3D ANIMATOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Oct 30, 2024 – The 3D Animator has experience in industrial films and television, with proficiency in semi-realistic and realistic animation styles. This role requires a strong understanding of complex bipedal and quadrupedal character animation, enhancing performance through exceptional acting skills. The animator possesses a passion for creative boundaries, actively seeks feedback, and communicates effectively while refining shots for world-class storytelling in animation.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout 3D Animator Resume
  • 3D Modeling
  • Animation Software Proficiency
  • Texturing
  • Rigging
  • Lighting
  • Rendering
  • Visual Effects
  • Scripting
  • Motion Capture
  • Graphic Design
  • Creativity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Communication
  • Team Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Critical Thinking
  • Patience
  • Artistic Vision

Summary of 3D Animator Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Animation with 5 years of Experience

  • Strong portfolio/demo reel that demonstrates breadth and depth of 3D disciplines (texturing/modeling/lighting), motion graphics, animation, and design skills
  • Advanced knowledge of Maxon Cinema 4D, Adobe Suite (specifically AI, PS, AE), and/or other editing software.
  • Understanding of X-Particles and Redshift (or other node-based renderer) or a strong willingness to learn. 
  • Experience with Houdini and/or Unreal Engine
  • Experience with character rigging and the world of organic modeling
  • Well-versed in principles behind modeling, node-based texturing, animation, lighting, and rendering within Cinema 4D
  • Thrives in a fast-paced creative work environment with the ability to multi-task and operate on deadlines
  • A digital-first storyteller who understands how to create engaging video content across different channels and audiences
  • Communicates clearly and concisely in pre-production through scripting, storyboarding, and sketching
  • Strong grasp of fundamental design principles (composition, layout, color, typography, etc.)
  • Self-starter who wants to make a big impact on an entrepreneurial team within a large corporation

2. BS in Computer Graphics with 8 years of Experience

  • Entertainment, advertising, or game animation experience or related animation industry experience. 
  • Experience creating realistic animation for human and non-human characters with an emphasis on acting performance. 
  • Strong understanding of character rigs, game animation pipelines, animation integration into game engines, and animation tools. 
  • Experience with Redshift and/or Arnold rendering engines
  • Strong sense of composition, color, and animation timing. 
  • A good sense of story-telling and an understanding of cinematic language, and camera terminology 
  • The ability to use motion blur, depth of field, and other effects, to create realism. 
  • Must be excellent in Unity combined with strong Maya skills. 
  • Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines. 
  • Strong 3D Modelling and/or illustration skills.
  • Experience in creating User Acquisition ads and game trailers
  • Diverse portfolio displaying strong artistic and technical skills

3. BS in Game Design with 4 years of Experience

  • Solid experience as an Animator on CG/VFX Feature films and/or CG TV Series
  • Show initiative, push ideas and innovate within your duties.
  • Ability to create interesting and expressive cartoon-style animation
  • Strong understanding of traditional animation techniques
  • Knowledge of the principles of character performance such as posing, timing, acting, and storytelling techniques.
  • Proven experience working in Maya
  • Experience working with Shotgun
  • Strong work ethic and the ability to meet tight deadlines, and solve problems under short deadlines 
  • Must be able to work within a team, independently, and take direction well
  • A flexible approach while maintaining consistently high standards
  • Pro-active and have excellent communication skills, and able to communicate creative and technical thoughts

4. BS in Film Production with 7 years of Experience

  • Experience with at least one of the following systems - player locomotion and traversal, nonplayable character navigation, weapon systems
  • Solid working experience in Motion Builder
  • Previous experience working on character locomotion systems
  • Ability to create high-quality animations in Maya using keyframe or Mocap data
  • Good understanding of gameplay animation dependencies to identify workflow issues and potential requirements by other team members
  • The ability to troubleshoot and debug animation issues, with a good eye for animation
  • Proven experience working with UE4
  • General Technical knowledge of how games work
  • Good working knowledge of Maya, Layering Systems, and Pose Library
  • Experience working with Mocap Data
  • Possesses the ability and drive to contribute and advance all aspects of a game
  • Practical knowledge of state machines and other animation technology

5. BS in Digital Arts with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience with working in industrial films or television
  • Ability to do various styles of animation including semi-realistic and realistic styles of animation.
  • Prior experience working in a 3D character-animated feature film would be most welcome.
  • Have a strong understanding and knowledge of complex bipedal and quadrupedal character animation.
  • Possess great acting skills, and the ability to understand the needs of character performance.
  • Have the Passion, Drive, and Desire to push yourself as an animator beyond your comfort zone on complex and rewarding shots and sequences.
  • Strong knowledge of Storytelling which is reflected through world-class animation.
  • Have an open mindset during feedback, eagerness to keep working and improving the shot/sequence till final approval.
  • Proactiveness and good communication
  • Have a good technical understanding of models and rigs.
Relevant Information
3D Artist Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements