Career outlook for animator
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£24,960
Currently employed in Scotland
5,100
Average UK salary
£24,960
Currently employed in Scotland
5,100
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would create detailed drawings, models or 3D computer images to bring characters, stories and ideas to life on screen in animated films, games and cartoons.
You'd use your imagination and acting skills to get personality and character into the animation. You might work on films like Toy Story, a television cartoon like The Simpsons, an advert, a computer game or a music video.
The most common method of animation is to create 3D computer generated imagery (CGI).
In stop frame animation you'd make puppets and photograph them as you change the puppets' positions over and over again. One second of film needs up to 25 photographs.
You would:
- Read the storyboard for the animation
- Plan and design the frames (pictures) which tell the story
- Draw background and characters using a range of materials, such as pencil, ink or paint
- Use digital equipment to copy the artwork hundreds of times with tiny changes in position
- Work with an editor to add dialogue or a soundtrack
- Make sure the action or characters' speech and movements follow the audio or soundtrack
On large or long-running productions, you could be part of a team working on one stage of production for several weeks, months or even years.
If it's a small project, you could be involved in many of the processes, from developing concepts to editing the final piece in post-production.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
13%
Part-time
9%
Self employed
78%
Create a qualification route
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Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Adaptability
- Cooperating
- Working with technology
- Creative
- Designing
- Observation
- Attention to detail
- Developing a plan
- Implementing ideas
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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) or a degree (SCQF Level 9/10). Work-based qualifications such as a Modern Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF Level 7) are also available.
To enter a Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF Level 8) requires National 4/5 qualifications and 2 Highers.
To enter an Animation degree (SCFQ Level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or a relevant HNC/HND. To enter a postgraduate course (SCQF Level 11) requires a relevant degree and portfolio.
Useful subjects
- English (required by many courses)
- Art and design (required by many courses)
- Maths
- Graphic communication
- Computer science
- Social studies
- Physics
- Product design
- Design and manufacture
- Photography
You will also need
- Evidence of your ability as an animator.
- Portfolio of your work.
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate creative skills and industry knowledge such as Skills for Work Creative & Digital (SCQF Level 4) or Creative Industries (SCQF Level 5) may be helpful.
Related industries
