Animators create moving images by drawing, modelling, or using computer software. Their work appears in films, television, video games, advertisements, and online media. Typical tasks include designing characters and backgrounds, producing storyboards, and bringing stories to life through movement and expression. Animators often specialise in either 2D or 3D animation, and may collaborate with directors, writers, and sound designers. Many animators work in studios, while some are freelancers or part of small creative teams. A strong portfolio and technical skills in software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender are highly valued.
The average salary for an animator in the UK ranges from £18,000 for entry-level positions to £40,000 for experienced professionals. Senior animators can earn up to £60,000 or more.
There were around 42,000 people employed in animation, visual effects, and related roles in the UK as of 2023, with London and Manchester acting as major hubs.
The UK animation and visual effects sector grew by about 25 percent between 2015 and 2023, driven by the expansion of film, television, and gaming industries.
Focuses on bringing animated characters to life for films, television, and video games, using movement and expressions.
Specialises in creating three-dimensional models for animation projects, often using software such as Maya or Blender.
Creates visual representations of scripts to plan out scenes and sequences before animation begins.
Regularly sketch, draw, and experiment with different art styles to build a strong artistic foundation.
Developing your drawing skills is essential for animators, especially those working in 2D or character design. Try to sketch from real life and imagination, focusing on anatomy, movement, and facial expressions. Explore both traditional and digital drawing methods to become comfortable with various tools.
Study the key principles such as timing, squash and stretch, and anticipation to understand how to bring characters and objects to life.
The 12 principles of animation, originally developed by Disney animators, remain the foundation of all animation work. Resources like books, online tutorials, and short courses can help you learn and apply these principles. Practise by creating simple animations like bouncing balls or walking cycles.
Get hands-on experience with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Blender.
Familiarity with animation software is crucial. Many animators use Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony for 2D work, and Blender or Autodesk Maya for 3D animation. Free software and student licences are available, so practise creating short animations and explore online tutorials to build your technical portfolio.
Create a collection of your best animation work to showcase your skills to prospective employers or universities.
A portfolio should include a variety of pieces that demonstrate your range, such as character animations, storyboards, and completed short films. Host your portfolio online using personal websites or platforms like Behance or Vimeo. Continuously update your portfolio as you gain new skills and experience.
Consider taking a college course, A Levels, or a university degree in animation, art, or media production.
Many universities and colleges across the UK offer courses in animation, visual effects, or computer graphics. Entry requirements usually include a portfolio and relevant qualifications. Alternatively, apprenticeships and short courses are available for hands-on learning.
Look for work placements, internships, or junior animation roles to gain practical experience in the industry.
Experience is highly valued in the animation industry. Seek out internships at animation studios, volunteer to create animations for local organisations, or collaborate on student projects. Networking at industry events and joining professional bodies such as Animation UK can also help you find opportunities.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Animator. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in:
It might be useful to choose a course which includes practical skills and offers a work placement.
You'll usually need:
You could do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need to become an animator. Courses include:
You'll usually need:
You might be able to get into this work by doing a Higher Apprenticeship, such as:
You'll usually need:
You could start as an animation runner and work your way up to a digital painter, assistant animator or animator.
Employers value work experience so it's important to get as much as you can. To find work experience or volunteering opportunities, you could contact:
You can also find out more about the different ways to get work experience.
You could take a short training course in animation or animation software to get some practical animation skills.
These courses are usually offered by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
You'll need to create a showreel and animation portfolio to highlight your best work and ideas.
Put your work on your own blog, website or video-sharing website to make it easy to find.
You can get advice about working as an animator from into games and ScreenSkills.
You can also find out more about working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers and Get into film.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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