Careers - Classical Animation

The Classical Animation program grants students the skills they need to become excellent animators and artists.

The jobs and/or fields we specifically train for are detailed below.

Animator

There are several types of animators: hand-drawn character, 2D and 3D digital, hand-drawn effects, and digital effects. Universally, animators use their skills to turn still art into moving entertainment.

Entry level positions include clean-up, break-down, and in-between animators.

Storyboard and Layout

A storyboard is a series of drawings that outline each scene and sequence in an animated production. As a relatively small number of storyboard artists are required to execute a production, these jobs are limited. Entry-level positions as storyboard revision artists or storyboard assistants do exist. Layout artists take the production to the next stage, creating a detailed blueprint and staging for each scene.

Digital Ink and Paint

D.I.P. (digital ink and paint) artists are responsible for digitally colouring characters and props, as well as for creating camera moves and compositing scene layers using computer software.

Production Assistant

In the animation industry, a production assistant's duties vary depending upon the needs of the studio. Regardless, a PA often performs entry-level type art, administrative functions, or office coordination. Patient PA's eventually develop a keen understanding of the overall functioning of a studio, positioning them to acquire a skills-specific position when one becomes available.

Production Designer

A lead or supervising designer may be in charge of conceptualizing the overall style of a production, usually during the earliest stages of pre-production. Besides the lead designer - or art director-there may be a variety of specialized designers: character, location, prop, effects, and more. Design work requires great imagination, conceptualization, and drawing skills.

2D Digital Animator

This animator is responsible for creating 2D animation using computer software rather than pencil and paper. Such animators must be fluent in Adobe's Flash, ToonBoom's Harmony, or a variety of other programs. This efficient style of animation is currently gaining popularity, resulting in a job market that favours animators.

Colour Stylist

A colour stylist is responsible for choosing and assigning a colour palette to an animated film's characters and props, closely working with the art director to ensure the colours match the 'look' of the film.

Character Designer

A character designer is instrumental in creating the look, composition, and movement of a character. The templates provided by character designers - models, expressions, gestures - serve as crucial references for productions with many artists involved.

Background Designer

From the mundane to the fantastical, a background designer is instrumental in establishing the tone of an animated world. Working with 'BGs' means mastering a wide variety of art styles and creating environments that support the characters and the story.

Concept Artist

A highly sought-after position, the concept artist plays a central role in shaping the look, feel, and mood in the very early stages of production. A concept artist needs to be a strong designer and illustrator, but must also be versatile enough to interpret the creative vision of others.