Animators create moving images using hand-drawn or computer-generated techniques for films, TV shows, video games, adverts, and online content. The role usually involves developing storyboards, designing characters and backgrounds, and using specialist software to bring ideas to life. Animators often work in teams, collaborating with directors, producers, writers, and other creative professionals. They need to have strong artistic skills, a good eye for detail, and proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Many animators work for animation studios, production companies, or as freelancers.
Entry level animators in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £23,000 per year, while experienced animators can earn £30,000 to £60,000 or more.
There are over 3,000 people employed as animators in the UK, with most jobs located in London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
The UK animation industry is worth over £1.6 billion, with increasing demand for talent in film, television, gaming, and advertising.
Focuses on bringing characters to life in films, television, or video games by creating their movements and expressions.
Specialises in creating three-dimensional models for use in animation, games, and visual effects.
Creates visual representations of scripts, helping animators and directors plan out scenes and sequences.
Take art and design subjects at GCSE or A level to build your drawing and visual skills.
Focusing on courses like Art, Graphics, or Design and Technology helps you develop essential skills such as sketching, composition, and understanding colour theory. These skills are fundamental for any animator, as a strong artistic background is valued by colleges and employers.
Build a portfolio showcasing your best work, including sketches, character designs, and short animations if possible.
A portfolio demonstrates your creativity, technical ability, and personal style. Include a variety of work such as hand-drawn images, digital art, storyboards, and any animations you have tried. Keep your portfolio up to date as you improve.
Study for a college course or a university degree in animation or a related subject such as graphic design or media production.
Relevant courses include a BTEC in Art and Design, A levels in Art or Media Studies, or a university degree such as BA Animation, BA Graphic Design, or BA Media Arts. University courses often teach both traditional and digital animation techniques, industry-standard software, and storytelling skills.
Get hands-on experience with animation software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom, Blender, or Maya.
Most animation jobs require knowledge of digital tools. Many educational courses provide access to this software, but you can also download free trial versions or use open-source alternatives to practise at home. Online tutorials and workshops can help you learn faster.
Look for work experience placements or internships with animation studios, production companies, or media agencies.
Gaining experience in a real working environment helps you understand how animation projects are managed, meet industry professionals, and build your CV. Even short placements can be valuable, and some studios offer summer internships or student shadowing days.
Create a showreel of your best animation work to showcase your skills to employers.
A showreel is a short video (usually 1 to 2 minutes) that highlights your strongest animation projects. Tailor your showreel to the types of roles you are interested in, and keep it updated as you develop new skills or complete professional projects.
Attend industry events, join online animation communities, and apply for entry-level roles such as junior animator or animation assistant.
Networking can help you learn about job openings and gain advice from working professionals. Look for job vacancies on animation studio websites, creative job boards, and through professional organisations like Animation UK.
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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