What do computer animators do?

I'm thinking about careers in animation and want to know what exactly a computer animator does. Is it mostly designing and creating animations for movies and games? Are there specific skills or software I should focus on learning?

As a computer animator, you'd indeed be designing and creating animations, generally for areas like films, television, video games, and other digital media. There are a variety of tasks involved in this job. These can include developing storyboards that map out key scenes, designing 2D or 3D graphics, and using computer software to create animated sequences.

Your workflow might look something like this: first, you'll receive project guidelines or a storyboard that outlines what the animation needs to accomplish. Then, you'll create animation and special effects using computer software. Later, you might also be doing edits based on feedback from directors, other animators, or clients.

In terms of skills, a strong foundation in art and design principles, like color theory and spatial awareness, is critical. Excellent attention to detail is also necessary because a simple change can affect an entire scene. Beyond that, many computer animators specialize in particular areas of animation like character modeling, environment modeling, or lighting.

When it comes to software, knowledge in software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, or Adobe After Effects can be beneficial. Furthermore, programming skills, particularly in languages like Python, can be beneficial in creating more complex effects or automating parts of the animation process.

Rounding that up with good communication and problem-solving skills, since animators often work as part of a team and need to be able to solve any issues that arise during the animation process, you're good to go! I hope this provides a bit of insight into the work of computer animators.