Do animators even need a resume? Isn’t animation a tight industry where everyone knows each other and a small number of people get most of the work?
Nope.
You may be surprised, but the animation world is a wide global industry with tens of different niches and thousands of companies looking for their new favorite animator.
Just search “animator” on any headhunting website and you’ll get the idea.
Guess what all those recruiters are waiting for: an animator resume that will finally end their headhunting quest. Your resume.
And we can help you write it.
What you’ll learn today
- How to choose a resume template that best captures your skills and qualifications
- How to make sure your resume is relevant to the position recruiters are looking to fill
- What you should write in your experience section and your summary section to make your resume more attractive to recruiters
- How to properly indicate your experience with animation software and pipelines
- How to land an interview 9/10 times with your resume
How to write an animator resume
It’s difficult to say who exactly will be looking at your resume: a recruiter or your future colleagues.
If you’re applying for a small indie-game studio, chances are you will be hired directly by its founders or your future creative lead.
If this is a big company, then your resume should initially pass through the wall of their HR department. And probably an ATS. Good thing we got you covered and explain how to write a resume that passes ats.
In any case, whoever looks at your resume, they ask themselves a simple question: “are you the right animator for their environment?”
Have you ever worked in a big team of creatives? Do you know the tools the company is using in its animation process?
The competition in the creative industry is fierce, so you have to make sure every section of your animator resume stands the test.
What layout is best for an animator resume
The best layout for animator resume is:
- Header section with portfolio link
- Summary section with strong points of relevance to the position
- Experience section that demonstrates both creative and organizational abilities
- Skills section that lists all industry-standard tools you’re capable of using
- Education
- Industry Certificates (optional)
How should i structure my animator resume header?
Ultimately, you will be judged by your skills. Your best shot at getting the job is to direct the attention of the person who is hiring you to your creative portfolio.
That is why placing a portfolio link in your resume header section is far too important to be neglected.
Or at least link to your LinkedIn account, so the recruiters can have another way of contact, and save you for future opportunities if this one passes.
2 animator resume header examples
There are many industry examples of animators being hired after showcasing just one good video. Make sure to structure your portfolio so that your strongest work is featured first. Usually, that is your last work, so if you are an experienced animator you might concider the reverse-chronological resume type.
Recently, demo reels have become more and more demanded for jobs, so make sure to include a link to one in your portfolio or header directly.
After directing attention to your portfolio, the second most important thing is to write a relevant Summary section.
What should i write in my animator resume summary
Your resume summary will depend largely on the position you’re applying for. Don’t make the mistake of writing a generic description of your past experience that will fit all your applications.
There are several industries where animators are most demanded:
- TV / Cinema
- Game development
- Marketing
- Mobile development
Applying for each one of those has its nuances.
For example, when you apply for an animator position in the marketing industry, you will mostly be dealing with explainer videos, motion graphics, and interactive interfaces.
In this case, if you put your Game Development experience or Character Animation experience in the summary section, you may send the wrong signal that you’re not the right fit for the job.
In this case, focus on your ability to create highly engaging explainer videos and animations, if that is what is mentioned in the job description:
If you’re applying for an animator position in game development, focus on your finished projects and the ability to work with a team of developers.
If you have experience working for popular brands, mention that too. It’s especially valuable in the TV & movie industries, where connection to the industry means the most.
If you’re applying for specific TV projects, domain experience would be a great bonus.
For example, you have better chances of getting the position if you’ve already worked for news or sports.
Optimize your resume summary and objective for ATS
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3D animator resume summary samples
Even though 3D animators and 2D animators share the same fundamental animation skills, their working environments are very different and resume for animation should reflect that.
3D production is always a complex and expensive pipeline. 3D animators work closely with departments of modelers, riggers and actors in order to deliver exceptional results.
Your summary should reflect both collaboration experience and proficiency with industry-standard 3D animation tools.
This is a summary for 2D animator, which would be instantly disregarded as a candidate for 3D animation work.
This is a 3D animator resume sample summary:
Now that you’ve established yourself as a fit candidate with your summary, it’s time to expand the positive impression while properly framing your experience section.
What do employers seek in animator resume experience section?
Again, what recruiters want to see in your animator resume experience section will largely depend on the industry you’re applying for.
This is what is important to emphasize in your experience section for game development industry:
- Proficiency with game engines (UE, unity, mobile)
- Solid knowledge of game development pipelines
- Collaboration with modelers, riggers, texturers, concept artists, and other team members
- Experience with characters
TV/ Movies:
- Collaboration with storyboard artists, actors, voice actors, other animators, modelers
- Domain experience with relevant TV projects (news, cartoons, sports)
Marketing / business:
- Working with clients
- Explainer videos / motion graphics
- Typography (kinetic typography is used a lot in modern marketing)
With any industry:
- Proficiency with 2D or 3D animation software (Maya, Blender, 3DMax, After Effects)
- Strong animation basics (timing, spacing, composition, physics)
Below is an animation resume sample that demonstrates how you should not frame you experience:
02/2018 - 11/2020 
- •Concepted, created, composed, and animated everything from start to finish under tight deadlines
- •Produced various animation assets and 3D animations
- •I worked to develop algorithms for company systems.
- •Solved various creative problems
This is an animation description that is too generic-it mentions no tools, no specific pipeline, no collaboration with other departments.
Here’s the proper animator resume sample:
02/2018 - 11/2020 - •Collaboratedand worked closely with riggers, modelers, texturers, creative leads and Animators to design and develop animations for various digital projects.
- •Developed and designed movement animations, characters animations, facial animations, environments, special effects, and performed other story/animation tasks as requested.
- •Using Maya, 3DMax, Nuke and Zbrushdeveloped captivating 3D animated designs, characters, and time-based visuals that complied with the storyboard or visual strategy created by the agency.
Finally, after you’ve properly described your animator working experience, it’s time to list all the various skills that will help you land the job.
What special skills are needed for an animator resume
The most important resume tip we can give you when it comes to your animator resume skills section. Pay attention to whether the job requires 3D or 2D animation skills. Even though fundamentals are the same, the tools and the pipeline are completely different. Here are the most important hard skills to include in your resume.
Top hard skills in the animation industry
- Strong understanding of animation principles
- Drawing / sketching / storyboards
- Animation software 3D (Maya, 3dMax, Blender)
- Animation software 2D (After Effects, ToonBoom, etc.)
- Rigging (strong understanding is usually highly valuable in character animation)
- Scripting in Python / MEL
- Game engines working knowledge
- Motion graphics
- FX (particle effects animation)
Soft skills are no less important for successful animator than technical ones.
The most demanded in the industry are the ability to work well with others and stay creative while following strict deadlines.
Put these soft skills in your skill section.
Nine soft skills that stand out on animation resumes
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Attention to details
- Time-management (meet deadlines)
- Patience
- Presentation skills
- Teamwork
- Analytical skills
- Ability to work under pressure
How to include your education in an animation resume
Even though education is not the priority and you most often will be judged based on your finished projects and industry experience, an education section can be useful.
It’s a great opportunity to emphasize that you spent a lot of time learning and practicing animation fundamentals.
If you took facultatives or finished some student projects that might be relevant to the job you’re applying for, emphasize those.
For example, if the job requires rigging experience or strong facial expressions animation skills, and you happened to work on those as a student, write about it in the education section.
How to add certificates to animator resume
Of course, no certificates will replace a well-put animation portfolio. Especially those that say “you’re a great animator” or something like that.
However, if you have certificates that demonstrate proficiency with complex industry tools, like 3D modelling packages (3DMax, Cinema 4D, Maya) or Special Effects (Nuke, Adobe), use it.
Here are some options:
- Certification in Autodesk 3ds
- Maya Certification
- After Effects Certification Training
In short, what makes a good animator resume?
Here are some hallmarks of great Animation resumes:
- Be relevant to the position you’re applying for, be it 2D animation, 3D animation or motion graphics
- Demonstrate both your proficiency with animation tools and the ability to effectively collaborate with others
- Have a link to your portfolio, ideally a demo reel with the most recent and complex animation projects you tackled
- Frame experience to the niche you’ll be working in, because a game development Animation resume and TV animator resume look completely different
- Demonstrate strong fundamental animation skills, from timing and spacing to character facial expressions and body gestures
Animator resume examples
By Experience
Junior Motion Graphics Animator
- Showcases tailored understanding of company vision – A standout resume makes a distinct impression when it references the employer’s unique creative identity, demonstrates familiarity with their client base, and highlights genuine enthusiasm for their design philosophy, suggesting the candidate will integrate smoothly and contribute meaningfully.
- Presents a clear and focused professional narrative – First impressions are bolstered when the document’s layout is organized, visually appealing, and demonstrates an alignment between the applicant’s past experiences and the primary requirements of a Junior Motion Graphics Animator, proving immediate suitability for the post.
- Demonstrates technical skill and creative initiative – The resume gains further distinction if it features specific proficiency in animation tools such as After Effects, Premiere, or Cinema 4D, lists relevant collaborative projects or internships, and cites concrete examples of motion design work, conveying both competence and professional growth.
Entry-Level Animator
- Demonstrating alignment with the company's vision – A resume stands out when the applicant incorporates references to the company's stylistic approach, notable projects, or core values, signaling genuine interest and prior research. This creates a sense of intentionality and connection, making it clear the candidate is not just seeking any animation role but has chosen this studio for specific reasons.
- Beginning with purpose and impact – A compelling opener integrates specific animation skills or signature achievements, immediately showing the candidate’s readiness for the field. By promptly stating what they bring to the table, the resume captures the attention of recruiters in the crucial first seconds.
- Offering a distinguishing blend of capabilities – What sets a promising entry-level animator's resume apart is highlighting unique cross-disciplinary experiences—such as proficiency in both 2D and 3D platforms, or a background in storytelling and visual design—that demonstrate creative versatility beyond standard technical competence.
Senior Technical Animator
- Clear and impactful information flow – A standout Senior Technical Animator resume presents all crucial details with efficiency, using succinct phrasing, strategic bullet points, and well-organized sections. This approach ensures that each skill, tool, and software expertise is instantly recognizable, making it easy for hiring managers to quickly gauge suitability for senior-level demands without wading through superfluous information.
- Demonstrated mastery through role-specific accomplishments – Resumes that seize attention emphasize quantifiable successes directly linked to technical animation, such as leading complex rigging pipelines or optimizing animation workflows in shipped AAA titles. Highlighting achievements that align closely with animation technology and production needs showcases both technical proficiency and practical impact relevant to top-tier roles.
- Purposeful application motivation – An exceptional resume conveys a clear, focused intent: articulating a genuine drive to contribute to the studio’s creative vision, tackle technical challenges, or mentor junior talent. By transparently stating career objectives and the reasons for embarking on this next professional chapter, the applicant sets themselves apart as both qualified and passionately invested in the animation industry’s future.
By Role
3D Animator
- Striking a seamless blend of energy and professionalism – A standout 3D Animator resume showcases a tone that is both polished and lively, reflecting an applicant’s reliability while highlighting genuine excitement for the craft. This delicate balance convinces hiring managers of both the candidate’s competence and passion for animation, making them memorable beyond the basics of technical skill.
- Showing a logical progression of relevant skills and projects – The most impressive resumes feature past roles and accomplishments that clearly build toward the requirements and aspirations of a 3D Animator. By illustrating how earlier internships, freelance gigs, or even personal projects directly contributed to developing animation, modeling, and collaborative abilities, the candidate shows intentional career growth perfectly aligned with the position.
- Creating an immediate sense of fit and readiness – At first glance, an exceptional resume immediately communicates that the applicant is not only capable but uniquely suited for the 3D Animator position. Through concise formatting, targeted keywords, and a portfolio link, the resume leaves a lasting impression that the individual can seamlessly integrate into the team and deliver results from the start.
Character Animator
- An organized and intuitive layout keeps readers engaged – A standout Character Animator resume communicates qualifications through distinct sections, starting with key skills, flowing naturally into work history, and concluding with education. Clear headings, concise bullet points, and logical sequencing guide recruiters swiftly from each strength to the next, ensuring no achievement is buried or overlooked.
- Diverse accomplishments highlight creative flexibility – Demonstrating everything from 3D and 2D animation to motion capture and character rigging in various industries—such as film, games, and advertising—shows employers a readiness to adapt. Supporting this with details about collaboration on cross-functional teams and mastery of multiple tools like Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom reinforces the breadth and depth of applicable expertise.
- Instantly communicates a compelling match for animation roles – By opening with a brief summary or objective tailored to the specific studio or project type, and immediately following with quantifiable successes—awards, shipped projects, or positive client feedback—a resume sets a tone of undeniable relevance and enthusiasm. This strategic approach convinces decision-makers that the candidate’s passion and seasoned talent are ideally aligned with what the role demands.
2D Animator
- Alignment with brand philosophy – A standout 2D Animator resume thoughtfully references the company’s unique creative approach and recent projects, demonstrating not only awareness of their aesthetic but also a genuine interest in contributing to their ongoing narratives and artistic visions.
- Careful organization and visual clarity – Exceptional resumes leverage clean layouts with distinct section headers, generous spacing, and concise bullet points, ensuring that skills and achievements are digestible at a glance and the document is inviting to busy recruiters.
- Range of animation proficiencies highlighted – An impressive candidate underscores their flexibility by including a mix of projects spanning diverse industries, styles, or platforms, such as explainer videos, character animation, and motion graphics, clearly showing adaptability to varied storytelling formats and client needs.
Game Artist Animator
- Clear motivation infuses intent behind the application – A resume that articulates genuine enthusiasm for game animation and explains a strong connection to the company’s creative vision immediately grabs attention. By explicitly stating a passion for pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling and collaborating with dynamic teams, an applicant proves they have thoughtfully considered why this studio and role are the right fit, beyond simply seeking employment.
- Unified personal presentation strengthens identity – When a candidate’s portfolio, LinkedIn profile, and resume all echo the same style, vocabulary, and professional message, it signals a well-honed sense of personal branding. For a game artist animator, consistent visual and verbal cues—like thematic color palettes, a signature logo, and focused descriptions—help establish authority and memorability, making it easy for recruiters to recall and talk about the applicant among other contenders.
- Relevant career highlights demonstrate job suitability – Showcasing noteworthy contributions, such as animating gameplay sequences for shipped titles or leading style development for a multiplayer project, directly communicates value for the target position. Enumerating such concrete, role-specific triumphs—especially those tied to metrics like player engagement or production efficiency—underscores readiness to excel in a similar environment.
Freelance Animator
- Strategic alignment of personal identity across platforms – A resume that harmonizes with the freelancer’s online profiles, like LinkedIn or a digital portfolio, conveys a clear and cohesive professional identity. By ensuring language, design elements, and project highlights are consistent everywhere, the animator builds trust and makes it easy for potential clients to verify credentials and get a seamless impression of expertise and style.
- Depth in both technical prowess and industry know-how – Including a diverse array of animation tools and software, complemented by tangible project outcomes and a command of relevant workflows, demonstrates more than just proficiency—it signals adaptability and a readiness to meet varied client needs. Showcasing multifaceted abilities, such as motion graphics, character development, or cross-medium storytelling, instantly communicates the animator’s robust professional toolkit.
- Distinct creativity and storytelling flair as a differentiator – Setting oneself apart through evidence of signature projects, awards, or a unique narrative approach indicates more than baseline competence. When a resume spotlights original artistic solutions, a recognizable aesthetic, or quantifiable project results, it highlights the freelancer’s potential to bring fresh perspective and memorable impact to client collaborations.
3D Character Animator
- The immediate impact reflects targeted expertise – A compelling 3D Character Animator resume quickly communicates the applicant’s alignment with animation roles, showcasing a tailored summary and a portfolio link right at the top. Clear evidence of experience with character rigging, movement studies, and animation fundamentals confirms the candidate’s awareness of the industry’s expectations and ensures the reviewer’s attention is captured from the outset.
- The document radiates driven professionalism blended with creative zest – The tone of the resume walks a fine line between passionate artistry and grounded competence. Achievements are presented with energy and pride, yet there’s restraint in self-promotion—demonstrating both eagerness to contribute fresh ideas and respect for collaborative studio dynamics.
- Showcasing wide-ranging software proficiency alongside pipeline know-how – The technical section stands out when it goes beyond simply listing tools. Detailing hands-on experience with Maya, Blender, or similar programs, combined with references to workflow integration, asset optimization, and version control familiarity, displays a level of mastery and adaptability needed for sophisticated 3D character animation projects.