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Useful experience for animators/digital artists includes:

• drawing, life drawing, cartooning or graphic design experience
• experience in film or photography
• computer design and drawing experience
• computer programming experience
• experience in animation software.

Animators/digital artists may do some or all of the following:

• meet with directors, clients or employers and agree on a brief (work plan)
• plan animation and design work for their team
• illustrate books and other print media
• build models, puppets or sets, or hand-draw or paint characters, and give them skin surfaces with texture and colour
• film models and hand-drawn animations
• create 3D mesh wireframes to produce backdrops for 2D and 3D animation scenes
• use computer programmes to "rig" characters, giving them skeletons that allow them to be animated
• use computer animation programmes to animate characters and objects in 2D or 3D
• direct the filming of motion capture (recording physical movements that are then translated into digital images)
• be involved in hiring and managing staff.

Strong competition for entry-level animator/digital artist jobs

Competition for entry-level animator/digital artist jobs is strong. For graduates, chances of getting a job are best if you:

• have showreels of your work that target an employers' needs
• promote your personal brand (your unique skills, style and technique)
• showcase your work through social media and websites such as Art Station and The Rookies
• have work experience such as internships, summer scholarships, collaborations, team projects or freelance work
• have a positive, can-do attitude
• network to get your work and name known
• are prepared to adapt to a wide range of tasks and learn new skills rapidly.

According to Massey University's College of Creative Arts, around 60% of their graduates find work related to animation.

According to the Census, 621 animators/digital artists worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Experienced and multi-skilled animators/digital artists in demand

There is a shortage of experienced and talented animators/digital artists. They are in demand from animation, advertising and design companies in New Zealand and overseas.

Also in high demand are animators/digital artists with technical skills in coding and computer software, game development, simulation and rendering research, technical directing, rigging and lighting. Animators who can work as producers managing staff or workflows, or have marketing skills are also needed.

Animators/digital artists who combine their animation qualification with computer software development training can increase their chances of finding work.

Multimedia specialist (film animator) appears on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled animators/digital artists from overseas to work in New Zealand.

Most animation work project based

Experienced animators/digital artists are usually employed as freelancers for one-off projects such as commercials, films or events which have a limited production time. 

Animators/digital artists need to be able to plan and manage their contracts, and network to find new work.

Types of employers varied

Employers of animators/digital artists include:

• major feature film studios
• television studios
• digital companies that create commercials, TV shows, TV and film credits and music videos
• web and mobile game design companies
• publishing companies.

Animators/digital artists may work as freelancers, or work on contract for companies that offer graphic design, animation and advertising services.

Animators/digital artists may progress to set up their own animation or digital business, or move into management roles.

Animators/digital artists may progress to become narrative designers (designing the stories of games), art directors, animation directors, producers, production managers or technical directors.

• Art Director (Film, Television or Stage) job information
• Media producer job information

Animators/digital artists may specialise in:

• 2D animation or 3D animation
• concept art
• game and app development
• lighting
• modelling
• motion scheduling and stop-motion
• previs layout (laying out scenes before they're animated)
• rendering
• rigging (creating a skeleton for an animation)
• shading and texture
• storyboarding
• visual effects.

Animators/digital artists need to be:

• creative and imaginative
• disciplined, motivated and good at setting goals
• comfortable promoting themselves and their work
• adaptable, and able to accept criticism of their work
• able to work well under pressure and to deadlines
• good communicators.