What Is an Animator? Job Description, Pay, and More

Whether it’s advertisements, video games, or films, animators bring ideas to life in a way that images or text simply can’t. But what is an animator? For hiring managers looking to expand their teams, understanding what an animator does and how to find the right one that aligns well with the needs of your team or organization is essential.

Let’s explore this profession and what it entails to kick start your hiring process for an animator!

What Is an Animator?

An animator is a professional who creates moving images or visual effects through a variety of techniques. They use a combination of artistic and technical skills to bring static designs to life, whether through hand-drawn sketches, 3D modeling, stop-motion photography, or digital tools. Animators can work on everything from short films to websites, mobile apps, and video games.

The work of an animator is multi-faceted. They typically begin by conceptualizing and designing characters, environments, and objects that will appear in a production. Once the design is complete, they use animation software like Adobe Animat to create what’s called sequences– a series of frames or images that, when played in a specific order, create the illusion of movement.

Animators can work individually, while many often collaborate closely with a team of designers, writers, and directors to ensure the final product aligns with the project’s vision.

Where Do Animators Work?

Animators work in a variety of settings depending on the industry and the type of animation being produced. Check out where you’re most likely to find one in the workforce!

• Film and Television Studios: Animation is a significant component of the entertainment industry, especially for animated films, TV shows, and visual effects (VFX) for live-action movies. Major studios like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Walt Disney rely heavily on animators to bring their projects to life.
• Video Game Development Studios: Animators are crucial in the gaming industry, where they design and create character animations, environmental movements, and special effects. Video game animation requires animators to work with developers and artists to ensure that the animation works seamlessly with interactive elements.
• Advertising and Marketing Agencies: Many marketing campaigns today rely on animated content to capture the attention of their audience. Animators working in this field may create advertisements, explainer videos, motion graphics, and social media content.
• Freelance or Remote Work: Many animators work independently as freelancers, offering their services to a wide range of clients across different industries. With the rise of remote work, freelance animators can work with clients worldwide, creating animated videos, logos, explainer videos, and more.
• Educational Content and Corporate Training: Animation is increasingly being used in the education and corporate sectors. Animators working in these fields create educational videos, e-learning modules, or corporate presentations that make learning more engaging and visually appealing.

Different Types of Animators

The term “animator” is actually quite broad. There are various types of animators, each specializing in a specific style or medium. Here are some of the most common types of animators:

1. 2D Animators: These animators work with two-dimensional art, creating animations frame-by-frame. This traditional style can be done digitally or by hand. 2D animators are often responsible for animated characters, environments, and special effects in television shows, movies, and commercials.
2. 3D Animators: 3D animation involves creating three-dimensional characters, objects, and environments. Using advanced software like Autodesk Maya or Blender, 3D animators model, rig, and animate objects to create a realistic or stylized look for video games, films, and simulations.
3. Stop-Motion Animators: Stop-motion animation involves physically manipulating objects, like clay or puppets, and photographing them frame by frame to create the illusion of movement. Famous examples of stop-motion films include Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
4. Motion Graphics Designers: Motion graphics is a specific branch of animation that focuses on the use of graphic design and animation techniques to create moving visuals. Motion graphics are often used in commercials, explainer videos, and title sequences.
5. Character Animators: These animators specialize in bringing characters to life, focusing on their movements, emotions, and behaviors. They work in both 2D and 3D animation and are especially important in industries like gaming and film.
6. Visual Effects (VFX) Artists: While not strictly animators in the traditional sense, VFX artists use animation to enhance live-action films and videos. They create elements like explosions, fire, smoke, and other visual effects that are seamlessly integrated with real footage.

Pay and Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 4% growth in this profession between 2023 and 2033 with the U.S. median annual wage being about $99,060 (varying by location, experience, and skillset) in 2023.

As of 2024, the salary for animators in the United States can vary widely depending on factors such as industry, experience level, and location. However, overall trends indicate that animation continues to be a well-compensated profession, especially as the demand for high-quality content increases

The BLS also shows .

Animator Interview Questions

Now that you know what an animator does, it’s important to ask questions that will not only test their technical skills but also their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Here are ten to get you started!

1. Can you describe your animation process from start to finish?
2. What animation software are you most comfortable using, and why?
3. Can you show us a portfolio of your previous work?
4. How do you handle feedback and revisions?
5. How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new animation techniques?
6. Can you describe a time when you encountered a challenging animation problem, and how you solved it?
7. How do you balance creativity with meeting client expectations or project deadlines?
8. What is your experience with animating for different platforms (e.g., web, mobile apps, TV, film)? How do you adjust your approach for each?
9. Can you explain how you collaborate with other members of a creative team, such as designers, writers, or developers?
10. How do you approach animation style, and how do you ensure it aligns with a project’s brand or tone?

Hire an Animator with insight global

Hiring the right animator can have a transformative effect on your brand or project. Animators bring creativity, innovation, and technical expertise to your team, helping to create engaging and dynamic content that resonates with your audience. Whether you need a 2D animator for a marketing campaign, a 3D animator for a video game, or a stop-motion specialist for a film project, the right animator can help elevate your production to the next level, and we can help you find them!

Our network of skilled animators is ready to bring your ideas to life. Connect with us today to find the perfect animator for your next project!