To become an animator, one can pursue formal education in animation or gain experience through internships or personal projects. The animation industry offers opportunities in film, gaming, advertising, and web design, making it a versatile career choice. With the right animation skills and creative growth mindset, anyone can become an expert animator. Read ahead to learn how to become an animator and turn your passion into a thriving career.
Table of Contents
Learn how to make a UI/UX Design Portfolio by watching the video below
Who is an Animator?
The animator is an artist who creates the illusion of motion by creating and manipulating still images. Animators design, draw, sketch, or render individual frames that form the animation. They work on the movement and timing of the animation to make it look smooth and lifelike. Animators use specialised software like Maya, Blender, After Effects, Flash, Toon Boom, and emerging tools like Krita, OpenToonz, Harmony, and even AI-powered platforms such as Runway ML and Cascadeur to animate their drawings and designs. Many animators also incorporate 3D animation software and virtual reality (VR) tools to create immersive experiences.
The work of an Animator typically involves:
Creating Movement
Creating character designs, storyboards, and animatics to plan out the animation. This includes designing characters, backgrounds, props, etc., and figuring out shot sequences and transitions. Drawing or rendering individual frames of animation. This can involve hand-drawing on paper, using a graphics tablet, or 3D animation software. The animator makes minor changes to the drawings or images in each frame to create the illusion of movement. Determining the timing, pace, and flow of the animation. Animators control how fast or slow, loose or realistic the movements appear based on the number of frames used. More frames mean smoother movements.
Artistic and Technical Skills
Animators use their creativity and technical expertise to bring ideas to life. They combine animation skills such as sketching, digital painting, rigging, and compositing with software proficiency. Using specialized software to compile the sequence of images into an animated film or video. The software helps layer the images, synchronize them to sound, add effects, color correct, etc. Knowledge of animation tools for beginners like Krita or OpenToonz, and advanced tools like Maya, After Effects, and AI in animation tools, is essential for growth.
Diverse Fields
Animators contribute to a wide range of industries including films, gaming, advertising, education, and web design. The demand for animation jobs has grown across these sectors, offering opportunities for both full-time and freelance work. This diverse animation career path allows for specialization in areas such as 2D, 3D, motion graphics, or even virtual reality.
Collaboration
Collaborating with team members like directors, producers, artists, etc. Animators may work as part of a larger animation team. They provide and receive feedback to improve the overall animation. Working effectively with others is vital to produce a polished final product, especially in complex projects.
Steps to Become an Animator
Becoming an animator is a daunting profession as it requires a combination of artistic talent, technical skills, and dedication to the craft. On a positive note, with the right mindset and resources, it is certainly achievable. To explore more about the expertise, one can follow the below-mentioned steps to build a successful animation career.
1. Build Artistic and Technical Skills
Develop Your Drawing Skills: The foundation of any animation career is a solid grasp of drawing and illustration. Animators bring characters and stories to life through sequential drawings and sketches. Start honing your craft by practicing the fundamentals of drawing, like perspective, anatomy, lighting, and proportions. Draw sketches of various animated characters to improve your animation skills. You can only draw a little, so sketch regularly and frequently.
Learn Animation Techniques: There are many animation techniques to master, including traditional 2D animation, 3D animation software, stop motion, rotoscoping, and motion graphics. While 3D and stop motion animations rely more on software and models, 2D animation is still heavily dependent on drawing by hand. Study the 12 principles of animation which include concepts like squash and stretch, anticipation, staging, follow-through, etc. These core techniques will strengthen your animation skills and help you grow in the animation industry.
Master Animation Software: Today, most animation is created digitally using specialized software like Maya, Blender, After Effects, and Toon Boom Harmony. Pick one software to start with and learn how to model 3D characters, rig characters for animation, animate, render, and composite shots. Many of these tools offer free trials and tutorials to help you learn. Become proficient in a 3D animation software or other animation tools for beginners that match your area of interest, whether 2D, 3D, or motion graphics.
2. Pursue Education
Earn a Degree: While not always required, earning a degree in animation, visual effects, art, or a related field can be helpful for your career. Bachelor’s and post-graduate programs teach foundational skills through a structured curriculum. You can also participate in internships and build connections in the animation industry. However, many successful animators are self-taught or learn on the job. So, a formal degree is optional if you have a strong animation portfolio and passion for animation.
You can also take advantage of animation courses online, which offer flexibility and allow you to learn at your own pace while building skills relevant to animation jobs.
For those aiming for an animation career in India, pursuing a degree from one of the best animation colleges in India can provide access to excellent training and networking opportunities.
3. Create a Standout Portfolio
Build Your Portfolio: A portfolio featuring your best work is essential to land a job as an animator. Your respective portfolio should include a reel showcasing short clips of your animations, still renderings, storyboards, character designs, sketches, and illustrations. Moreover, share your work on websites like YouTube, Vimeo, and ArtStation to increase your visibility. You can also create small animations for clients to build your experience. Build a portfolio tailored for the specific animation jobs you want, like character animator, layout artist, or visual effects artist. Make sure your animation portfolio demonstrates creativity, technical proficiency, and versatility.
4. Network and Find Jobs
Networking is critical in the animation industry. Attend industry events, workshops, and online forums to connect with professionals and peers. Join animation communities and showcase your work on social platforms like LinkedIn and Behance to gain exposure. Building a network can open doors to internships, freelance gigs, and full-time animation jobs.
For aspirants focusing on how to become an animator in India, networking with alumni from the best animation colleges in India and participating in local industry events can be especially valuable.
5. Job Search Tips
- Research companies and studios you’d like to work for, and tailor your portfolio to their style and needs.
- Apply to animation jobs across diverse industries such as gaming, advertising, film, and education.
- Be open to entry-level roles and freelance work to gain experience and build your reputation.
- Stay updated on trends like AI in animation and new animation tools for beginners to keep your skills competitive.
- Prepare well for interviews by presenting your animation portfolio confidently and discussing your creative process clearly.
What Does an Animator Do?
An animator is a creative professional who brings stories, characters, and ideas to life through motion. They create the illusion of movement by designing and animating characters, objects, and scenes, using both traditional techniques and digital tools. Animators work across many industries, each with its unique focus and audience.
Industries Where Animators Work
- Film and TV: Animators create characters, backgrounds, and visual effects for movies, TV shows, and series. Studios like Pixar and DreamWorks are well-known for their animated films that captivate audiences worldwide.
- Gaming: They design interactive characters, environments, and animations that enhance the experience of video games.
- Advertising: Animators craft engaging ads and promotional videos to help brands connect with customers through dynamic visuals.
- Web and Mobile: They develop animations for apps, websites, and social media, making digital experiences more interactive and visually appealing.
Key Responsibilities of an Animator
- Designing and animating characters, props, and scenes to fit the project’s story and style.
- Collaborating closely with directors, writers, designers, and other team members to achieve the creative vision.
- Using specialised software like Adobe Animate, Blender, or Autodesk Maya to produce high-quality animations.
- Managing time effectively and meeting tight deadlines while maintaining creative quality and attention to detail.
Skills Required to Become an Animator
Becoming a successful animator requires a blend of technical skills, creativity, and artistic abilities. Here are some crucial skills needed to excel in the field of animation:
- Animation Software Proficiency: Familiarity with popular animation software like Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony, or Blender is essential. These tools are used for creating animations, special effects, and 3D modeling. Animators are also adopting emerging tools like Krita, OpenToonz, Runway ML, Cascadeur, and real-time engines like Unreal Engine and Unity to stay current in the market. Certification from platforms like Intellipaat can help you master these tools professionally.
- Drawing and Illustration: Strong drawing skills are fundamental for animators. Understanding anatomy, perspective, and character design enables you to bring life to your animations. Many animators also use digital drawing tablets and tools like Procreate and Clip Studio Paint to enhance their illustration work.
- Storytelling: Animators need to be skilled storytellers. Understanding narrative, pacing, and emotion helps in creating compelling and engaging animations. Creating storyboards and animatics is also an important part of this skill.
- Timing and Movement: A good sense of timing and movement is crucial to make animations appear realistic and dynamic. Mastering the 12 principles of animation and using AI-assisted tools like Cascadeur can help improve these aspects.
- 3D Modeling and Rigging: 3D animators need to possess expertise in 3D modeling and rigging as it enables them to create and animate characters and objects within a 3D environment. Tools like ZBrush and emerging AI-based rigging software are also gaining popularity in the market.
- Computer Graphics: Understanding computer graphics principles, including lighting, shading, and texture mapping, is vital for creating visually appealing animations. Knowledge of real-time rendering engines like Unreal Engine and Unity is increasingly important for modern animators.
Tools and Software for Animators
Some Popular Animation Tools and Software in Each Category
2D Animation Tools
- Adobe Animate: The 2D animation software facilitates the creation of interactive animations and vector-based graphics, encompassing an extensive array of functionalities while providing support for multiple file formats. Still widely used for web animations and interactive content.
- Toon Boom Harmony: This software remains a standard in studios for its professional-grade 2D animation capabilities. It offers a comprehensive range of advanced tools for both traditional and digital animation, encompassing character rigging, special effects, and multiplane camera functionalities.
- TVPaint Animation: A flexible 2D animation software that supports a traditional animation workflow. This comprehensive toolset includes various drawing and painting instruments, advanced functionalities such as onion skinning, timeline-based animation, and now enhanced with better pen/tablet integrations for a natural drawing experience.
- Synfig Studio: An open-source 2D animation software that allows you to create high-quality animations. Recent updates added better support for vector and raster layers, improved bone rigging, and modern UI enhancements.
- Pencil2D: A free and open-source 2D animation software suitable for beginners. It provides a simple interface and basic drawing tools for frame-by-frame animation. Lightweight and perfect for hobbyists starting out.
- New & Noteworthy:
- Krita: Once primarily a painting tool, Krita now has robust 2D animation capabilities and is becoming increasingly popular among artists.
- OpenToonz: Free, open-source, and widely adopted for professional 2D animation, used in projects even by studios.
- AI-assisted tools like Runway ML are being explored for automating cleanup, tweening, and even generating style frames.
3D Animation Tools
- Autodesk Maya: Still a leader in the market for 3D animation, providing a wide range of tools for modeling, rigging, animation, and rendering. Essential for professionals in film, TV, and game development, with ongoing AI-assisted features being integrated.
- Blender: A powerful, free, open-source 3D animation software. Its feature set for modeling, rigging, simulation, rendering, and video editing continues to expand, with real-time rendering (Eevee) and massive community-driven improvements.
- Cinema 4D: Renowned for its user-friendly interface and motion graphics capabilities. Popular for visual effects and broadcast graphics, now equipped with procedural workflows and GPU-accelerated rendering.
- New & Noteworthy:
- Unreal Engine & Unity: Originally game engines, they are now heavily used for real-time 3D animation and virtual production in films.
- Cascadeur: An AI-powered 3D character posing and animation tool that helps animators speed up workflow and improve realism.
Instructional Design Animation Tools
- Vyond (formerly GoAnimate): A web-based animation tool designed specifically for creating instructional and explainer videos. It offers pre-built characters, scenes, and props, along with an intuitive interface for creating engaging animations.
- Articulate Storyline: An e-learning authoring tool that enables users to produce instructional animations with interactive elements. It provides templates, characters, and interactivity features to create impactful learning experiences.
- New & Noteworthy:
- Powtoon: Widely used for corporate training and presentations thanks to its simple interface and library of templates.
- Animaker: Another beginner-friendly, web-based tool for creating animated videos for instruction and social media.
- Tools like Canva (with animation features) are also entering this space for lightweight needs.
Salary of an Animator
Here is a general overview of the animation salary ranges in the United States and India, based on industry reports and market data:
United States
- Entry-level animators in the United States can earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $65,000.
- Mid-level animators with some experience and expertise may earn between $70,000 to $95,000 per year.
- Highly skilled and experienced animators, especially those working in prestigious studios or with extensive portfolios, can earn $100,000 or more, with senior roles or specialised positions exceeding $120,000 annually.
India
- Entry-level animators in India typically earn an average annual salary of around ₹3,00,000 to ₹5,00,000.
- Mid-level animators with more experience and proficiency may earn between ₹6,00,000 to ₹12,00,000 per year.
- Senior animators or those with specialised skills working in established animation studios can command salaries upwards of ₹15,00,000 or more annually.
Animation Industry Trends for 2025
Animation is a continually evolving field. Constantly strengthen and diversify your skills to remain in demand as an animator. While software and tools will change with time, a foundation in the essential principles of animation will serve you well throughout your career. Stay passionate and never stop learning!
As an animator, you need to constantly improve your skills to stay up-to-date with trends in the industry. Here are some current trends and ways to strengthen your animation skills:
1. AI in Animation
Tools like Runway ML and Adobe Firefly are automating repetitive tasks such as rotoscoping, inbetweening, and style transfer. Learning how to integrate AI in animation workflows can save time and boost creativity.
2. Virtual Reality (VR)
There is growing demand for VR animations, especially in gaming, education, and virtual production. Animators skilled in creating immersive 3D experiences have a competitive edge.
3. Streaming Platforms
Platforms like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video are heavily investing in Indian animation and original animated content, opening up exciting opportunities for animators.
4. Gaming Boom
India’s booming gaming industry—both mobile and PC—is creating a significant demand for character animators, environment artists, and motion graphics designers. Cross-training in game design and animation is highly valuable.
5. Sustainability
Studios are adopting eco-friendly rendering practices and optimizing production pipelines to reduce their carbon footprint. Learning energy-efficient rendering techniques and sustainable workflows can make you a more responsible and attractive candidate in the industry.
Conclusion
Animation is a dynamic and rewarding career that blends creativity, technical skills, and storytelling. Whether you pursue formal education, build an impressive animation portfolio, or master the latest animation tools for beginners and advanced software, there are abundant opportunities in animation jobs across industries like gaming, film, advertising, and web design. With growing demand in India and globally, and trends like AI in animation, 3D animation software, and sustainable practices shaping the field, now is the perfect time to start your journey. Stay passionate, keep learning, and let your imagination move the world.