An animator starts with still images or models and creates a sense of continuous change or progressive movement. An animator may work with drawings, as did the original Disney cartoonists, or with clay animation, as seen in the Wallace and Gromit® films. A computer animator uses computer software to create digital animations.
An animator can work in a variety of settings. The video game industry is one, and most games employ a team of animators rather than just one. However, the majority of computer animators work in the film and television industry. 3D rendering and motion capture may be used in live-action films as well. Advertisers also hire animators, as animation has become an increasingly important part of some television and Internet ad campaigns, such as talking geckos.
A computer animator, also known as a CGI animator, creates the appearance of movement in both 2D and 3D graphics combining computer modeling and computer graphics. Because the field is always changing, the animator must keep up with the latest technology and software. Whether a computer animator is self-taught or has completed an academic program, this is true.
A computer animator is likely to use a number of different software programs. Examples include Lightwave® 3D, Autodesk® Maya, Autodesk® Softimage, and Autodesk® 3ds Max. Additionally, proprietary software is frequently used.
Because computer animation is frequently part of a large team effort, an animator will benefit from a variety of skills in addition to technical prowess. Besides drawing, computer savvy, and technical proficiency, all of the skills that help people work as a team will be important, especially in the midst of a tight production schedule. Because computer animation is constantly pushing the limits, both creative thinking and ability to work well under pressure when things don’t go so well the first time are important.
Within the field of computer animation, computer animators can specialize. An animator, for example, can specialize in textures or lighting. Modeling, compositing, character animation, and general animation are some of the other specialties.