A given project usually starts with storyboards mapping out key scenes and character movement, then moves into building two- or three-dimensional models and manipulating light, color, texture, and shadow to make objects or characters look convincingly alive. Much of the work happens as part of a larger production team, coordinating with directors and other artists on budget, scheduling, and creative direction for a film, game, or ad campaign. Many animators specialize over time in a particular pipeline stage, such as character rigging, lighting, or compositing, or in a specific industry like gaming versus feature film.
Pros
High upside earning potential, up to $177k for experienced artists at top studios
Creative, technically demanding work blending art with 3D modeling and animation software
Directly shapes the visual identity of films, games, and commercials audiences see
Cons
Above-average hours, expect more than a standard 40-hour work week, especially near deadlines
Slower than average projected job growth in an increasingly competitive field
Constant deadline pressure requires precision on detailed, time-consuming frame-by-frame work
A typical day
The day begins with dailies -- reviewing last night's render of a creature shot and noting where the fur simulation breaks when the character turns. The morning is deep work in Houdini and Maya: rebuilding a destruction sim so falling debris matches the plate's camera motion. After lunch, the supervisor's review calls for the explosion to feel heavier, which means art direction, not just physics -- adjusting timing, scale, and dust. The evening render farm gets queued before leaving, because every iteration burns hours of machine time overnight.
Tasks at the job
Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programs.
Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting, and most of the day is spent sitting at a desk.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines, and you're expected to exercise significant independent judgment day to day. Precision and accuracy are essential to the work. Almost all of the work is done as part of a team.
Education necessary or common
Bachelor's degree
Common college majors
AnimationComputer GraphicsDigital Media ArtsComputer Science