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How to Become An Animator

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What is a Animator

An Animator brings characters and stories to life through moving images. It is one of the most creative roles in film, TV, gaming, and ads. Animators use a mix of art skills and digital tools to make their vision real.

Every project starts with a concept and a storyboard. Animators sketch characters, design scenes, then animate each frame using software like Adobe After Effects or Autodesk Maya. The goal is smooth, vivid motion that connects with viewers.

Animators work as part of a team with directors, producers, and other artists. They share ideas, take on feedback, and keep refining their work until it hits the mark. This back-and-forth is what makes animation a team sport.

The animation industry in Australia is growing fast, with strong demand across digital media and streaming (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). For those who love art and storytelling, it is an exciting time to build a career in this field.

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Career Outlook for Animator

The animation field in Australia is a growing and rewarding career path. Around 3,400 Animators work across the country, with a median age of 34 years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). About 70% work full-time, averaging 43 hours per week.

Demand for Animators is rated as strong, with growth expected across digital media, streaming, and games (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). The average salary is around $78,000 per year. Pay grows with experience, skill level, and the type of employer.

For those starting out, the field offers real scope for growth. Roles exist across film, TV, ads, and digital media. With the right portfolio and skills, Animators can build a creative career with strong long-term prospects.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Animator

Step 1: Build your drawing and animation foundations

Start by building strong drawing skills and learning the key ideas behind animation. These include timing, weight, and squash-and-stretch. Take life drawing classes, practise gesture sketching, and study how things move in film and real life. Online guides and short art courses are a great place to start. Allow 6 to 12 months to build a solid creative base before moving to formal study.

Step 2: Complete the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220)

Enrol in the Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220) at a TAFE or RTO. Choose an animation and visual effects stream where it is available. This course takes around 1 year full-time and covers digital animation tools, storytelling, and production workflows. It is a great entry point that builds both your skills and your portfolio.

Step 3: Build your demo reel and portfolio

Compile your best animation work into a demo reel and online portfolio. Include a range of pieces that show your 2D and 3D skills, character animation, and storytelling instinct. Keep your reel to 2 to 3 minutes and lead with your strongest work. Update it often as you study and work.

Step 4: Consider a Bachelor of Animation for advanced roles

For roles in high-end film, VFX studios, and major game companies, a bachelor degree opens more doors. A Bachelor of Animation usually takes 3 years full-time at a university. These programs cover advanced 3D animation, character rigging, and pipeline skills. Check with each university for current entry needs.

Step 5: Gain industry experience through internships or junior roles

Apply for internships, work placements, or junior roles at animation studios, post-production houses, or game developers. Short placements help you learn the pace and standards of a real production environment. Many junior Animators build their skills across short-form content, ads, and indie projects before moving to larger productions.

What does an Animator do?

On a typical day, an Animator moves between hands-on and creative tasks. They might start by reading through the project brief with the director or producer. From there, they sketch storyboards, build character rigs, and begin creating key scenes. Software like Adobe After Effects or Autodesk Maya sits at the centre of the work. As the day goes on, Animators refine their scenes and respond to feedback. They also prepare files for the next stage of the project. It is a role that rewards creative energy and careful, detailed work.

Tasks

Animators use art and tech to create moving content for film, TV, games, and ads. Each day involves a mix of creative thinking, practical skill, and teamwork. No two projects are the same, which keeps the work fresh and rewarding.

  • Develops design concepts – creates initial ideas and themes based on the project brief.
  • Prepares storyboards – draws scene-by-scene plans to map out the flow of the animation.
  • Creates animations – uses software to bring characters and scenes to life in 2D or 3D.
  • Works with the team – teams up with directors, writers, and producers to keep the vision on track.
  • Edits and revises animations – adjusts work based on feedback to raise the quality of the final output.
  • Researches new techniques – stays up to date with industry tools and animation trends.
  • Manages project timelines – plans and sorts tasks to deliver work on time.
  • Takes part in team meetings – joins creative sessions to share ideas and solve project challenges.

Skills for Success

To succeed as an Animator, a creative eye and strong software skills are vital. Strong drawing ability and a grasp of animation ideas are the starting point. Key tools such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, and Toon Boom Harmony are used every day.

Working well in a team and sharing ideas clearly help Animators stand out. They take feedback, meet deadlines, and keep growing their craft. A desire to learn new tools is what drives a long animation career.

Skills & Attributes

  • Proficiency in animation software (Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Toon Boom Harmony)
  • Strong drawing and illustration skills
  • Understanding of 2D and 3D animation techniques
  • Ability to create storyboards and visual narratives
  • Attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics
  • Creativity and artistic vision
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Time management and ability to meet deadlines
  • Knowledge of animation principles (timing, weight, and character design)
  • Ability to take constructive feedback and make revisions
  • Familiarity with graphic design principles
  • Passion for visual storytelling

Average Salaries

The average yearly salary for an Animator in Australia is around $78,000 (yourcareer.gov.au, 2025). This is based on an average weekly rate of $1,500. Pay rises with time in the field, skill level, and the type of employer. Senior Animators in VFX and major studios can earn much more.

min $55 K

max $130 K

av $78 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.