3d Animator Science & Engineering Professionals
SaveWhat Does a 3d Animator Do?
3D animators are in charge of animating 3D models of objects, virtual environments, layouts, characters and 3D virtual animated agents.
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Where Do I Start?
3d Lighting
The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a 3d Animator
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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Essential3d Lighting knowledge
The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.
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EssentialParticle Animation knowledge
The field of particle animation, an animation technique in which large numbers of graphic objects are used to simulate phenomena, such as flames and explosions and 'fuzzy phenomena' that are …
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Essential3d Texturing knowledge
The process of applying a type of surface to a 3D image.
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EssentialPrinciples Of Animation knowledge
The principles of 2D and 3D animation, such as body motion, kinematics, overshoot, anticipation, squash and stretch.
Recommended Books
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EssentialApply 3d Imaging Techniques skill
Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and …
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EssentialConfer On Artwork skill
Introduce and discuss the nature and content of art work, achieved or to be produced with an audience, art directors, catalogue editors, journalists, and other parties of interest.
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EssentialOperate 3d Computer Graphics Software skill
Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.
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EssentialRender 3d Images skill
Use specialised tools to convert 3D wire frame models into 2D images with 3D photorealistic effects or non-photorealistic rendering on a computer.
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EssentialAnimate 3d Organic Forms skill
Vitalise digital 3D models of organic items, such as emotions or face movements of characters and place them in a digital 3D environment.
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EssentialCreate 3d Characters skill
Develop 3D models by transforming and digitising previously designed characters using specialised 3D tools.
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EssentialCreate 3d Environments skill
Develop a computer-generated 3D representation of a setting such as simulated environment, where the users interact.
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EssentialRig 3d Characters skill
Set up a skeleton, bound to the 3D mesh, made out of bones and joints that allow the 3D character to be bent into a desired position using specialized ICT …
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Optional Skills (5 of 8 displayed)
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OptionalDevelop Creative Ideas skill
Developing new artistic concepts and creative ideas.
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OptionalDraw Design Sketches skill
Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.
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OptionalMaintain An Artistic Portfolio skill
Maintain portfolios of artistic work to show styles, interests, abilities and realisations.
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OptionalManage Schedule Of Tasks skill
Maintain an overview of all the incoming tasks in order to prioritise the tasks, plan their execution, and integrate new tasks as they present themselves.
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OptionalUse Scripting Programming skill
Utilise specialised ICT tools to create computer code that is interpreted by the corresponding run-time environments in order to extend applications and automate common computer operations. Use programming languages which …
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OptionalCreate Animated Narratives skill
Develop animated narrative sequences and story lines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
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OptionalCreate Storyboards skill
Apply story development and plot lines and edit animations to create storyboards that render the flow of the animation. Map out key scenes and develop characters.
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OptionalSelect Illustration Styles skill
Select the appropriate style, medium, and techniques of illustration in line with the needs of the project and client's requests.
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