An animator is someone that helps in an animated movie and video games whether it be by drawing hand-drawn celluloid cells or by working to help with computer animation. Animators can work on bringing characters to life or by animating vehicles, weather events or anything else that would not qualify as a character in a picture.
They help each other through peer reviews and team feedback. They collaborate with teams to understand specifications and create continuity across offerings.
Animators tend to work in indoor environments with computers. They work with video game publishers and movie studios among other clients. They also can help in creating storyboards which help drive and simplify the story.
The equipment used in animations is changing and animators use a variety of software to refine, improve and update videos and create stills for other uses. Software such as Flash, Lightwave and Softimage are just some of the tools animators can use to perform their duties.
While making sure the animation is smooth, the animators must work under tight time constraints due to project deadlines. Animators must be efficient with their time to meet their goals in the allotted period they have.
Training to be an animator can take place mainly at a film school or at a specialty school such as the Savannah College of Art and Design. With the industry evolving, the internet has great resources to help animators learn the trade and perfect their craft.
It is a demanding work schedule for an animator with a 50-60 hour work week plus potentially working on weekend and during crunch time right before the project needs to be finished.
Animator Tasks
- Use a variety of software to refine, improve, and update videos and create stills for other uses.
- Collaborate with teams to understand specifications and create continuity across offerings.
- Design videos for in-person and web audiences.
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