Animation layout artist

Animation layout artists work with the cameramen and director to coordinate and create optimal 3D animation shots. They translate 2D storyboards into 3D animated shots and are responsible for camera angles, frames and lighting of animation scenes. Animation layout artists decide which action takes place in which animation scene.

Excludes 3D animator. Excludes people performing the organisation of the shots in which the 3D concepts are used.

The following job titles also refer to animation layout artist:

3D layout artist
lead layout artist
2D layout artist
layout artist
background layout artist
animation layout designer
2D layout animator
senior layout artist
3D layout animator
layout technical director
set up technical director
layout animator

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as animation layout artist. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Animation layout artist is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to animation layout artist.

special effects artist
animator
animation director
stop-motion animator
video and motion picture editor

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of animation layout artist. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of animation layout artist with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of animation layout artist.

3d lighting: The arrangement or digital effect which simulates lighting in a 3D environment.
Graphic design: The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.
Motion graphics: The techniques and software for creating the illusion of motion such as keyframing, Adobe After Effects, and Nuke.
Ict software specifications: The characteristics, use and operations of various software products such as computer programmes and application software.
Multimedia systems: The methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to the operation of multimedia systems, usually a combination of software and hardware, presenting various types of media such as video and audio.

These skills are necessary for the role of animation layout artist.

Follow work schedule: Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
Consult with production director: Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
Adapt to type of media: Adapt to different types of media such as television, movies, commercials, and others. Adapt work to type of media, scale of production, budget, genres within type of media, and others.
Finish project within budget: Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.
Set up animation elements: Test and set up characters, props or environments to ensure they appear correctly from all required camera positions and angles.
Analyse a script: Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
Edit digital moving images: Use specialised software to edit video images for use in an artistic production.
Study relationships between characters: Study characters in scripts and their relationships to each other.
Study media sources: Study various media sources such as broadcasts, print media, and online media in order to gather inspiration for the development of creative concepts.
Ensure visual quality of the set: Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.
Operate 3d computer graphics software: Use graphical ICT tools, such as Autodesk Maya, Blender which enable digital editing, modelling, rendering and composition of graphics. These tools are based in mathematical representation of three-dimensional objects.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of animation layout artist. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Adobe photoshop: The computer program Adobe Photoshop is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.
Motion capture: The process and techniques for capturing the movement of human actors in order to create and animate digital characters that look and move as humanly as possible.
Adobe illustrator: The computer program Adobe Illustrator CC is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Adobe.
Gimp (graphics editor software): The computer program GIMP is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by The GIMP Development Team.
Sketchbook pro: The computer program SketchBook Pro is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Autodesk.
Microsoft visio: The computer program Microsoft Visio is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by the software company Microsoft.
Graphics editor software: The field of graphical ICT tools which enable digital editing and composition of graphics, such as GIMP, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to develop both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics.
Synfig: The computer program Synfig is a graphical ICT tool which enables digital editing and composition of graphics to generate both 2D raster or 2D vector graphics. It is developed by Robert Quattlebaum.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of animation layout artist. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Operate a camera: Capture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.
Apply 3d imaging techniques: Implement a variety of techniques such as digital sculpting, curve modelling and 3D scanning to create, edit, preserve and use 3D images, such as point clouds, 3D vector graphic and 3D surface shapes.
Create animated narratives: Develop animated narrative sequences and story lines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
Set up cameras: Put cameras in place and prepare them for use.
Select camera apertures: Adjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.
Create 3d characters: Develop 3D models by transforming and digitising previously designed characters using specialised 3D tools.
Animate 3d organic forms: Vitalise digital 3D models of organic items, such as emotions or face movements of characters and place them in a digital 3D environment.
Convert into animated object: Convert real objects into visual animation elements, using animation techniques such as optical scanning.
Manage portfolio: Maintain a personal portfolio by selecting your best photos or work and regularly adding new ones in order to show your professional skills and development.
Rig 3d characters: Set up a skeleton, bound to the 3D mesh, made out of bones and joints that allow the 3D character to be bent into a desired position using specialized ICT tools.
Provide multimedia content: Develop multimedia materials such as screen shots, graphics, slide shows, animations and videos to be used as content integrated in a broader informational context.
Create moving images: Create and develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional images in motion and animations.
Develop animations: Design and develop visual animations using creativity and computer skills. Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, colour, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
Design graphics: Apply a variety of visual techniques in order to design graphic material. Combine graphical elements to communicate concepts and ideas.

2166 – Graphic and multimedia designers

 

 

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References

1. Animation layout artist – ESCO