Favourites
Not a student?
Further info
Are you
a problem solver? Try our
new game
Are you a problem solver? Try our new game
Woman's hand drawing a man's face on an iPad

Animation Technician

Creating animations to tell engaging stories

How this role makes a difference

When you first think of animation, you probably imagine big feature films with quirky characters, hilarious stories, and funny voice overs. Films are one of the places where animation is used today but there are also many others.

Organisations of all kinds use animation to bring products, services and experiences to life, in short information films, advertising and computer games. You could be the technician who helps brands, charities, campaigners, game designers, and filmmakers to tell their stories in a fresh and engaging way.

The kind of work you’ll do

  • Creating images that help to tell a story
  • Using different illustration processes – hand drawn, computer generated or 3D objects
  • Interpreting a story board and characters
  • Producing characters’ motions, gestures and expressions
  • Presenting creative ideas
  • Producing repeats of images with minor changes
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Communicating complex ideas
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Precise
Skills & attributes
Useful skills
Technologically minded
Skills & attributes

What you can bring to the role

A vivid imagination and excellent drawing skills.

The ability to focus and great attention to detail when you draw.

An interest in how human and animal anatomies work.

An appreciation of different animation styles.

The ability to follow instructions carefully and accurately.

A natural instinct for communicating complex ideas simply.

An ease with computers and experience using computer design software.

You could also be right for this role if you have any of the following interests:

- art, film, fashion and design

- gaming and technology

Future career opportunities

You could work in an animation studio that specialises in a particular animation style and become a creative director who leads a team. 

Alternatively, you might want to develop your own animation style and  become a freelance animator who is used for a range of projects.

£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

How to get into this role

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:  

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Working in animation involves creating alternative worlds and deciding how to communicate messages simply. You’ll be involved in producing a series of still images that will be shown in a rapid sequence to create the illusion of movement. These can be combined with live action, real actors, visual effects, and interactive content to create visual communication that’s really exciting.

Discover
technicians who
do this role

Alice Bloomfield

Animation Technician

Alice Bloomfield
Paper aeroplane

What are your next steps?

Discover our expert advice on the different pathways available and how to get into your dream role.

3 glass beakers and vases with different amounts of red liquid in

Browse more technican roles

Discover what qualifications you’ll need, how much you can earn, and what the next steps are.
Like the sound of
this role? Read a technician's story