What does an Animator do?
Published 3 min read
An animator is an artist who creates motion graphics or animations to communicate ideas or stories. Animators may work in a variety of fields including film, television, video games, and the Internet.
Animator job duties include:
- Designing and creating 2D or 3D images of characters, scenes, and objects
- Applying colors, shading, lighting, and other effects to 2D or 3D images
- Incorporating the images into stories, games, movies, or other visual media
- Working with other animators and artists to plan the overall look of a project
- Coordinating with writers, directors, and producers to ensure that the visuals fit the project’s story
- Creating prototypes of characters or objects to be used in animations
- Adjusting timing, pacing, and other aspects of animations
- Testing completed animations to identify any errors or areas for improvement
- Revising animations based on feedback from clients or colleagues
Animator Job Requirements
There are many job requirements for an animator. Most animators have a bachelor's degree in graphic design, computer science, animation, or a related field. Many animators also have a master's degree or higher. In addition to formal education, animators must be able to use animation software, have strong drawing skills, and be able to create believable characters.
Animator Skills
- Timing
- Frame-by-frame animation
- Keyframing
- Interpolation
- Ease in/ease out
- Walk cycles
- Lip syncing
- Squash and stretch
- Anticipation and follow through
- Arcs
- Secondary action
- Exaggeration
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How to become an Animator
In order to become an animator, one must have a passion for drawing, sketching, and creating. One must also be able to tell a story through their animations. To develop these skills, it is important to take classes in art and animation. There are many online and offline programs that offer these courses. In addition to taking classes, it is also important to watch cartoons and learn from other animators. By studying the work of others, one can develop their own style and technique.
It is also important to have strong computer skills when becoming an animator. Many animations are created using software such as Adobe After Effects or Maya. It is important to be able to use these programs efficiently in order to create high-quality animations. Strong problem-solving skills are also essential in this career, as animators often have to troubleshoot issues that arise during the production process.
Becoming an animator requires a lot of hard work and dedication. However, it can be a very rewarding career for those who are passionate about art and storytelling. With the right skills and training, anyone can become a successful animator.
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