View this career for different education levels:
Animators create moving images by drawing, modelling, or using computer software. Their work appears in films, television, video games, advertisements, and online media. Typical tasks include designing characters and backgrounds, producing storyboards, and bringing stories to life through movement and expression. Animators often specialise in either 2D or 3D animation, and may collaborate with directors, writers, and sound designers. Many animators work in studios, while some are freelancers or part of small creative teams. A strong portfolio and technical skills in software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender are highly valued.
The average salary for an animator in the UK ranges from £18,000 for entry‑level positions to £40,000 for experienced professionals. Senior animators can earn up to £60,000 or more.
There were around 42,000 people employed in animation, visual effects, and related roles in the UK as of 2023, with London and Manchester acting as major hubs.
Industry Growth
The UK animation and visual effects sector grew by about 25 percent between 2015 and 2023, driven by the expansion of film, television, and gaming industries.
Focuses on bringing animated characters to life for films, television and video games, using movement and expressions.
Specialises in creating three-dimensional models for animation projects, often using software such as Maya or Blender.
Creates visual representations of scripts to plan out scenes and sequences before animation begins.
Develop Your Artistic Skills
Practise Drawing and Design
Regularly sketch, draw, and experiment with different art styles to build a strong artistic foundation.
Developing your drawing skills is essential for animators, especially those working in 2D or character design. Try to sketch from real life and imagination, focusing on anatomy, movement and facial expressions. Explore both traditional and digital drawing methods to become comfortable with various tools.
Learn the Principles of Animation
Study the key principles such as timing, squash and stretch, and anticipation to understand how to bring characters and objects to life.
The 12 principles of animation, originally developed by Disney animators, remain the foundation of all animation work. Resources like books, online tutorials and short courses can help you learn and apply these principles. Practise by creating simple animations like bouncing balls or walking cycles.
Gain Technical Proficiency
Learn Animation Software
Get hands‑on experience with industry‑standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom or Blender.
Familiarity with animation software is crucial. Many animators use Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony for 2D work, and Blender or Autodesk Maya for 3D animation. Free software and student licences are available, so practise creating short animations and explore online tutorials to build your technical portfolio.
Build a Portfolio
Create a collection of your best animation work to showcase your skills to prospective employers or universities.
A portfolio should include a variety of pieces that demonstrate your range, such as character animations, storyboards and completed short films. Host your portfolio online using personal websites or platforms like Behance or Vimeo. Continuously update your portfolio as you gain new skills and experience.
Pursue Relevant Education and Experience
Study Animation or Related Subjects
Consider taking a college course, A Levels or a university degree in animation, art or media production.
Many universities and colleges across the UK offer courses in animation, visual effects or computer graphics. Entry requirements usually include a portfolio and relevant qualifications. Alternatively, apprenticeships and short courses are available for hands‑on learning.
Gain Work Experience
Look for work placements, internships or junior animation roles to gain practical experience in the industry.
Experience is highly valued in the animation industry. Seek out internships at animation studios, volunteer to create animations for local organisations, or collaborate on student projects. Networking at industry events and joining professional bodies such as Animation UK can also help you find opportunities.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kick‑start your career in Animator. Apprenticeships offer hands‑on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
Junior visual effects – Junior VFX Artist (2D)
Junior visual effects – Junior VFX Artist (CG/3D)
Create high quality, performant visuals within budgets.
Junior visual effects – Assistant Technical Director (VFX)
Create high quality, performant visuals within budgets.
Sample Qualifications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
* a university course
* a college course
* working towards this role
* specialist training courses
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or a degree in:
* animation
* art and design
* animation production
* visual effects
It might be useful to choose a course which includes practical skills and offers a work placement.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
* 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
* 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
You could do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need to become an animator. Courses include:
* Level 3 Diploma in Creative and Digital Media
* Level 3 Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills
* Level 3 Diploma in Creative Art and Design
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
* 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
You might be able to get into this work by doing a Higher Apprenticeship, such as:
* Junior VFX Artist or Assistant Technical Director Level 4
* Storyboard Artist Level 7
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
* 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
You could start as an animation runner and work your way up to a digital painter, assistant animator or animator.
Employers value work experience so it's important to get as much as you can. To find work experience or volunteering opportunities, you could contact:
These courses are usually offered by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
More Information
You'll need to create a showreel and animation portfolio to highlight your best work and ideas.
Put your work on your own blog, website or video‑sharing website to make it easy to find.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases
#J-18808-Ljbffr