Video games
Visual effects and animation
Digital experiences
The 2D/3D animator is responsible for applying the art of movement to the elements of a film, video game, advertisement, or digital experience project in a credible manner. Their main task is to make characters, creatures, sets, and special effects move using specialized 2D or 3D animation software, while respecting parameters established in collaboration with their team (story, artistic style, technical constraints of the software, game engines or consoles, camera position, etc.).
Crédit: SYNTHÈSE Photo: Priss Auvray
Duties and responsibilities
Animate characters, creatures, settings, and special effects using specialized 2D or 3D animation software.
In video games: create animation libraries that can be reused for each character.
Analyze the tasks to be performed with your supervisor (e.g., team leader, artistic director).
If you like
The performing arts, rhythm, and movement (cinema, music, theater, improvisation...).
Anatomy and body mechanics
Qualities and skills
Qualities
Analytical skills. He or she must be able to observe and dissect a movement in order to reproduce it.
Attention to detail. Producing realistic animations requires great attention to detail.
Knowledge
Human and animal anatomy, the mechanics of object movement.
In video games: an understanding of how movement manifests itself in the context of the game.
Common tools and software
2D animation
Animate
Harmony
OpenToonz
Photoshop
Substance Painter
T V Paint
Opportunities for advancement
Facial animator
Animation team leader
Animation department director
Artistic director
3D supervisor
Study programs
Some of the skills required to work as a 2D/3D animator can be developed in the following programs. Find out about the specific features of each school to see which one best suits your interests:
Diploma of College Studies (DCS)
Techniques d'animation 3D et de synthèse d'images
Cégep de Matane, Cégep du Vieux Montréal, Cégep Limoilou, Collège Bart, Collège Dawson, Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, Collège O'Sullivan de Québec, Institut GrassetTechnique en dessin animé
Cégep du Vieux-MontréalThe Techniques d'intégration multimédia (Multimedia Integration Techniques) program can introduce you to certain basic concepts and serve as a springboard to university studies in animation.
Cégep de Jonquière, Cégep de l'Outaouais, Cégep de Lanaudière à L'Assomption, Cégep de Matane, Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, Cégep de Sainte-Foy, Cégep Édouard-Montpetit, Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne, Collège de Maisonneuve, Collège Montmorency
Salary
In the province of Quebec, the hourly wage for a 3D animation designer ranges from $20 for beginners to $50.48 for experienced professionals, with a median salary of $28, according to data from the Government of Canada (2024).
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