Animator

The animator uses a package like Maya or 3D Studio Max to animate characters. They are provided with finished character models and once rigged they animate the skeleton beneath the mesh. Many games use the same skeleton for each character that is roughly the same shape so the animator can create sets of animations which will be re-used for several characters (this often comes down to budget).

Once the animator has completed an animation they export it into the game engine and the code department ensure the correct animation is called when expected in game.

Many games include hundreds, sometimes even thousands, of animations.

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Getting an Animator Job

You will require a portfolio which shows your ability to animate models. You should focus on character models and creatures.

If you don´t have any industry experience it is worth doing some work for a modification team. If you can show you understand the process from the creation of an asset all the way through to implementation within a game engine you will drastically improve your chances of getting work.

It is important to have a website which you can point potential employers at to show off your work. Never include any half-finished or sub-standard work in your portfolio or website, it is better to have a small range of finished high quality examples than a large range of low quality or unfinished examples. This may seem obvious but many people make this mistake and your better quality examples may be discounted if you include any work that is below par.

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Useful Links for Animators

Concept Art - website for artists, learn more about creating great art, post example work, search for jobs and interact with the wider community.

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