Within the Animation Industry, roles and positions are very broad with many different paths to choose. From pre-production through to post-production. I admit I had a hard time choosing which roles I really liked the most. But in this post I have chosen based on my skillset abilities and background of fine art…
Animation Role- Storyboard Artist
A Storyboard artist is the person or people who interpret the script or Director’s Narrative from words into pictures. They do this by producing various sketches within a series of panels to plan the shots, camera movements and staging. This process is done for animated or live action films, and it is a very high in demand position. Depending on the studio they may want cleaned up drawings or they may be more relaxed and allow rough sketches if they still clearly show the story, After all many of these sketches will be scrapped before the final shots are decided. The storyboard artist also fills in the background details for what will work well with the environment and the character’s performance or will reference background scenes that concept or senior artists have already produced.
Skills that are essential to the roll include:
-Exceptional drawing skills in different ranges of styles and at a quick and efficient time.
-Need clear storytelling communication skills
-Need to have a good understanding in the Layout, composition and editing
-Communication skills with the Director, Head of story, writer and Senior Artists.
-Learn through observation within the department
-A strong portfolio of work
To reflect: I think this role will suit me as I have been a sketchbook artist and fine artist as well as created comic panels as a hobby before I started learning animation and therefore, they are similar in the way that stories are narrated through the use visual imagery. of course I would have to start as a Junior position to gain more experience .
Animation Role- Character designer:
A Character designer works with the description given of a character such as their personality and physical traits and design the appearance of what this character could potentially look like. They research the anatomy and fashion and trends to influence their concepts. A film production will typically have a few Character Designers so that they have different perspectives. This role is very competitive as artists need to know all the fundamentals and be able to sketch from words. Meaning they must understand the Directors mindset of the character and take critics to get an exact embodiment of what the Director demands. The Character designer will create expression sheets, coloured concepts and character turnarounds when presented to the directors and approved. Most likely this role is sought out by animation studios specifically.
Skills that are essential to the role include:
-Very flexible and high-level sketching and technical skill with a strong attention to detail.
-Very creative with original ideas that help the director imagine and progress with their ideas
-Collaborate with the Director and other Concept designers, Modellers and Writers
-Take feedback and critics well to improve the designs further
-Create designs that go with the pipeline and are achievable to animate
-Have an exceptional portfolio in drawing and design of both human and creature characters
To reflect: I have always been interested in this role as it is exactly what I enjoy most about pre-production. Being able to create different character personalities and have expressions. This role would suit me as well because I have an extreme attention for detail when it comes to drawing and designing. I also can work in various art styles though I will need to gain more experience in industry.
References:
- Story Tip: what it takes to be a Storyboard Artist-Sergio Paez
- Screenskills.com – Animation Roles Pre-production
- https://www.cgspectrum.com/career-pathways/storyboard-artist
- https://characterdesignreferences.com/
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