Character animation is a specialized and key stage in the animation process that involves infusing life into the characters and bringing them alive. Character animation is similar to that of a film actor. The character animator develops characters that use physical movement to express or communicate for film, television, or video games. After designing the characters, they decide how the characters will look, move about, and interact with the environment. Character animators sketch storyboards, build models, design environments, and manipulate animated characters by using a variety of computer software. They also help develop concepts and pitch ideas. Character animators work in film and video production companies, advertising & PR agencies, software and app publishing houses, game design studios, and web design studios.

A quick look at various job boards shows that demand for the character animator in the job market is very high as many companies are listing their requirements for this important role on leading job boards. Character animators typically have a bachelor’s degree in art/visual arts or undergo an equivalent course in animation or VFX with specialization in character animation. Some character animators also specialize as a character designer, doubling up to visualise and create the look of characters for a film project based on the director’s brief. Most character animators work in full-time positions at animation and VFX studios.