Trainee roles
You could start your career as an animation runner with a company. Once you receive further training, you could move into a more senior position like digital painter or assistant animator. You can then progress into an animator role.
To apply for an entry-level job, you'll need to have done some kind of work experience or volunteering. This allows employers to see that you have some relevant animation skills.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies.
Private training
Need to develop some practical animation skills? You could take a private training course in animation or animation software. These paid courses are usually offered by film schools, regional screen agencies or private training providers.
You'll need to prove that you're a good animator. Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Created some animations or drawings you're proud of? Pull together a portfolio of work that you can show off when applying for jobs and courses.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Animator'
