Find the Best Video Animation Jobs

What does a Video Animator do?

A video animator works with different types of animation software, such as Maya, Adobe After Effects, or Character Animator to create media for video games, motion pictures, and television shows. They can work in 2D animation or 3D animation styles depending on their animation skills and preferences.

Sometimes a video animator can also work as a multimedia artist creating visual effects for a variety of narratives. Their focus is usually on video editing and creating motion graphics that accent the story being told on screen.

Nowadays, the same skill set can even be used on social media in advertising and marketing.

What skills do I need to become a Video Animator?

Becoming a video animator requires some solid art skills. Many practitioners hold bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in fine arts, game design, or game development.

If you want to embark on a video animator career path you’ll need to have the following skills:

Common skills a video animator should possess include:

• Computer skills: Most animated motion pictures, like the ones from Disney and Pixar, use computer animation. To be successful in the animation industry, you’ll need a firm grasp of animation tools from Maya, Adobe, and more.
• Storyboarding: Before committing to an entire project, you’ll want to scope it out. Storyboarding gives you the chance to use your communication skills and get feedback from the client before investing a lot of time and money.
• Artistic talent: When it comes to creating an animated project, you’ll need a solid understanding of the art style of the animation project you’re working on. This can be cultivated with personal projects and online animation courses that teach you technical skills and computer programs commonly found on animation teams.
• Character design: If you’re working in game design or game development, you’re likely going to be working on characters that are moving through a 3D environment.
• Communication skills: Being an animator is a collaborative process. When working with clients, you’ll want to make sure you keep them in the loop consistently.
• Time management: Animation takes time and you’ll need to make sure you budget your time accordingly if you are considering a career in the animation industry.

What are the core Video Animator job responsibilities?

Video animation job responsibilities can vary based on the type of project you’re working on. The animation field moves quickly and many with the artistic ability to work in this field hold bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees in either animation or a related field.

It’s important to remember that motion graphic design and game design projects will have a different pipeline than creating an animated motion picture or television show and animators should be familiar with the pipeline and process for their chosen media either through entry-level job opportunities or internships.

Here are a few video animator job responsibilities that you may encounter:

• Read scripts and determine technical skills and animation requirements.
• Create storyboards and present initial concepts and character designs to clients.
• Create models and prepare stop-motion videos.
• Use creativity and artistic ability to bring stories to life in a visual form.
• Listen to feedback and participate in the video editing process.

Should I get a Video Animator degree or certification?

While there aren’t set education requirements to become a video animator, it’s always a good idea to develop your skills as a video animator, but you may want to consider adding a degree or certification to your Upwork profile to improve your credibility. Here are a few degree programs that you may want to consider.

• A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or certificate in graphic design, game design, 3D animation, or related field.
• Online animation courses focusing on animation software, 3D modeling, character animation, or stop motion.
• Rhode Island School of Design Online Animation Course Certification