Animator

Description

Animators use a variety of images and create visual effectsto make all kinds of media including films, dramas, commercials, music videos etc. They make these for production companies,companies who create games, animation studios, web design companies and other animation related businesses. They create many images of the same thing to give an illusion as if the object or person is moving when all of them are played rapidly one after the other.

They work in office for 7 to 8 hours, five to six days a week. They might have to work more and for irregular hours if they have to meet a deadline or if the workload is more. They usually work at big noisy lighted studios.

However, many animators work part time or on contracts as well.

Working as an animator generally requires sitting for long hours in front of a screen but standing for long periods might be expected in some cases too.

Common Duties/Routines

• Draw 2D animation. Animator draws many 2D animations on a different kind of paper. Each animation depicts one movement. The next depicts the movement after that and so on.
• Then makethe 2D animation on computer. Here, the same animation is coloured in and frames and scenery and background are added to them. This is done using many film sheets. When you look at them at high speed it looks like they are moving.
• Use stop frame animation.
• Use stop motion animation.
• Make a 3D computer animation. Software is used to create an animation.

All this work requires immense time, concentration and hard work.

• Make creative and appealing designs which depicts originality and attracts the client towards it.
• Uses different complex software.
• Add special effects and after effects to better the animation.
• Show designs to customers or the company they are working for and be open to criticism and work to improve the animation and make it even more high quality.
• Promote their designs through a good marketing strategy to attract potential buyers and generate profit.
• Work with a team in big companies to make good designs and offer input on how to make them better.
• Make their own story and characters if they are self employed and if they work for another company then work with the story and characters they are provided with to come up with the animation.
• Do not copy someone else's work and call it their own.

Required/Trained Skills

• Creative mind to think up new and original ideas for the animation.
• Pay attention to detail as that is required while making an animation and to spot any errors as well as for editing it or adding after effects to it.
• Good artistic skills so the ideas that come in the head make as much sense in the animation as well.
• Good marketing skills to make good marketing strategies and attract potential companies or superiors to choose your design.
• Good communication skills to explain the idea and story behind your design to everyone else.
• Good teamwork skills as working with a team is usually required, especially if they are hired by big organizations.
• Can complete work within the given deadline.
• Patience as might have to work for extremely long periods of time staring at a screen and making changes to the same animation over and over again given to them by their superior.
• Can draw well to put forth their creative ideas on paper.
• Basic knowledge of computers.
• Should have strong IT skills and a sound knowledge of different software that are to be used to create animations.

A diploma in film, graphic design, computers or any other relates subject is sufficient to get the things started. However a post graduate degree in animation might prove immensely helpful.

Salary/Compensation

On average, an animator earns around $22,000 a year, on average. However, if they have ample experience or work for very big renowned companies, their annual income may be higher.

Freelancers and part timers also earn less as they do not work full time and are not affiliated with any company or organisation.

The job growth is expected to increase for this profession as the field of computers is gaining great popularity and job prospects and more people enjoying and showing interest in the world of animation.