Animator

An animator creates animated content: moving images built up frame by frame or generated on a computer. They choose a technique that suits the product, such as two-dimensional (2D) computer animation, three-dimensional (3D) computer animation, hand-drawn animation or stop-motion, where real objects are moved slightly and photographed one frame at a time.

Animators produce work for film, television, games, websites and advertising. For example, one animator might make a short looping animation for a bicycle-hire website, while another creates a character's movement for a mobile game. The technique and level of detail depend on where the animation will appear and how it needs to fit around other content.

Working with others

An animator usually works in a team under a director, who sets the overall creative direction. The animator turns that direction into movement, expressions and timing. They also work with other creative and technical staff so the animation matches the rest of the product, such as keeping a character's look consistent with artwork supplied by a graphic designer or making sure file sizes and formats suit the platform.

Across the production phases

Unlike roles tied to a single phase, an animator can be involved across all production phases. In pre-production they may sketch characters and test short sequences to explore how movement will look. During production they create the main animation. In post-production they fine-tune the timing of movement, re-render scenes after any changes and combine the animation with background art and sound so it is ready to publish.