Movie animators use a variety of media to bring stories to life, including drawing, computer-aided sketching, painting, and sculpture. You might want to consider becoming a movie animator if you enjoy art and want to see your drawings come to life. Finding innovative ways to create movie scenes is just one of the jobs of a movie animator, who isn’t limited to the traditional ways of doing things.
Working as a movie animator on a film or television crew is possible. The term “movie animator” refers to the media produced rather than the output of that media, and it does not generally refer to smaller scale productions like commercials or Internet features. Film animators create storyboard sketches from movie scripts or work with those sketches to realize the final concept. Many modern films and television shows rely on computer animation to convey their ideas, so having a background in technology or a willingness to learn about it is a must.
Getting an arts education is one of the first steps toward becoming a movie animator. In movies, all types of art are used, from traditional hand drawings to computer-generated paintings, and everything in between. Movie animators use art from all over the world, from neoclassical European artists to modern Japanese anime creators. Anyone wishing to work in the field of art needs a strong, culturally diverse art education.
Building a portfolio of work is also important for someone who wants to work as a movie animator. A portfolio displays your best work and demonstrates to potential employers that you’re adaptable, eager to learn, and capable of creating and defending your work when necessary. Working on small projects or student films can help you get references in the field. As you work to become a movie animator, these references add credibility to your professional image.
Your geographic location may have an impact on your career success. In rural areas, there are very few movie animation jobs. Look for entertainment work in your nearest big city or cities, such as Hollywood and New York in the United States, Tokyo in Japan, or London in the United Kingdom. There are established movie distribution companies in these areas. To learn the practical basics of the trade and gain valuable hands-on experience, get an entry-level job in the field with one of these houses.