Stop-motion animator

Stop-motion animators create animations by using puppets or clay models.

The following job titles also refer to stop-motion animator:

stop motion animation specialist
3D stop-motion animator
puppet animator
stop motion animator
stop motion animators
2D stop-motion animator
stop-motion clay animator
stop-motion animation artist
stop motion animation designer
stop-motion artist
stop motion artist
stop motion animation artist
stop-motion puppet animator
model animator

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as stop-motion animator. 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.

Stop-motion animator is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to stop-motion animator.

animation layout artist
special effects artist
animator
animation director
director of photography

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

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of stop-motion animator.

These skills are necessary for the role of stop-motion animator.

Follow work schedule: Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.
Follow a brief: Interpret and meet requirements and expectations, as discussed and agreed upon with the customers.
Select artistic materials to create artworks: Select artistic materials based on strength, colour, texture, balance, weight, size, and other characteristics that should guarantee the feasibility of the artistic creation regarding the expected shape, color, etc. – even thought the result might vary from it. Artistic materials such as paint, ink, water colours, charcoal, oil, or computer software can be used as much as garbage, living products (fruits, etc) and any kind of material depending on the creative project.
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.
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.
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.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of stop-motion animator. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

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.
Types of pottery material: Types of clays and mud and their appearance, properties, reaction to fire, etc.
Copyright legislation: Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of stop-motion animator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Manage different pottery materials: Manage different recipes of clay and mud according to the genre (such as china) or the expected strength, look, colour, tradition or innovation in the creative process.
Operate a camera: Capture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.
Operate lighting equipment: Operate lighting equipment used during production of movies, commercials, animations and other visual productions to create an atmosphere with light.
Consult with production director: Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.
Harmonise body movements: Harmonise body movements in accordance to rhythm and melody, aestetic or dramatic concept, dramatic pace, etc.
Manipulate puppets: Manipulate puppets by the use of strings, rods, wires, electronics or directly by his or her own hands placed inside the puppet or holding it externally, so as to create the illusion of life.
Set up cameras: Put cameras in place and prepare them for use.
Select camera apertures: Adjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.
Create clay figures: Create mobile figures out of clay using different materials and processes.
Create puppets: Construct hand, string, rod and shadow puppets from materials such as wood, papier maché, Styrofoam, wires, metal and rubber, using hand and machine tools.
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.
Design objects to be crafted: Sketch, draw or design sketches and drawings from memory, live models, manufactured products or reference materials in the process of crafting and sculpting.
Design puppets: Design and construct puppets and movement control mechanism, based on sketches and/or scripts, for artistic and entertainment purposes.

2166 – Graphic and multimedia designers

 

 

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References

1. Stop-motion animator – ESCO