Animator | Doha, Qatar

Job description:
An animator produces multiple images called frames. When sequenced together rapidly, these frames create an illusion of movement known as animation.

Animators tend to work in 2D animation, 3D model making animation, or computer-generated animation. The last features strongly in motion pictures (to create special effects, or an animated film in its own right), as well as in aspects of television work, the internet and the computer games industry.

The basic skill of animation still relies heavily on the animator’s artistic ability, but there is a growing need for animators to be familiar with technical computer packages.

Typical work activities:

Producing animation involves a number of stages, from generating ideas, to building models and rigging lighting. Computer animation uses software known as CGI (computer-generated imagery).

Tasks typically involve:
- Liaising with clients and developing animation from their concepts;
- Creating storyboards that depict the script and narrative;
- Drawing in 2D to create sketches, artwork or illustrations;
- Designing models, backgrounds, sets, characters, objects and the animation environment;
- Using a range of materials, including modeling clay, plaster, oil paints, watercolours and acrylics;
- Developing the timing and pace of a character’s or object’s movements during the sequence of images (called the animatic) and ensuring they follow the soundtrack and audio requirements;
- Using technical software packages, such as Flash, 3d studio max, Maya, Lightwave, Softimage and Cinema 4D;
- Building up accurate, detailed frame-by-frame visuals;
recording dialogue and working with editors to composite the various layers of animation (backgrounds, special effects, characters and graphics) in order to produce the finished piece;
- Working to production deadlines and meeting clients’ commercial requirements;
- Teamwork as part of a broader production network, which might include liaising with printers, copywriters, photographers, designers, account executives, website designers or marketing specialists;
- Dealing with diverse business cultures, delivering presentations, and finding funding.
- Much of the work involves pitching and being proactive in selling your ideas and work to prospective customers and clients. This applies across the board, whether you are self-employed, working freelance or employed within a business.

Entry requirements:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomats, the following degree/foundation degree subjects are particularly relevant:

- Animation;
- Graphic design/illustration;
- 3-D design;
- Art and design;
- Model making or sculpture;
- Design for moving image;
- Spatial design;
- Film and video;
- MultiMedia;
- Electrical engineering;
- Computer-aided engineering.
- A foundation degree with a 2D design content may also be useful.
- Entry without higher education is unusual, but not impossible. Exceptions may be made for very talented candidates.
- Many animators consider that having an artistic background is more important than competence with IT.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
- Talent – in the form of a show reel or portfolio;
- Networking skills and commitment to projects through previous work experience;
- An engagement with the industry from submitting work to festivals and competitions;
- The flexibility to switch between several projects at once.

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