Animation Careerguide
Animation Careerguide
Animation Careerguide
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ABOUT CG SPECTRUM
TRAINING THE NEXT WAVE
OF PRODUCTION-READY
FILM AND GAME ARTISTS
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THE ANIMATION PIPELINE
PRE-PRODUCTION
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PRODUCTION
BLOCKING
The director or supervisor communicates to
the animator what is required for the scene.
The animator then blocks out a few “story
poses” that encompass the action of the
entire scene.
KEYS
The essential poses that tell the complete
story of a scene with additional poses added
to convey character, humor, action, or design
beyond the blocking pass.
BREAKDOWNS
More frames are added to flesh out actions
and acting choices, bringing the scene closer
to completion.
IN-BETWEENS
The next-to-final pass in which an animator
adds as many frames as necessary to make the
scene work.
FINAL POLISH
The last step for an animator and their final
chance to refine every single element of
every frame to make sure the animation is as
entertaining as possible while also meeting
the director’s or supervisor’s requirements.
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POST-PRODUCTION
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12 PRINCIPLES OF ANIMATION
These concepts apply to both 2D and 3D animation and are a guide to creating the illusion of real
life through movement and character using the physics of movement and principles of anatomy.
They have been used by Disney animators since the 1930s, and still stand the test of time today.
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JOBS IN ANIMATION
ENTRY-LEVEL: $51,350 USD
$
MID-CAREER: $62,701 USD
SENIOR: $73,860 USD
SUPERVISOR/DIRECTOR: $120+USD
Salaries may vary depending on location and studio size
2D ANIMATOR 3D RIGGER
Following a script and/or storyboard, 2D There are two main roles of a rigger: rigging
animators draw frame-by-frame sequential and deformation. Rigging is the act of
images that simulate the actions of a generating the bones and controls of a
character, prop, or machine in a two- 3D model that will allow an animator to
dimensional space. 2D animators usually begin manipulate it. Deformation is the process of
with rough sketches before refining them to making the points of the model. It follows
line drawings. Once the story and voice-overs the rig/armature in a smooth and believable
are locked in, they will layer their animation manner and determines the ways that
into the relevant scene/background and an animator will be able to manipulate it.
continue refining the movements and cleaning Knowledge of human and animal anatomy is
up their lines. a helpful base.
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2D CLEAN-UP ARTIST 3D ANIMATION TD
A clean-up artist’s main job is to turn Technical directors (TDs) generally
rough sketches into articulated line assist animators with the more technical
drawings, giving full definition and style components of their animation, or work
to the original concept art. They trace over after the animation is creatively complete
the key drawings in solid lines, paying to ensure it can be passed on to other
close attention to retaining the essence departments without any issues. They look
of the original sketch. When working on for issues like penetrations of background
characters, they create a model sheet that elements or other characters (or characters
demonstrates how to draw a character from penetrating into themselves), weird
many angles. shadows, or other inconsistencies. They
also help to automate and optimize tools so
LAYOUT ARTIST (2D/3D) animators can work more efficiently.
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STORY DEVELOPMENT
Story development involves designing the
framework for a story from the top and
working with producers and/or directors to
create characters and narrative arcs. People
who work in story development need to
be able to express themselves visually by
creating story panels or boards, along with
other illustrative artwork—meaning you have
le
to be able to draw (people, objects, actions, Boy
m es
and environments) legibly and efficiently. : Ja
ork
tW
d en
Stu
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT/
DESIGNERS
Pulling inspiration from the script and concept Animation can lead to many
art, a character designer/developer forms creative career options. These
specific looks and traits for each character are just some of the career paths
(costumes, poses, color palettes, makeup, era, you could pursue. As technology
etc.) while also ensuring the qualities they evolves and as VR/AR and virtual
create are feasible with the budget. They production gain traction, expect
will need to be skilled at drawing, sketching, to see more exciting roles!
and animating, and know how to work with
mouth charts, expression sheets, shadow and
color indications, and marketing artwork.
ANIMATION DIRECTOR
An animation director is in charge of an
animated feature. They also act as a go-
between, balancing what the producers want
with what their crew can viably achieve, and
providing creative feedback. An animation
director must understand each step in the
production pipeline, so they can monitor
quality control and coordinate between the o
g
ara
various departments and ensure everyone is kaF
ia n
maintaining the overall creative vision. :B
ork
tW
den
Stu
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GET A JOB IN ANIMATION:
7 STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
GET THE SKILLS PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS
Check out job ads at companies you want to Animation competitions are a great way to
work for—see the skills they’re hiring for, then gain experience, and you’ll often get access
build your skills! There are many courses with to a rigged and modeled asset to practice.
varying levels of support and interaction. To Use the final product in your portfolio. CG
fast-track your education, CG Spectrum’s career Spectrum runs regular challenges for students
training includes personalized mentorship from to practice working to a brief and a deadline.
industry professionals so you can progress faster
as an animator, and a specialized curriculum ENGAGE WITH COMMUNITIES
updated regularly to reflect industry standards. Building connections online is vital to getting
your name and skills recognized and is a
STAY AHEAD OF TRENDS chance to interact with industry professionals
Google online tutorials, webinars, conferences, who can offer advice or jobs.
publications, and local 2D/3D events to stay on
top of trends and keep your skills fresh. COLLABORATE WITH PEERS
Do you know a modeler looking for someone
to bring their latest asset to life? Or a lighting
SUGGESTED RESOURCES artist who’d love an animation scene to
• Toon Boom: blog | YouTube render? Collaborating with peers can be fun,
• Maya Support & Learning and help you both create polished work for
• The Animation Guild your portfolios.
• Cartoon Brew
• The Illusion of Life: Disney INTERN WITH A STUDIO
Animation (book) by Ollie Getting an internship with an animation
Johnston and Frank Thomas company you want to work for is a way to
get your foot in the door. This option is not
viable for everyone, but can be an excellent
ANIMATE YOUR OWN PROJECT way of gaining hands-on experience while
The best way to understand the nuances of networking at the same time.
animation is to create your own short projects.
This helps showcase your skills and knowledge
to potential recruiters.
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DEMO REEL TIPS
To get a job in animation, you’ll need an amazing demo reel!
Here are some tips to get you started.
R
Students, keep
'
Include production Show reference
♦
Everything in your
your reel <1 min. If experience if you footage when reel should be
you have 1–2 years’ have any applicable and include 10/10, don’t include
experience, < 2 mins any relevant credits mediocre work
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Work in progress
Ensure your camera
Renders, FX, and
H
Music shouldn’t distract
is fine, but make work doesn’t lighting can enhance from your work, it
sure it’s your best detract from your your shot, but focus should add to the
work overall animation on the animation animation performance
c "
Watch your reel many Get feedback from Share your reel on your
times and look for errors at least 3 mentors or website, ArtStation,
like edits, framing, industry pros before LinkedIn, and other
and spelling releasing online social channels
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READY TO START
YOUR CAREER?
There are lots of resources available to help Fast track your career with personalized high-
you learn the software and become a great end training from industry professionals. CG
animator. However, it can often be hard to find Spectrum offers specialized career training and
the most up-to-date and relevant information mentorship from 150+ film and game industry
or get professional feedback on your work. experts to get you job-ready sooner
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OUR 2D ANIMATION COURSES
Get on track to finding your dream job with CG Spectrum’s career-focused training and
industry mentorship. Students receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of each course.
PATHWAY 2
INTRODUCTION FOUNDATIONS
ADVANCED 2D ANIMATION
TO 2D ANIMATION OF 2D ANIMATION
(9 months)
(3 months) (6 months)
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OUR 3D ANIMATION COURSES
PATHWAY 1 (BEST VALUE!)
PATHWAY 2
INTRODUCTION FOUNDATIONS
ADVANCED 3D ANIMATION
TO 3D ANIMATION OF 3D ANIMATION
(9 months)
(3 months) (6 months)
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BENEFITS OF STUDYING
AT CG SPECTRUM
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT AMAZING ONLINE COMMUNITY
Personalized support, portfolio/CV Join our supportive community of students,
reviews, and interview prep. alumni and mentors from all over the world.
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STUDENT SUCCESS
JAMES B JASMEET S
“Studying at CG Spectrum has been “I was able to create a demo reel and
transformational for me and my career. build connections with professionals that
After a decade in a different career I was ultimately led to my first opportunity as
looking to retrain, and CG Spectrum helped an animator at Sony Pictures Imageworks.
make that change possible. The approach HUGE shout-out to CG Spectrum’s Career
and professionalism of all the mentors at Development Manager, Maxine Schnepf.
the school helped me navigate this career She guided me through the entire
change with excitement, equipping me application process. I honestly believe I
with a fantastic knowledge base and work would not have gotten this opportunity
ethic.” without her help.”
SHRAVANI K
TIFFANY L
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YOUR FUTURE IN
ANIMATION AWAITS!
Explore courses and apply at
cgspectrum.com