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Overview
Animators use animation software, drawings, graphics and timed image sequences to create the illusion of movement for 2D, 3D, motion graphics or multimedia content.
In job descriptions, look for animation development, moving images, script analysis, storyboards, graphics, briefs, schedules, multimedia systems, 3D characters, digital compositing and budget delivery.
Explore this occupation
Open in Job ExplorerWork context
Animators turn scripts, briefs and visual ideas into timed moving images. The work can include story analysis, sketches, graphics, 2D or 3D assets, animation software, project schedules and delivery of multimedia content.
Skills and specializations
Important skills include creating animated narratives, moving images, graphics and animations within a brief and budget. Specializations can include 2D hand-drawn work, 3D characters, digital compositing, motion graphics, lighting or game-related art.
Salary context
Salary context depends on project type, animation style, software depth, deadlines, portfolio strength, budget responsibility, collaboration with directors or programmers and whether the role covers concept, production or finishing. This guide gives no salary amounts.
Career paths
Experience can lead toward senior animator, motion graphics designer, 3D character artist, storyboard or layout work, art direction support, multimedia production, game art collaboration or supervision of animation sequences.
Good to know
Check adverts for script analysis, storyboards, 2D painting, 3D environments, organic forms, compositing, motion graphics, briefs and work schedules. Those terms show the production stage and expected animation technique.
Editorial note
This guide is editorial occupation context. It is not official labour-market statistics or salary data for this exact occupation.
Map overview
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O*NET relationships
See occupations connected to this ESCO occupation in the official O*NET–ESCO mapping. The relationship type comes from the source and is not a ranking or recommendation.
O*NET relationships: 1
Special Effects Artists and Animators
27-1014.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
Open in O*NETSource and method
These relationships come from the official European Commission O*NET–ESCO crosswalk.
Relationship direction: O*NET occupation to ESCO occupation.
Several O*NET occupations can point to the same ESCO occupation, and one O*NET occupation can point to several ESCO occupations.
AltoTrail preserves the source relationship type. The order is technical and does not show which occupation is best, most relevant or recommended.
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Alternative labels
3D computer-generated imagery animator
3D computer animation artist
2D hand-drawn animator
computer animation artist
animators
animation specialist
2D computer animation artist
traditional animator
2D animation specialist
CGI animator
cartoon animator
2D animation designer
computer animator
3D animation artist
animation designer
3D animation specialist
animation artist
3D animation designer
2D animation artist
2D animator
hand-drawn animator
Occupation group
Graphic and multimedia designers (2166)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/48c8eccb-4bd0-487e-a187-4953cbbe956e |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 2166.3 |
| ISCO group | 2166 |
| Concept type | Occupation |