Animators create moving images using hand-drawn, computer-generated, or stop-motion techniques. Their work can be found in films, television programmes, video games, advertising, and online media. A typical day might involve designing characters, creating storyboards, and using specialist software to bring stories to life. Animators often work as part of a team, collaborating with directors, writers, and other artists to achieve the desired visual effects. Creativity, attention to detail, and technical skills in animation software are essential for this role. Most animators in the UK work in studios, but some are freelancers or work remotely.
The average annual salary for an animator in the UK ranges from £20,000 for entry-level positions to £40,000 or more for experienced professionals.
There are over 6,000 animators working in the UK, with opportunities growing due to demand in film, television, advertising, and gaming.
The UK animation sector contributes over £1.6 billion to the economy and is one of the fastest-growing creative industries.
Creates lifelike movements for characters in films, video games, and television using specialised 3D software.
Draws detailed panels to plan out scenes and sequences for animations, helping directors and animators visualise the story.
Designs and animates realistic visual effects, such as explosions or magical elements, for movies, TV shows, and adverts.
Begin by building your drawing skills, as a solid foundation in art is essential for animators.
Spend time sketching different objects, environments, and characters. Take art classes at school or in your community to improve your skills. Focus on understanding anatomy, perspective, and colour theory, which are all important for animation.
Study the basic principles of animation, such as timing, squash and stretch, and anticipation.
You can find books, online courses, and tutorials that explain the twelve principles of animation. These principles help make your animations more realistic and engaging. Practise by creating simple animations, such as bouncing balls or walking cycles.
Choose GCSEs or A-levels in art, design, or media, or consider BTEC diplomas related to creative media.
Most animators have completed courses in art and design. Some colleges and universities offer specific courses in animation, which cover both the creative and technical aspects. Look for foundation courses if you are not sure which area of animation you want to specialise in.
Consider a university degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field, or look for an apprenticeship in a creative studio.
Many roles in animation require a degree or equivalent qualification. Degree courses usually cover both 2D and 3D animation, storyboarding, and digital software. Alternatively, apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and can lead to industry-recognised qualifications.
Compile your best work into a showreel or portfolio to showcase your skills to employers.
A showreel is a short video that highlights your abilities in animation. Include a variety of pieces, such as character animation, motion graphics, or special effects. Keep it concise and make sure it demonstrates your strongest work.
Look for internships, work placements, or freelance projects to gain real-world experience.
Work experience helps you learn about the animation industry and build contacts. Seek opportunities at animation studios, television companies, or online media agencies. Every project adds to your experience and strengthens your CV and portfolio.
Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.
Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 100 positions available )
Being a Warfare Specialist (Submariner), means working with some of the most advanced computer systems available to identify, track and, if required, destroy potential threats. This will involve the covert monitoring of all other vessels (surface and sub-surface, friend or foe) within range of the advanced array of different sensors onboard.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
Royal Navy
( Added 04 Jun 2024 - 28 positions available )
We need to make the seas safe. For our warships, for civilian ships, for everyone. And that’s where you come in. You’ll be at the heart of these missions whether they’re in a Mediterranean port, or on operations in the Persian Gulf. As a Mine Warfare Specialist you’ll lead the way for our fleet, clearing any mines in its path.
Closing date: in 8 months
Possible start date: 02 Jun 2026
FRANK H DALE LTD
( Added 23 Sep 2024 - 1 position available )
This is an exciting opportunity to represent Frank H. Dale, a major structural steel fabricator that was founded in 1932 in the Herefordshire market town of Leominster.
Closing date: in 3 days
Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025
LANYON BOWDLER LLP
( Added 30 Apr 2025 - 1 position available )
This is an exciting opportunity to represent Lanyon Bowdler Law Firm, who are consistently recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and strive to create a happy and supportive working environment.
Closing date: in 3 days
Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025
P3 COMPUTER SERVICES LIMITED
( Added 22 May 2025 - 1 position available )
P3 Computer Services Ltd in Burnley are recruiting for an Apprentice Digital Support Technician. The successful candidate will work towards completing a Level 3 Digital Support Technician apprenticeship over the duration of 18 months.
Closing date: in 1 month
Possible start date: 29 Nov 2025
FMS DATA CABLING LTD
( Added 07 Jul 2025 - 2 positions available )
VQ Solutions are looking for a hardworking, determined individual to join the growing team at FMS as a Network Cable Installer. FMS have an excellent track record of training and progressing their apprentices. You will work and train on-site with their time-served engineers on national projects throughout the UK.
Closing date: in 10 days
Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025
HEYGATES LIMITED
( Added 29 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )
A fantastic opportunity has become available for an IT support trainee to join the team, reporting to the Head of IT. This new and challenging role will give the opportunity to work with a wide range of enterprise technologies and potential to travel to other sites in the UK. An exciting and varied role.
Closing date: in 2 months
Possible start date: 13 Dec 2025
BUBBLE IT SOLUTIONS LTD
( Added 12 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )
As an IT Support Engineer Apprentice at Bubble IT, you’ll be the first point of contact for customers needing technical help. You’ll gain hands-on experience resolving a range of IT issues and developing your knowledge across hardware, software, and network support.
Closing date: in 20 days
Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025
BV Dairy
( Added 27 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )
First line business support, onsite, resolving issues such as forgotten passwords, connection and printing issues, and general problem identification. Covering customer service, system maintenance, and security, preparing you for more complex technical support roles.
Closing date: in 17 days
Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025
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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