With the popularity rise of animation, graphics effects and animation have permeated far more than movies. We’re witnessing an incredible demand for skilled animators in gaming, online learning, education, cartoon industries, broadcasting, graphics, web development, etc.
Creatives who wish to build a successful and stable career as an animator should prioritize attaining job-oriented skills. In the same light, animators should seek training, guidance, and mentorship from experienced professionals. This ensures that their skill sets are aligned and suitable to meet industry standards. With this in mind, joining a top animation training institution is the first step towards building a successful career as an animator.
Below we’ll explore the rewarding job opportunities that await you in the field of animation:
1. Animator
Animators, by definition, are the professionals who create the narrative sequence. This is one of the most lucrative and enjoyable jobs in animation. You can expect competitive pay as a starter. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for career progression and climbing up the corporate ladder, allowing you to lead different teams and take on more responsibilities.
Under animators, you can specialize in Keyframe, 2D, and 3D animations.
2. Compositor
Compositing is one of the main post-production processes. A compositor’s primary role is to unite the different layers of the same animated shots or pieces of rendered footage and blend them into one. While matte creation and rotoscoping are two of the main elements of compositing, an excellent compositor should have an excellent understanding of lighting.
3. Concept Artist
Concept Artists usually work under the project’s Art Director’s supervision. Their main task is to provide iterations of the various components used in the animation project. The sketches form the foundation for the artists to work on and develop further. For instance, concept artists usually sketch different styles and iterations of the same landscape or character. The finalized sketches are further developed into 3D animations by Modelers.
4. Illustrator Or Designer
The primary responsibility of an illustrator is to present ideas. Illustrators are in charge of developing visual elements that create the uniqueness of products like typefaces, logos, etc. Designers should have a knack for design, drawing and an excellent sense of color.
5. 3D Modeler
The modeler’s main responsibility in an animation project is to determine and set all the physical dimensions of all elements in a shot. They will create the props, surfaces, environment, and characters along the 3 axes. Modeling is undoubtedly the most time-consuming process in an animation creation process.
6. Storyboard Artist
Storyboarding involves breaking an entire animation film script into a rough sketch format. The artist places components such as landscapes or characters within the rough sketch. By doing this, the storyboard artists help negate time wastage in animating unnecessary animation sequences, ultimately saving time and money.
7. Layout Artist
Layout Artists develop further the templates created by Graphic Designers. As such, they provide more developed or finalized designs. Additionally, they narrow down and decide the camera angles, position of characters, and even the movement of the keyframes. These tasks form the foundation of cinematography during filmmaking.
Other categories of jobs within the animation industry that are in demand include Texture Artists. Character Rigger and Technical Artist. However, these are niche categories and require at least two years of experience under a supervisor. Fresh graduates are advised to seek work as ‘3D Generalists’ as they get to try different tasks within the animation industry.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the animation industry, enrolling and receiving job training in a globally recognized and reputable animation training institute such as Arena Animation should be the first step. There’re numerous animation courses one can undertake depending on your career goals and creative learning and prowess.
By continuously applying yourself to improve your skills, you’ll be able to contribute to stunning animation projects that are visually stunning and technically robust.
