Premier Graphics
& Animation
Animation & VFX

2D Animator

2D animators bring characters and graphics to life frame by frame or with rigs, for series, ads, explainers and games.

What the work involves

  • Animating scenes from storyboards and animatics
  • Keyframing and in-betweening
  • Working to a style and timing set by a director

Where people work

  • Animation studios
  • Agencies
  • Game studios
  • E-learning companies

Working independently. Freelance explainer and ad animation is in demand internationally.

How the career progresses

  1. In-betweener or junior animator

  2. Animator

  3. Lead animator or animation director

Skills
Drawing · Timing and spacing · Acting through animation · Storyboarding
Tools
Toon Boom Harmony · Adobe Animate · After Effects · TVPaint

The PGA route in

Start at the level that suits you. Credits carry forward, so you can stop, work, and come back for the next step.

  1. Certificate · 4 months Animation Certificate
  2. Diploma · 1 year Motion Graphics & Animation Diploma
  3. Bachelor’s · 4 years BS AI Digital Arts & Creative Design

Courses that build this role