Computer Animator
As a computer animator you will bring characters and content to life using a computer. You will need a mix of creativity and technical ability and could find yourself working on animation for computer games, film and television, commercials, and a range of other exciting projects.
What the job looks like
Salary expectation
starts at $35,629 up to $103,022+
The good
- Incredible mind-stretching content you are called on to animate
- Being creative
- Using some of the latest technologies and equipment
- Seeing your ideas come to life on screen
The not so good
- Long days and no weekends when a deadline is approaching
Computer animation can be exciting and you could find yourself working on some very interesting projects. Your role could vary from putting together advertisements or developing computer games to creating blockbuster animation films like Frozen.
Animation can range from creating fantastical places and people to replicating the real world and life-like characteristics such as facial expressions and nature. As an animator you will get to use some of the most advanced software to slowly bring your character or world to life. This will require a strong understanding of information technology as well as mathematics to understand how computer modelling works.
You will also need lots of patience and persistence to get through the slow and often repetitive work that is required – it can take a week to create a couple of seconds of animation.
If you love being creative and using technology, then a career as a computer animator could be for you.
I love it, it's what I do for fun. I want to reach audiences who don’t think science is for them.
Pathways to this career
Subject suggestions for the HSC
Choosing your HSC subjects from this list could really help with your career. Think carefully about what you want to study after school as you might need to choose specific HSC subjects for that course and to count towards your ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank). An ATAR is your academic rank in relation to other HSC students and helps with University admission.
HSC subjects
Some subjects will count towards your ATAR, others will not. Check with your career advisor before making subject selections.
- English (Standard or higher)
- Mathematics (2 unit or higher)
- Information Technology (Multimedia)
- Software, Design and Development
- Visual Art
What can I do after I have finished school?
University degrees
Studying one of these degrees can help with your career.
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Visual Arts
- Bachelor of Graphic Design
Suggestions
Check out Screen Producers Australia and Pixar for more information
- Download a free 3D program from the web (e.g. Blender, GMax, Maya PLE) or drawing apps from the App store to use on your device
- Brush up your painting and drawing techniques and do any design software courses you can
- Go to career expos and events like university Open Days for information about what you will study
