What is an Animator?

What Do Animators Actually Do?

Animators don’t just “make things move.” They bring imagination to life through:

• Character animation – Making characters walk, talk, and express emotions.

• Object & environment movement – Cars driving, leaves swaying, doors opening.

• Visual storytelling – Using acting, timing, and camera angles to tell stories.

• Working in different styles – From classic hand-drawn 2D to cutting-edge 3D and stop-motion.

Types of Animators

1. 2D Animator

• Works in a flat, two-dimensional space (height + width).

• Creates art through hand-drawn frames, cutouts, or vector illustrations.

• Animation can be frame-by-frame or asset-based (digital).

• Popular Tools: Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, Krita.

• Famous Examples:

  • The Lion King (1994 – Classic Disney)

  • Adventure Time (Cartoon Network)

  • Traditional hand-drawn anime

• Key Skills: Strong drawing ability, timing & spacing, conveying motion in flat space.

2. 3D Animator

• Works in three-dimensional space (height + width + depth).

• Uses digital models that can be rigged and moved like puppets.

• Involves understanding rigs, keyframes, and realistic motion physics.

• Popular Tools: Blender, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, 3ds Max.

• Famous Examples:

  • Toy Story (Pixar)

  • The Last of Us (Game cutscenes)

  • CGI characters in Avatar or Avengers

• Key Skills: Understanding of 3D space, rigging, realistic physics, and camera movement.

Other Specializations in Animation

• Stop-Motion Animator – Moves physical models frame-by-frame (Coraline, Wallace & Gromit).

• Motion Graphics Animator – Creates animated text, icons, and graphics for ads, UI, and videos.

• VFX Animator – Designs explosions, magical effects, and weather simulations for films & games.

Where Do Animators Work?

Animation is a universal art form that thrives in multiple industries:

• Film & TV – Disney, Pixar, anime studios, Netflix originals.

• Video Games – Character and environment animations.

• Advertising & Marketing – Commercials, product explainer videos.

• Web & Apps – UI animations, interactive elements.

• Education – Animated lessons and e-learning content.

• VR & AR – Immersive experiences and simulations.

2D vs. 3D Animation – The Big Difference

Think of it this way:

• 2D Animation is like making a moving painting or drawing.

• 3D Animation is like moving a digital puppet in a virtual world.

Some animators specialize in one style, but many studios value artists who can work across both.

✨ In Short:
An animator’s job goes beyond moving images—they create worlds, tell stories, and make ideas feel alive. Whether in 2D or 3D, animation is a craft that blends art, technology, and imagination.