How to Become an Animator: Australian Careers in Illustration

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D3D20

Diploma of 3D Design and Animation

Start your career as a 3D Designer and Animator with a Diploma of 3D Design and Animation, delivered by Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University Australia.

During the course, you’ll develop a portfolio to show off your creative potential and help you start your career in the design sector. Under the mentorship of our academic team and industry partners, you’ll learn how to tell stories, bring characters and digital worlds to life, and respond to client briefs. You’ll also develop a theoretical and technical base of knowledge of general 3D principles and practice, along with an introduction to specialist areas within the field.

Get started with the essentials

Learn the basics of modelling, rigging, animation, texturing, lighting and composition.

Gain professional experience

Gain work experience as you complete an industry brief, putting your learnings into practice.

Free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence

You’ll receive a free Adobe Creative Cloud Pro licence for the entire time you’re studying Design with us.

Houdini SideFX certified school

Gain free access to the award-winning industry-standard Houdini SideFX platform.

Blended, On Campus, Online

NSW, Online

3D Animator, 3D Artist, 3D Designer, 3D Modelling Professional, Animator, Assistant Applications Programmer, Brand Identity Designer, Digital Designer, Game Designer, Graphic Designer, Image Designer

Price may vary

18 months full time, 2 years part time, 12 months accelerated

On this page

What is a Animator?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Animator?

An Animator is a creative professional who brings stories and characters to life through the art of animation. This dynamic career involves using a blend of artistic skills and technical knowledge to create engaging visual content for various media, including films, television shows, video games, and advertisements. Animators play a crucial role in the entertainment industry, where their work captivates audiences and enhances storytelling through movement and expression.

The responsibilities of an Animator are diverse and exciting. They begin by conceptualising ideas and developing storyboards that outline the visual narrative. This process often involves sketching initial designs and creating character models. Once the concepts are approved, Animators use various software tools to produce animations, whether in 2D or 3D formats. They meticulously craft each frame, ensuring that the movements are fluid and realistic, which requires a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of motion principles.

In addition to creating animations, Animators collaborate closely with directors, producers, and other team members to ensure that the final product aligns with the overall vision of the project. They may also be involved in revising animations based on feedback, which fosters a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and innovation. This role not only demands artistic talent but also strong communication skills, as Animators must articulate their ideas and incorporate input from others effectively.

Overall, a career as an Animator is both fulfilling and rewarding, offering opportunities to work on exciting projects that entertain and inspire. With the continuous growth of the digital media landscape, the demand for skilled Animators is on the rise, making it a promising field for those passionate about art and storytelling. Whether working independently or as part of a larger team, Animators have the unique ability to shape the way stories are told and experienced, making their contributions invaluable in the world of entertainment.

Career snapshots For Animators

Animators play a crucial role in the creative industry, bringing stories and concepts to life through visual art. They work in various sectors, including film, television, video games, and advertising, using both traditional and digital techniques to create engaging animations.

Average Age: 34 years
Gender Distribution: 36% female
Hours Worked: Average of 43 hours per week, with 70% working full-time
Average Salary: Ranges from AU$75,000 to AU$95,000 annually
Unemployment Rate: N/A
Employment Numbers: Approximately 3,400 people employed as animators in Australia
Projected Growth: Annual employment growth is not specified, but the demand for animators is expected to remain strong due to the increasing use of animation in various media.

As the industry evolves, animators are encouraged to continually develop their skills and adapt to new technologies to stay competitive in the job market. With a blend of creativity and technical proficiency, animators can look forward to a dynamic and rewarding career.

Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing

What will I do?

Animators play a crucial role in bringing stories to life through visual art. They create engaging animations for various media, including films, television shows, video games, and advertisements. By combining artistic skills with technology, animators transform concepts into dynamic visuals that captivate audiences. Their work requires creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in various animation software, making it a rewarding yet challenging career path.

Formulates design concepts – Develops initial ideas and themes for animations based on project requirements.
Prepares sketches and storyboards – Creates visual representations of scenes to outline the flow and structure of the animation.
Creates animations – Utilises software to produce both 2D and 3D animations, ensuring smooth motion and visual appeal.
Collaborates with team members – Works closely with directors, writers, and other artists to align on project goals and artistic direction.
Edits and refines animations – Reviews and revises animations based on feedback to enhance quality and effectiveness.
Stays updated with industry trends – Researches new techniques and tools in animation to improve skills and adapt to changing technologies.
Manages project timelines – Organises and prioritises tasks to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards.

What skills do I need?

A career as an animator requires a unique blend of artistic talent and technical skills. Animators must be proficient in various animation software, such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, and Toon Boom Harmony, to create engaging visual content. A strong foundation in traditional art techniques, including drawing and illustration, is also essential, as it enhances their ability to conceptualise and execute animation projects. Additionally, animators should possess a keen understanding of storytelling, character development, and motion principles to effectively bring their ideas to life.

Beyond technical abilities, successful animators need strong communication and collaboration skills, as they often work in teams with other artists, directors, and clients. Attention to detail and the ability to accept constructive feedback are crucial for refining their work. Furthermore, staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies is vital for animators to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving field. With dedication and continuous learning, aspiring animators can carve out a rewarding career in the dynamic world of animation.

Skills/attributes

Proficiency in animation software (e.g., Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya)
Strong drawing and illustration skills
Understanding of 2D and 3D animation techniques
Ability to create storyboards and visual narratives
Attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics
Creativity and artistic vision
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Time management and ability to meet deadlines
Problem-solving skills and adaptability
Knowledge of animation principles (e.g., timing, movement, and character design)
Familiarity with graphic design principles
Ability to take constructive feedback and make revisions
Passion for storytelling and visual arts

Resources

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How to Become an Animator: Australian Careers in Illustration

What is a Animator?

Career snapshots For Animators

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes