Animator Resume Examples and How to Write
Are you struggling to showcase your creative talents and land interviews for Animator roles in Australia? You’re not alone. The animation industry is highly competitive, with studios seeking artists who can bring stories to life through compelling visuals and seamless motion. Whether you’re a recent graduate from an animation program, transitioning from another creative field, or re-entering the workforce after a break, crafting an outstanding Animator resume is essential to capturing the attention of hiring managers at studios, agencies, and production companies.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating an effective Animator resume tailored for the Australian creative industry. From understanding what employers want to see in your portfolio presentation, to crafting compelling project descriptions and showcasing your technical skills, we’ll help you build a resume that stands out in Australia’s thriving animation and multimedia landscape.
Animator Resume (Text Version)
Marcus Thompson
3D Animator | Character & Environment Specialist
📧 [email protected] | 📱 0423 567 890
🔗 linkedin.com/in/marcusthompson-animator | 📍 Sydney, NSW
🌐 marcusthompson.com | 🎬 vimeo.com/marcusanimation
CREATIVE SUMMARY
Passionate 3D Animator with 5+ years of experience creating engaging character animations and immersive environments for feature films, television series, and commercial projects. Proven expertise in Maya, Blender, and After Effects, with a strong foundation in traditional animation principles. Successfully contributed to 12 released projects including award-winning short films and nationally broadcast commercials, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively in fast-paced production environments whilst maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior 3D Animator | Pixel Perfect Studios, Sydney | Apr 2022 – Present
– Lead character animator for 6-episode children’s television series “Dreamland Adventures,” broadcast on ABC Kids with 2.3M+ viewers
– Developed complex character rigs and facial animation systems, reducing animation production time by 30%
– Mentored team of 4 junior animators, providing technical guidance and creative feedback on daily shot reviews
– Collaborated with directors and storyboard artists to establish character performance and visual storytelling approaches
– Optimised animation workflows using custom Python scripts, improving team productivity by 25%
3D Animator | Creative Vision Media, Melbourne | Jan 2020 – Mar 2022
– Animated characters and environments for 15+ television commercials for major Australian brands including Woolworths, Telstra, and ANZ
– Created product visualisation animations for automotive industry, contributing to $2.8M in client campaign revenue
– Developed motion graphics sequences for documentary series “Australia’s Wild Coast,” featuring complex particle and fluid simulations
– Maintained consistent quality standards across diverse project types whilst meeting tight broadcast deadlines
Junior Animator | Indie Animation Collective, Brisbane | Jun 2018 – Dec 2019
– Produced 2D and 3D animations for independent short films, including festival award-winner “The Paper Boat”
– Assisted with character design development and animatic creation for pre-production phases
– Contributed to crowd-funding campaign materials, helping secure $45,000 for animated short film production
– Gained experience in full production pipeline from concept development to final compositing
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Animation | Griffith University, Queensland | 2015 – 2017
– Major: 3D Computer Animation | Minor: Film Studies
– Graduation Project: “Echoes” – 5-minute animated short film (Best Student Film – Queensland Animation Awards 2018)
– Relevant coursework: Character Animation, Visual Effects, Motion Capture, Story Development
Diploma of Screen and Media | TAFE Queensland | 2014
– Foundation studies in digital media production, video editing, and basic animation principles
TECHNICAL SKILLS
3D Software: Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, ZBrush
2D Animation: Adobe After Effects, TVPaint, Toon Boom Harmony, Animate CC
Compositing: Nuke, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, Fusion
Rendering: Arnold, V-Ray, Cycles, Octane Render
Specialisations: Character Animation, Rigging, Motion Graphics, VFX Integration
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Gold Award – Australian Effects & Animation Festival, Best Character Animation (2023)
– Finalist – SIGGRAPH Asia Student Competition (2022)
– Best Student Film – Queensland Animation Awards (2018)
– Dean’s List – Griffith University (2016-2017)
What is The Best Format for an Animator Resume?
For Animator positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format works exceptionally well as it showcases your career progression and demonstrates how your skills have evolved across different projects and studios. The creative nature of animation work means your resume should balance professional presentation with hints of your creative personality.
Key formatting guidelines:
Font and Size: Choose clean, readable fonts like Helvetica, Calibri, or Montserrat. Use 18-20pt for your name and contact information, 14pt for section headings, and 11-12pt for body text to ensure excellent readability when printed or viewed digitally.
Margins and White Space: Maintain 2.5cm margins and generous white space between sections. This creates a clean, professional appearance that’s easy to scan quickly during busy production meetings or portfolio reviews.
File Type: Always submit as PDF to preserve formatting across different devices and software. Many animation studios use various operating systems, so PDF ensures your resume appears exactly as intended.
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title (3D Animator, Character Animator, etc.), phone number, email address, LinkedIn profile, portfolio website, and demo reel links.
Creative Summary: A 3-4 line overview highlighting your animation specialties, software expertise, and most notable project contributions or achievements.
Professional Experience: Your animation work history focusing on specific projects, software used, techniques employed, and measurable contributions to productions.
Education: Animation-related degrees, certificates, and relevant coursework that supports your technical and artistic development.
Other Sections: Technical skills, software proficiencies, awards, exhibitions, and any additional qualifications that strengthen your animation credentials.
What Experience Should Be on Your Animator Resume?
Your experience section should showcase your animation expertise through specific projects, technical contributions, and creative achievements. Focus on roles and projects that demonstrate your ability to create compelling animations, work within production timelines, and collaborate effectively with creative teams.
What to include:
• Specific animation projects with clear descriptions of your contributions
– Software and techniques used for each project or role
– Collaboration with directors, producers, and other creative professionals
– Production milestones, audience reach, or commercial success metrics
– Technical innovations or workflow improvements you implemented
– Leadership or mentoring experience within creative teams
– Freelance work, personal projects, or commissioned animations
Correct Example:
Character Animator | Dreamworks Animation Australia, Sydney | Mar 2021 – Present
– Lead character animator for Netflix original series “Outback Heroes,” contributing to 24 episodes watched by 8.5M+ global viewers
– Developed signature walk cycles and personality traits for 6 main characters using Maya and proprietary studio tools
– Collaborated with riggers to enhance facial control systems, improving emotional expression range by 40%
– Maintained production quota of 8-12 seconds of final animation per week whilst exceeding quality benchmarks
– Provided animation direction for 3 junior artists during peak production periods
Wrong Example:
Animator | Animation Studio, Sydney | 2021 – Present
– Worked on various animation projects
– Used different animation software
– Collaborated with team members
– Met project deadlines
– Attended production meetings
Entry-Level Animator Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, emphasise student projects, internships, personal animations, and any freelance or volunteer work. Focus on the skills you developed, software you mastered, and creative problem-solving approaches you employed.
Entry-Level Correct Example:
Animation Intern | Flying Bark Productions, Sydney | Nov 2023 – Feb 2024
– Assisted senior animators with in-between frames for TV series “Blinky Bill’s New Adventures,” contributing to 8 broadcast episodes
– Created background animations and crowd movement sequences using TVPaint and After Effects
– Participated in daily rushes reviews, receiving mentorship on animation timing and character performance
– Developed personal workflow documentation, improving team onboarding process for future interns
Freelance Project – Wedding Animation | Jan 2024
– Created personalised 90-second animated wedding invitation video using 2D hand-drawn techniques
– Managed complete production pipeline from storyboard to final render, delivering within 3-week timeline
– Achieved 50,000+ social media views and generated 3 additional commission referrals
Entry-Level Wrong Example:
Intern | Animation Company, Sydney | 2023
– Learned animation techniques
– Helped with various tasks
– Worked on some projects
– Gained industry experience
– Used animation software
How to Write the Education Section for Your Animator Resume
The education section is crucial for Animator roles, as formal training provides the fundamental artistic principles, technical skills, and industry knowledge that employers expect. Australian animation studios value graduates from recognised institutions and those who demonstrate continuous learning through workshops and specialised courses.
Include your degree level, institution name, graduation year, major specialisation, and any notable projects, awards, or relevant coursework. For recent graduates, highlight final projects, thesis work, or student films that demonstrate your capabilities and creative vision.
Animator Resume Example [Education]
Bachelor of Animation (Honours) | Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) | 2019 – 2022
– First Class Honours | Major: 3D Computer Animation
– Honours Thesis: “Emotional Expression in Non-Verbal Character Animation” (High Distinction)
– Final Project: “The Lighthouse Keeper” – 7-minute 3D animated short film (screened at Melbourne International Film Festival 2022)
– Relevant coursework: Advanced Character Rigging, Motion Capture Integration, Visual Effects for Animation, Storyboarding
Certificate IV in Screen and Media | TAFE NSW | 2018
– Foundation studies in digital media production, basic animation principles, and industry workflows
– Completed work placement at local production studio
Professional Development:
– Animation Masterclass – Pixar Animation Studios (online) (2023)
– Character Performance Workshop – Animal Logic Academy (2022)
– Advanced Maya Techniques – Gnomon School (online) (2021)
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Animator Resume
The skills section is vital for Animator resumes as it demonstrates your technical proficiency across industry-standard software and showcases your versatility in different animation styles and techniques. Include 15-25 skills that align with current Australian animation industry requirements.
Balance technical software skills with artistic abilities and production knowledge. Australian studios often work on diverse projects requiring flexibility between 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, and visual effects integration.
Animator Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• 3D Animation Software: Autodesk Maya, Blender, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max, Houdini
– 2D Animation Tools: Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, TVPaint, OpenToonz, After Effects
– Rigging & Setup: Character rigging, facial rigging, mechanical rigging, constraint systems
– Rendering Engines: Arnold, V-Ray, Cycles, Octane, RenderMan
– Compositing: Nuke, After Effects, Fusion, DaVinci Resolve
– Motion Graphics: Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, Illustrator integration
– Specialised Techniques: Motion capture cleanup, particle systems, fluid dynamics, cloth simulation
– Pipeline Tools: Python scripting, MEL scripting, Shotgun, Perforce version control
Animator Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Creative Vision: Strong artistic eye for composition, timing, and visual storytelling
– Attention to Detail: Precision in animation timing, spacing, and continuity maintenance
– Collaboration: Effective communication with directors, artists, and technical teams
– Time Management: Meeting production deadlines whilst maintaining quality standards
– Adaptability: Flexibility to work across different animation styles and project requirements
– Problem Solving: Creative solutions for technical challenges and artistic direction
– Continuous Learning: Staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies
– Constructive Feedback: Receiving and implementing director notes and creative guidance
How to pick the best Animator skills:
1. Match job requirements precisely – Prioritise software and techniques specifically mentioned in the job posting
2. Research the studio’s portfolio – Include skills that align with their recent projects and visual style
3. Emphasise versatility – Show proficiency across multiple animation disciplines (2D, 3D, motion graphics)
4. Include industry-standard tools – Focus on software commonly used in Australian animation studios like Maya, After Effects, and Nuke
5. Highlight specialisations – If you excel in character animation, VFX, or motion graphics, make this clear
6. Show production experience – Include pipeline and workflow tools that demonstrate professional production knowledge
Animator Resume Examples [Skills]
Technical Skills:
– Maya Animation: 7+ years creating character performances and environmental animations, with expertise in advanced rigging and constraint systems
– Character Development: Designed and animated 25+ unique characters across various projects, from realistic human performances to stylised creature animation
– After Effects: 5+ years producing motion graphics and compositing work, including integration of 3D renders with live-action footage
– Pipeline Integration: Implemented Python automation scripts reducing repetitive animation tasks by 35%, improving team workflow efficiency
– Traditional Animation: Strong foundation in hand-drawn animation principles, applied to enhance digital character performances and timing
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Animator Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your Animator resume, particularly in the Australian creative industry where employers value artistic versatility, professional engagement, and continuous skill development. These sections help differentiate you from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to the animation craft.
Valuable bonus sections include:
Awards and Recognition: Animation festival awards, student film honours, or industry recognition validate your creative abilities and technical expertise.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like the International Animated Film Association (ASIFA) or local groups shows professional commitment.
Exhibitions and Screenings: Film festival selections, gallery exhibitions, or public screenings demonstrate the reach and impact of your work.
Publications and Speaking: Articles about animation techniques, conference presentations, or educational content shows thought leadership.
Personal Projects: Independent animations, artistic experiments, or creative collaborations that showcase your passion and initiative.
Languages: Particularly valuable for international productions or multicultural Australian projects.
Animator Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Awards & Recognition:
– Gold Award – Australian Effects & Animation Festival, Best Independent Short Film (2024)
– Audience Choice Award – Melbourne WebFest, Animated Series Category (2023)
– Best Student Animation – Queensland New Filmmakers Awards (2022)
– Dean’s List Recognition – Griffith University (2020-2022)
Festival Screenings & Exhibitions:
– “The Paper Garden” – Official Selection, Sydney Film Festival (2024)
– “Digital Dreams” – Featured Artist, Brisbane Animation Showcase (2023)
– “Motion Studies” – Gallery Exhibition, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (2023)
Professional Development:
– Guest Speaker – “Career Paths in Animation” – QUT Creative Industries (2024)
– Workshop Instructor – “Introduction to 3D Animation” – Community Arts Centre (2023)
– Volunteer Animator – NFP Environmental Campaign “Save Our Reefs” (2022)
Wrong Example:
Other Activities:
– Won some awards
– Participated in events
– Member of groups
– Attended workshops
– Interested in animation
Additional sections to consider: Software certifications (Autodesk Maya Certified Professional), volunteer animation work for charities or community organisations, relevant hobbies like traditional art or photography, and technical skills like programming or web development that complement your animation abilities.
How to write an Animator Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your creative summary serves as your professional introduction, immediately conveying your animation expertise, artistic vision, and career achievements. For Animator roles, focus on your years of experience, specialisation areas, notable projects, and the unique creative value you bring to productions.
Key elements to include:
• Years of experience and primary animation disciplines (3D, 2D, motion graphics)
– Specialisation areas (character animation, VFX, architectural visualisation)
– Notable projects, client work, or productions you’ve contributed to
– Technical expertise in industry-standard software
– Collaborative experience and ability to work within production environments
Animator Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Creative Summary:
Versatile 3D Animator with 6+ years of experience creating compelling character performances and environmental animations for television, film, and commercial projects. Specialises in Maya-based character animation with strong expertise in rigging, motion capture integration, and visual effects. Contributed to Emmy-nominated children’s series and award-winning advertising campaigns, demonstrating ability to adapt artistic vision across diverse project requirements whilst maintaining exceptional quality standards in fast-paced production environments.
Wrong Example:
Creative Summary:
Creative animator who enjoys making things move and tell stories. Good with computers and animation software. Looking for opportunities to work on interesting projects and grow my skills in the animation industry. Team player with good communication abilities.
For entry-level positions, emphasise your educational background, student projects, internship experiences, and technical skills. Highlight your passion for animation and readiness to contribute to professional productions.
Entry-Level Animator Resume Summary Examples
Entry-Level Correct Example:
Creative Summary:
Recent Animation graduate with strong foundation in 3D character animation and motion graphics, demonstrated through award-winning student film and 6-month industry internship at leading Australian studio. Proficient in Maya, After Effects, and Blender with hands-on experience in complete production pipeline from storyboarding to final render. Passionate about bringing characters to life through expressive performances and eager to contribute fresh creative energy to professional animation projects.
Entry-Level Wrong Example:
Creative Summary:
New graduate seeking entry-level animator position. Studied animation at university and learned various software programs. Excited about working in the animation industry and ready to start my career. Hard worker with creativity and enthusiasm for animation.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Animator Resume
Your LinkedIn profile is essential for Animator career development in Australia, where 76% of creative industry recruiters use LinkedIn to source talent for animation studios, advertising agencies, and production companies. When updating your resume, simultaneously optimise your LinkedIn profile to showcase your animation expertise and attract opportunities from Australia’s growing creative sector.
LinkedIn provides unique opportunities to showcase your animation work through video uploads, project galleries, and visual storytelling that complements your traditional resume. Use this platform to demonstrate your personality, share creative insights, and build relationships within the Australian animation community.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Animators
Your LinkedIn headline should capture your animation speciality, key software expertise, and creative value within the 220-character limit. Include keywords that Australian animation recruiters commonly search for.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “3D Character Animator | Maya & Blender Expert | Feature Film & TV Series Experience | Bringing Stories to Life”
– “Motion Graphics Animator | After Effects Specialist | Commercial & Broadcast Design | Available for Freelance Projects”
– “Senior Animator | VFX & Character Animation | 8+ Years Film/TV Experience | Mentoring Next Generation Artists”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
• “Animator”
– “Creative Professional seeking opportunities”
– “Animation Graduate looking for work”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be 3-5 paragraphs, allowing you to tell your creative story in greater detail than your resume’s brief summary. Include your artistic journey, specific project highlights, creative philosophy, and what drives your passion for animation.
Australian creative professionals appreciate authenticity and artistic vision, so share your creative process, inspiration sources, and career aspirations. Include a clear call-to-action inviting collaboration and project discussions.
Showcasing Animator Experience on LinkedIn
Transform your resume bullet points into engaging narratives that provide context about your creative contributions, technical challenges overcome, and collaborative experiences. LinkedIn’s media upload feature is perfect for animators – include demo reels, work-in-progress videos, stills from projects, or behind-the-scenes content.
Use LinkedIn’s project section to highlight significant animations, festival selections, or client work. Tag collaborators, studios, and festivals to increase visibility and strengthen your professional network within Australia’s animation industry.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Animators
Add up to 50 skills on LinkedIn, prioritising animation-specific technical skills and creative abilities. Pin your top 3 skills (such as “3D Animation,” “Character Animation,” and “Maya”) to appear prominently on your profile.
Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, clients, directors, and fellow animators who can validate your technical and creative abilities. LinkedIn skill assessments for software like Adobe After Effects can add credibility to your profile.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Animators
Network strategically with Australian animation professionals, studio executives, and creative directors from companies like Animal Logic, Flying Bark Productions, and Ludo Studio. Join Australian creative groups like “Australian Animation Industry” and “Sydney Creative Network.”
Share creative content regularly by posting work-in-progress shots, animation techniques, industry insights, or commentary on Australian animation projects. Consistent posting increases your visibility and positions you as an engaged industry professional.
Optimise for local search by including Australian location keywords and mentioning local studios, festivals, or educational institutions in your profile. Many Australian creative recruiters filter searches by location and local industry experience.
Engage with the animation community by commenting meaningfully on posts from Australian studios, attending industry events like the Australian International Animation Festival, and participating in discussions about the local creative landscape and opportunities.
Ready to bring your animation career to life in Australia? A compelling resume is your first step toward joining the country’s vibrant creative industry. Complement your resume with a our targeted cover letter resources that demonstrates your understanding of the studio’s creative vision and how your artistic skills align with their project needs.
For additional career guidance, explore opportunities on SEEK and connect with the Australian animation community through local festivals, industry meetups, and professional organisations. The animation industry thrives on creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning – with the right resume and professional presentation, you’ll be well-positioned to contribute to Australia’s dynamic animation landscape.
