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Science & ResearchISCO 2166

Animator

Animators use software to create animations, these are rapidly sequenced together images to create an illusion of movement.

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Check yourself in a minute: animator

Rate 5 of the 16 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

follow work schedule

create animated narratives

follow a brief

adapt to type of media

finish project within budget

About animator

As an animator, you will use specialized software to create animations by rapidly sequencing together images to produce the illusion of movement. Your work involves analyzing scripts and storyboards, studying media sources for reference, developing animated sequences, and creating graphics that bring stories and concepts to life. You will work across different types of media including film, television, advertising, and digital platforms, adapting your animation style to suit project requirements and target audiences.

Your day-to-day responsibilities include creating moving images and animations, designing graphics, building motion sequences, and meeting project deadlines and budgets. You will collaborate with directors, producers, and creative teams to ensure your animations align with the project vision. The role requires strong artistic skills, technical proficiency with animation software, and the ability to interpret creative briefs while managing time and resources effectively.

Poland has a growing animation and digital media industry with increasing international collaborations and content production. Opportunities exist across advertising agencies, film production companies, game development studios, and in-house creative departments. With strong technical skills and a compelling portfolio, animators can advance to lead animator positions, animation direction, or establish independent creative ventures.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a animator.

1

Animation Development and Creation

  • Create animated sequences and moving images using animation software
  • Develop animations that follow briefs and creative direction
  • Build motion graphics for various media platforms
2

Graphic Design and Visual Development

  • Design graphics and visual elements for animations
  • Apply graphic design principles to enhance visual storytelling
  • Create multimedia content across different media types
3

Script Analysis and Storyboarding

  • Analyze scripts and briefs to understand project requirements
  • Study media sources and reference materials for inspiration and accuracy
  • Develop storyboards and visual plans for animation sequences
4

Project Management and Delivery

  • Follow work schedules and manage animation timelines
  • Finish projects within budget constraints and deadlines
  • Track progress and adjust workflows to ensure on-time delivery
5

Collaboration and Adaptation

  • Adapt animation styles and techniques to different media types
  • Collaborate with directors, producers, and creative teams
  • Incorporate feedback and revise animations as needed

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (16)

motion graphicsmotion graphicsThe techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.computer equipmentcomputer equipmentThe offered computers, computer peripheral equipment and software products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.multimedia systemsmultimedia systemsThe methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.computer graphicscomputer graphicsThe field that merges approaches from computer science and design. It involves the process of creating images, 3D models generation, as well as the rendering, texturing and lighting them. Its applicat...follow work schedulefollow work scheduleManage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.create animated narrativescreate animated narrativesDevelop animated narrative sequences and story lines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.follow a brieffollow a briefInterpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.adapt to type of mediaadapt to type of mediaAdapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.finish project within budgetfinish project within budgetMake sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.study media sourcesstudy media sourcesStudy various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.provide multimedia contentprovide multimedia contentDevelop multimedia materials such as screen shots, graphics, slide shows, animations and videos to be used as content integrated in a broader informational context.create moving imagescreate moving imagesCreate and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.develop animationsdevelop animationsDesign and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating ...design graphicsdesign graphicsApply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.graphic designgraphic designThe techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Optional (31) — show
Adobe PhotoshopAdobe PhotoshopThe computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software...motion capturemotion captureThe process and techniques for capturing the movement of human actors in order to create and animate digital characters that look and move as humanly as possible.Adobe IllustratorAdobe IllustratorThe computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the sof...GIMP (graphics editor software)GIMP (graphics editor software)The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Te...3D lighting3D lightingThe arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.SketchBook ProSketchBook ProThe computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software ...Microsoft VisioMicrosoft VisioThe computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software...graphics editor softwaregraphics editor softwareThe field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.augmented realityaugmented realityThe process of adding diverse digital content (such as images, 3D objects, etc) on surfaces that exist in the real world. The user can interact in real-time with the technology by using devices such a...SynfigSynfigThe computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.Capture OneCapture OneThe computer program Capture One is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.create 3D environmentscreate 3D environmentsDevelop a computer-generated 3D representation of a setting such as simulated environment, where the users interact.manage feedbackmanage feedbackProvide feedback to others. Evaluate and respond constructively and professionally to critical communication from colleagues and customers.apply 3D imaging techniquesapply 3D imaging techniquesImplement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.create original drawingscreate original drawingsCreate original drawings, based on texts, thorough research and discussion with authors, journalists and specialists.consult with production directorconsult with production directorConsult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.create sketchescreate sketchesDraw sketches to prepare for a drawing or as a standalone artistic technique.identify customer's needsidentify customer's needsUse appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.create 3D characterscreate 3D charactersDevelop 3D models by transforming and digitising previously designed characters using specialised 3D tools.animate 3D organic formsanimate 3D organic formsVitalise digital 3D models of organic items, such as emotions or face movements of characters and place them in a digital 3D environment.receive appropriate permissions for use of recorded audiovisual examplesreceive appropriate permissions for use of recorded audiovisual examplesGain and receive appropriate permissions for use of recorded visual examples of your work. Obtain permissions to use images of people in your promotion.study relationships between charactersstudy relationships between charactersStudy characters in scripts and their relationships to each other.convert into animated objectconvert into animated objectConvert real objects into visual animation elements, using animation techniques such as optical scanning.manage portfoliomanage portfolioMaintain a personal portfolio by selecting your best photos or work and regularly adding new ones in order to show your professional skills and development.rig 3D charactersrig 3D charactersSet up a skeleton, bound to the 3D mesh, made out of bones and joints that allow the 3D character to be bent into a desired position using specialized ICT tools.create 2D paintingcreate 2D paintingProduce a drawing by using a range of digital tools.render 3D imagesrender 3D imagesUse specialised tools to convert 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer.operate 3D computer graphics softwareoperate 3D computer graphics softwareUse graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-di...digital compositingdigital compositingThe process and software for digitally assembling multiple images to make one, final image.help the programmer define an artistic visionhelp the programmer define an artistic visionHelp the programmer or director describe their artistic vision for the institution, programming season, venue, project, etc. Verbally help them to formulate their artistic intent and articulate it in ...

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Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

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Frequently asked questions

What does an animator do?

Animators use software to create animations, these are rapidly sequenced together images to create an illusion of movement.

What skills does an animator need?

An animator needs 16 essential skills, including motion graphics, computer equipment, multimedia systems, computer graphics, follow work schedule.

Will AI replace animator jobs?

The AI disruption score for animator is 77/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow work schedule, computer equipment, multimedia systems. Most resilient: follow a brief, consult with production director, help the programmer define an artistic vision.

AI Replacement Risk

77/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorScience & Research
ISCO GroupScience and engineering professionals
Essential Skills16

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