2D Animator

A 2D animator works through a three-stage process (pre-production, production, and post-production) to create a sequence.

During the pre-production stage, they write the story, design characters, create a storyboard, choose a design style, and prepare the backgrounds on which the action will occur. The voice-overs are then recorded by actors based on the dialogue in the script. 

In the production stage, the animators pull together all the elements to start animating the scenes. This includes initially animating rough sketches, then refining them to line drawings; layering the scenes against the backgrounds; matching the character visuals to the recorded dialogue, and compositing to final render.

At the post-production stage, animators will do a final visual clean-up, mix sound effects and music, integrate visual effects, and render all the elements together to create the finished work.

Role & responsibilities

• Liaising with writers, directors, and clients regarding the style, method, and execution of the animation to be produced
• Developing storyboards based on the script
• Preparing presentations of rough sketches for clients
• Creating models, drawings, and illustrations
• Designing frames and characters
• Choosing color palettes, style, and general look of the animation
• Establishing artwork for the backgrounds and layouts
• Setting up exposure sheets, divided into actions and timing, dialogues and music, animation layers, backgrounds, view perspective
• Drawing rough sketches and animate 
• Illustrating keyframes and producing inbetweening
• Inking, coloring, and clean ups
• Integrating images, characters, etc into background graphics
• Syncing visuals with audio and voiceover tracks
• Preparing all animation elements for compositing, including delivering in set formats
• Enhancing animation with special effects at the post-production stage
  
  

There are many forms of animation — claymation, stop motion, pinscreen, cut-out, etc. — and animators continue to innovate with new materials, however, the basics of animation are taught in terms of character expression and movement. 

A career in animation will pose lots of creative challenges and training in various techniques, the possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination. 

Film and game companies may look for the following skills in 2D animators:

• Training in 2D animation, both cel & computer graphics
• Ability to visualize abstract concepts
• Experience with storyboarding, clean ups & layout design
• Drawing ability, artistic mindset
• Visual storytelling
• Ability to draw in a variety of styles & genres
• Familiarity with a range of animation software & techniques