Animation is everywhere. From film and television to games, advertising and digital platforms, animation plays a central role in how stories are told and experiences are built.
In Australia and globally, animation careers continue to expand across screen, interactive media and emerging technologies. Whether you are drawn to character performance, storytelling or technical craft, animation offers a wide range of professional pathways.
Here are 10 real animation jobs that reflect how the industry works today and where it is heading next.
Above: Work by Collarts 2D Animation student Oscar Ramos Ramudo
1. Animator
Animators bring movement, emotion and performance to characters, environments and objects. Working across 2D, 3D and hybrid formats, animators contribute to film, television, games, advertising and online content.
2. Character animator
Character Animators specialise in performance driven animation. They focus on timing, movement and expression to create believable characters that connect with audiences.
3. 2D animator
2D Animators work across hand drawn and digital animation styles. This role remains highly relevant across television, advertising, independent projects and feature animation. Recent industry shifts, including major studios returning to 2D production, signal renewed opportunity for animators working in this space, as explored in Disney is bringing back 2D animation: a sign of big things ahead for animators.
4. 3D animator
3D Animators create movement for digital characters, props and environments. This role is common across film, games, streaming content and virtual production pipelines.
Picture above: Still from animation created by Collarts 2D Animation student Taylor Leslie.
5. Game animator
Game Animators design movement systems that respond to player input. This role blends animation skills with gameplay mechanics and collaboration across design and programming teams.
6. Motion designer
Motion Designers combine animation, graphic design and typography to create dynamic content for branding, advertising, social media and digital platforms. Demand for motion design continues to grow across industries.
7. VFX artist
VFX Artists create visual effects that enhance realism or fantasy in film and television. This role includes compositing, simulation and effects animation, often working closely with animation teams.
Above: Work by Collarts 2D Animation student Oscar Ramos Ramudo
8. Rigging artist
Rigging Artists build the technical systems that allow characters and objects to move. This highly specialised role is essential in 3D animation and game pipelines.
9. Storyboard artist
Storyboard Artists translate scripts into visual sequences, helping teams plan shots, pacing and storytelling before animation begins. Strong drawing and narrative skills are key in this role.
10. Animation producer or coordinator
Animation Producers and Coordinators manage schedules, teams and workflows. They balance creative goals with budgets and timelines, ensuring projects move smoothly from concept to delivery.
Picture above: Still from animation created by Collarts 2D Animation student Taylor Leslie.
Animation careers rarely follow a single path. Many animators work across multiple roles, styles and industries over time. It is common to move between film, games, advertising and independent projects as skills develop.
With renewed interest in traditional techniques alongside advances in real time engines and digital tools, animation remains a future focused career that rewards adaptability, collaboration and creative problem solving.