Career Profile
Animator
by FundiConnect Editorial Team | 6 February 2019
Career Overview
An Amimator will create multiply images known as frames which will be pieced together to generate the impression of movement. This movement is known as animation. There are many forms of animation that an Animator can find themselves walking in. This includes 2D-animation, 3D animation, stop motion and computer generated animation. All of these forms of animation are grounded in artistic ability; whether images are digital or hand-drawn, the Animator is the creator of the design. In computer generated animation, visuals can be used in motion pictures, computer games and television as special effects.
Required School Subjects
You will not need to have taken any particular high school subjects in order to study Animation. However, you should have basic computer literacy.
Recommended subjects:
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Visual Arts
- Design
Institution and APS
The following institutions are highly recommended for studies in the Animation:
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Prestige Academy
- SAE Institute
There is no specific APS required at each of these institutions.
Required Qualifications
In order to qualify as an Animator, you will need to have a formal qualification. This could either be a Degree, National Diploma or Higher Certificate. Some qualifications focus specifically on animation while others have multiple focuses with animation being one of them. For example, DUT’s National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Video Technology incoporates a variety of projects throughout the course of study. Another well-balanced qualification is a Bachlor of Arts (or Bachelor of Applied Arts) in Motion Design and Animation (or specific form of animation). This type of qualification will give you the basic groundwork to develop your artistic ability and grow your techical knowledge.
Working Hours
In general, most Animators work a normal hours (between 40 and 42 hours a week). However, this can vary depending on the project you’re working on and deadlines that you need to meet.
Expected Salary
As an Animator, your salary will vary according to the company you work for or the number of clients you have when freelancing. On average, the annual salary an Animator will earn in South Africa is R179 332.
What to Expect
Here are a few things you can expect from a career as an Animator:
- animation is an internationally recognised profession so you could have clients on a global scale
- most of your work time will be spent in an office or studio
- you will need to be familiar with and keep up-to-date with animation programmes and software
