Top 10 Animation Career Paths and How to Get Started

The UK animation industry, valued at £1.7 billion, is steadily growing and expanding, creating exciting opportunities across diverse sectors such as film, television, gaming, and digital marketing. As technology continues to advance and demand grows, animation professionals are increasingly sought after for their unique skills and creativity. Those with a passion for drawing might wonder what sort of job roles are out there that utilises their skill and talent. In this article, we’ll outline some of the options animators have in their careers, showcase the wide range of exciting job opportunities available and how they’re evolving with the latest advancements in technology. 

 

Starting a Career in Animation: 10 Paths to Explore

 

Animation offers a plethora of career paths, each has its own unique requirements and skill sets.

1: 3D Animator

3D animators create three-dimensional moving images and animations using software like Maya or Blender. Whether it’s breathing life into characters for the latest blockbuster movie, creating immersive worlds for video games, or designing captivating VR experiences, a 3D animator’s day is anything but ordinary. Armed with powerful software like Maya or Blender, they transform static models into dynamic, moving scenes that tell a story. Collaboration is key in this role, as animators often work side by side with directors, designers, and other artists to craft seamless, awe-inspiring visuals.

With the explosion of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the continued rise of the gaming industry, the demand for skilled 3D animators has never been higher. In fact, the global 3D animation market is projected to reach over $33 billion by 2026, driven by innovation in entertainment and technology. 

To thrive in this competitive field, animators need more than just technical know-how; they must possess a keen artistic eye, a knack for storytelling, and the ability to push the boundaries of their craft. You’ll find them working in top animation studios, game development companies, or even creating show-stopping ads for the world’s biggest brands.

2: Character Designer

Imagine creating characters that live beyond the page or screen, shaping the personalities and looks that audiences fall in love with—that’s the life of a character designer. Their work involves sketching initial concepts, refining visual details, and collaborating with directors, animators, and storytellers to ensure the characters not only look great but feel authentic within the story. From exaggerated cartoons to realistic game avatars, a character designer’s artistic flair and deep understanding of anatomy, expression, and colour bring these figures to life.

 

As storytelling becomes more sophisticated in gaming, films, and even virtual reality experiences, the demand for well-crafted characters has skyrocketed. Players and viewers want more than just visual appeal—they want characters with depth and relatability. Designers in this field thrive in environments like animation studios, game development companies, and even comic book publishers, where their imagination helps create the next big cultural icons. 

 

The role requires a blend of creativity and technical knowledge. Mastery of anatomy, an eye for colour theory, and skills in digital illustration tools like Photoshop and Illustrator are crucial for breathing life into these characters. With complex narratives driving modern media, the need for talented character designers is only growing.

3: Storyboard Artist

Being a storyboard artist is all about translating a narrative vision into a visual roadmap for a project, much like crafting a comic strip that tells a story through sequential images. These artists are the first to visualise how an animation or film will unfold, sketching out key scenes and moments to guide the production. Each day, they spend hours drawing, revising, and perfecting these visual representations, working closely with directors and writers to ensure the scenes flow smoothly and reflect the intended story.

Demand for storyboard artists is high because storytelling is at the core of animation, film, and advertising. Their ability to translate written scripts into engaging visual layouts makes them invaluable to studios. A skilled storyboard artist needs more than just artistic talent—they must have a solid understanding of cinematography, composition, and narrative pacing to bring a director’s vision to life.

Typically employed by film studios, TV networks, and advertising agencies, storyboard artists are key players in shaping the visual and emotional flow of stories. With the constant growth of media content across platforms, their expertise remains consistently sought after in the industry.

4: VFX Artist

Imagine blending the real world with the impossible—VFX artists make this magic happen by seamlessly integrating computer-generated imagery (CGI) with live-action footage. Their work adds the jaw-dropping explosions, fantastical creatures, or otherworldly environments that take films, video games, and TV shows to the next level. 

A typical day for a VFX artist involves collaborating with animators, cinematographers, and directors to create special effects that enhance the story while staying true to the director’s vision. They constantly refine these visuals, ensuring that each scene looks as realistic and immersive as possible.

With the explosion of high-budget films, gaming, and streaming content, VFX artists are in higher demand than ever before. The rise of superhero franchises, sci-fi films, and video games has only increased the need for these digital magicians. They rely heavily on cutting-edge software like After Effects, Nuke, and Maya to bring these stunning effects to life, blending technical skill with a deep creative vision.

You’ll find VFX artists employed at top-tier film production companies, video game studios, and advertising firms, where their talent shapes the visuals of major blockbuster films and immersive gaming worlds. As visual effects continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the role of VFX artists is more critical than ever to modern storytelling.

The global visual effects (VFX) market was valued at approximately $10.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to nearly double, reaching around $21.4 billion by 2032, driven by increased demand across film, television, gaming, and streaming platforms​. 

 

5: 2D Animator

A 2D animator brings life to characters and stories using two-dimensional artistry, often invoking a nostalgic sense of traditional animation. Despite the rise of 3D animation, 2D animation has seen a resurgence in modern media, particularly in television series, indie films, and online content. 2D- animated films were leading in this year’s Oscars Awards.

Each day, these animators meticulously draw and animate characters and scenes, often using software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate. Frame by frame, they craft fluid movement and detailed storytelling. This role requires strong drawing skills, creativity, and technical proficiency with animation tools.

The resurgence of 2D animation, spurred by streaming platforms and creative content, has revitalised this career path, making it a viable and exciting opportunity. 2D animators are frequently employed by animation studios, television networks, and independent film projects, where their skills contribute to a range of visual content, from full-length feature films to short web series.

6: Motion Graphics Designer

Motion graphics designers are the bridge between static visuals and dynamic storytelling. These designers create animated graphics that are frequently used across digital platforms—whether in commercials, films, or digital marketing campaigns. Their day-to-day involves designing and animating logos, promotional materials, and visual effects, primarily using software like Adobe After Effects. The growing demand for digital content has created a booming market for motion graphics in advertising, social media, and streaming platforms.

This career calls for a solid foundation in graphic design, animation techniques, and proficiency with animation software. Motion graphics designers are in increasing demand, particularly as companies seek innovative ways to engage audiences through dynamic visual content. Advertising agencies, media companies, and production studios frequently hire these creative professionals to craft visually compelling, motion-based designs.

7: Game Animator

 

Game animators play a pivotal role in the world of video games, crafting animations that bring characters, creatures, and environments to life. Each day, they work on creating and implementing animations that must not only look good but function seamlessly in real-time game engines like Unity or Unreal. 

 

Collaboration with game designers is key, as game animators ensure that their work integrates smoothly into the overall gameplay experience.

 

The booming gaming industry has created a huge demand for skilled animators, especially as games continue to grow in complexity and visual richness. Game animators need to master animation principles and be proficient in both animation software and game engines. Employment opportunities for game animators span from major game development studios to indie game creators and animation studios focused on interactive media.

8: Layout Artist

Layout artists play a pivotal role in setting the visual stage for animated projects. They are responsible for determining camera angles, scene composition, and ensuring visual continuity throughout a production.

 

A typical day for someone with this animation job role involves drawing background layouts and working with directors to maintain the project’s artistic vision. As the quality of animation production rises, so does the demand for layout artists who can contribute to polished, professional visuals. Success in this role requires excellent drawing skills, a solid understanding of perspective, and a keen eye for detail. Layout artists are commonly employed by animation studios, film production companies, and television networks.

9. Technical Director

Technical directors oversee the technical elements of animation production, ensuring that the right tools and workflows are in place to keep the project running smoothly. Their day-to-day responsibilities include troubleshooting software issues, managing production pipelines, and working with the creative team to improve efficiency. As animation and film productions become increasingly complex, the role of technical directors is critical in managing these intricate processes. They need strong problem-solving skills, experience with animation software, and a deep understanding of production workflows. Technical directors typically work in animation studios, film production companies, or VFX houses. It is a varied role for a career in animation. 

10: Animation Director

Animation directors are the guiding force behind both the artistic and technical aspects of animated productions. They manage teams of animators, ensuring that the creative vision is executed flawlessly while keeping the project on schedule. 

 

Directing a feature-length animated film could take years, as seen in the making of Pixar films, which often require 4-6 years to complete due to the intricate details and teamwork involved.

A typical day involves providing creative direction, managing timelines, and overseeing the integration of animation techniques with the broader production. As animation projects grow in scope and complexity, the demand for skilled animation directors continues to rise. Success in this role requires leadership abilities, a thorough understanding of animation techniques, and strong communication skills. Animation directors typically work for animation studios, film production companies, and television networks.

How an Animation Course Prepares You for a Career in Animation

If you’re wondering how to get started in the animation industry, a strong educational foundation is crucial for success in the animation industry. Courses like Art & Animation and Games Design offered by BCE equip students with the necessary animation skills and experience to thrive in their chosen career path.

Skills and Software Training

 

BCE’s animation course provides comprehensive training in essential skills such as storyboarding, character development, and proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, and After Effects. This hands-on experience is invaluable for preparing students for real-world scenarios to unlock  incredible animation jobs.

 

Building a Competitive Portfolio

 

A strong portfolio showcasing your skills to potential employers is key and will help you make the most of job opportunities for your animation career. BCE’s courses highlight the importance of creating high-quality work that is industry standard, allowing students to build portfolios that demonstrate their capabilities.

Industry Connections and Networking

 

BCE’s strong connections within the animation industry in London, nationwide and globally offer students unique networking opportunities. These connections can lead to valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job prospects upon graduation.

Building a Strong Foundation for Success in Animation

The animation industry offers a range of different and exciting career paths, from technical roles like VFX artist to creative positions like art director. With the industry continuing to grow, demand for skilled professionals and job opportunities in the field grows with it, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in animation. 

 

The courses at BCE equip students with all the essential skills to thrive in this dynamic industry. If you are passionate about animation or animated films and are considering animation jobs in London. Kick start your career, consider enrolling in a course at BCE. Interested in finding out more? Speak to us today and have your questions answered.