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
- Showcasing a signature design and animation style – Highlighting a distinctive creative approach and fluency in trending software (like After Effects and Cinema 4D) immediately signals unique value, setting the applicant apart from others with generic portfolios. Emphasizing a passion for visual storytelling and translating ideas into compelling motion pieces makes the CV memorable to hiring managers looking for originality.
- Demonstrating project-driven contributions – Detailing specific motion graphics projects, such as producing animated assets for a marketing campaign that boosted engagement by 30%, offers concrete proof of the animator’s effectiveness. Quantitative results and brief descriptions of personal impact make achievements tangible and show an ability to create business value, whether through freelance work or internships.
- Tailoring the CV to the target studio’s identity – Referencing the company’s signature campaigns, animation style, or values illustrates an understanding of what stands out in their environment. Expressing enthusiasm for contributing to the studio’s ongoing projects and highlighting relevant skills that address their unique needs demonstrates a proactive approach to fit and cultural alignment.
Entry-Level Animator
- Clear demonstration of related skills and experiences – A CV for an entry-level animator shines when it succinctly outlines how academic projects, internships, or freelance assignments have built competencies that directly relate to animation. Highlighting hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, collaborative efforts on group projects, and any relevant extracurricular activities shows a thoughtful match between the applicant’s background and the role’s requirements.
- Effective use of layout and formatting for easy navigation – Visual clarity is essential in an animator’s CV, so generous spacing, thoughtfully organized headings, and succinct bullet points make information effortless to digest. Use of consistent fonts, clean section dividers, and balanced white space demonstrates attention to detail and an appreciation for visual hierarchy, which are critical skills in animation as well.
- Compelling and personalized articulation of ambition – A standout CV clearly communicates why the applicant is drawn to animation beyond surface-level interest. Whether motivated by a lifelong passion for storytelling through motion or a fascination with character design, conveying genuine enthusiasm and specific professional goals provides context and energy that can elevate an entry-level application.
Senior Technical Animator
- Targeted alignment with company vision – A CV that integrates knowledge about the studio’s technology, signature animation styles, and core values signals that the candidate isn’t just looking for any position—they aspire to directly elevate that specific team. References to the company’s recent projects, tech stack, or culture show a proactive approach and a readiness to contribute from day one.
- Compelling introduction that addresses the role – The initial statement on a standout Senior Technical Animator CV wastes no time highlighting both advanced rigging expertise and cross-disciplinary collaboration, immediately tying personal strengths to the job’s requirements. Linked directly to employer priorities, this approach establishes relevance right from the outset and piques interest in reading further.
- Impression of assured positivity and expertise – The language throughout maintains a careful blend of confidence, professionalism, and authentic passion for the craft. This balance instills trust in the candidate’s technical competence while also conveying genuine excitement about tackling animation challenges unique to the studio, making for a memorable and credible application.
By Role
3D Animator
- Insight into the studio’s philosophy and projects – A standout 3D Animator CV actively reflects careful research by referencing the employer’s animation style, creative values, or flagship projects, signaling a genuine motivation to work there and a readiness to align with the team’s unique workflow and aspirations.
- Use of precise industry jargon and technical fluency – Incorporating software names like Maya, Blender, or Houdini alongside terms such as rigging, keyframing, and motion capture demonstrates both up-to-date technical expertise and a familiarity with the expectations of contemporary animation pipelines.
- Alignment in professional narrative across platforms – Consistency in branding between the CV and one’s LinkedIn presence, using a unified tone, shared keywords, and matched achievements, reinforces credibility and presents the candidate as a cohesive, well-rounded professional within the animation sector.
Character Animator
- Crafting an opening that captures attention – An outstanding Character Animator CV begins with a compelling introductory statement that immediately conveys the candidate’s passion for animation and their unique artistic perspective. By succinctly highlighting years of experience, signature projects, or a particular animation style, this introduction sets the stage for the reader and encourages further exploration of the animator’s story and abilities.
- Showcasing results-driven animation achievements – What elevates a CV in this field is the clear demonstration of tangible contributions, such as leading the animation for a game title that won industry accolades or accelerating production pipelines by introducing innovative rigging techniques. Highlighting measurable outcomes, like increased viewer engagement or improved workflow efficiencies, ensures the relevance of achievements to recruiters seeking immediate impact within their animation teams.
- Ensuring cohesive branding across platforms – Consistency in presenting one’s professional persona, whether in the CV, portfolio website, or LinkedIn profile, creates a seamless impression for potential employers. This includes employing a unified tone, design elements, and a synchronized narrative thread, which collectively reinforce the animator’s credibility and make their profile both memorable and trustworthy in a competitive job market.
2D Animator
- Demonstrates flexibility across techniques and genres – A standout 2D Animator CV showcases adaptability by including projects that span a range of animation styles, from traditional frame-by-frame to digital motion graphics, as well as work for varied audiences such as educational content, entertainment, and advertising. This breadth signals to employers the candidate’s readiness to tackle diverse assignments and adjust their approach as needed.
- Uses clear visual hierarchy and strategic layout – Exceptional content presentation is evident when a CV employs thoughtful formatting, such as concise headings, clearly defined sections, and a portfolio link that is prominently placed. Well-organized information enhances readability, making it easy for hiring managers to scan skills, experiences, and tools proficiency relevant to the animation field.
- Highlights key successes aligned with employer needs – Impactful 2D Animator resumes present quantifiable achievements—such as contributing to an award-winning short, increasing social media engagement through animated content, or leading the animation on a prominent campaign—specifically chosen to resonate with the job’s main requirements and demonstrate a history of producing tangible results.
Game Artist Animator
- Effectively illustrating significant achievements – A CV that resonates for a Game Artist Animator goes beyond merely listing responsibilities; it highlights distinct contributions such as successful in-game animation sequences, industry awards, or impactful collaborations with noteworthy studios. By tailoring accomplishments that align closely with the requirements of a game studio, applicants demonstrate not only their talent but also their value to potential employers.
- Presenting content with optimal clarity – Exceptional visual organization, such as consistent use of white space, clearly separated sections, and judicious paragraphing, ensures that information is accessible and engaging. Well-chosen fonts and succinct bullet points help direct the recruiter’s eye to the most pertinent details, reflecting both a professional standard and an innate understanding of visual hierarchy—vital qualities for any game artist.
- Concluding with purpose and direction – A standout ending to the document includes a confident yet approachable closing statement that expresses genuine enthusiasm for joining the target studio. When paired with a direct invitation for further discussion, this call to action ensures the applicant leaves a lasting impression and encourages the recipient to take the next step.
Freelance Animator
- A clearly conveyed drive for creative freelance work – When a freelance animator’s CV shares a genuine passion for visual storytelling and explains why freelance opportunities excite them, it becomes more memorable. Specific motives, such as the desire to collaborate with diverse clients or to tackle varied animation challenges, help reviewers understand what fuels the applicant’s commitment and sets their proposal apart from generic submissions.
- Specialized animation expertise on display – Highlighting hands-on proficiency with tools like After Effects, Blender, or Toon Boom—supported by succinct descriptions of past animation projects—demonstrates depth and industry relevance. Detailed breakdowns of technical competencies, animation styles mastered, and high-profile collaborations show that the candidate can deliver expert results tailored to different client needs.
- Intuitive design for rapid content absorption – Presenting information using generous white space, clearly separated sections, and bullet points not only enhances the visual appeal, but also makes the CV simple to navigate. Consistent font choices, logical layout, and well-organized content ensure that potential clients can easily find critical skills, project highlights, and contact information with minimal effort.
3D Character Animator
- Showing genuine passion and defined intent – A standout 3D Character Animator CV clearly communicates not just skills, but the candidate's authentic enthusiasm for breathing life into animated worlds. It succinctly explains why this specific studio or project resonates, articulating both personal drive and an understanding of the company’s unique style or ethos. Crystal-clear purpose woven throughout the application immediately assures employers the animator’s desire to contribute is both sincere and informed.
- Creating an immediate personal connection – An engaging CV goes beyond listing qualifications by narrating experiences and achievements in a way that’s relatable and memorable. By conveying challenges overcome, collaborations with teams, and standout moments of creative problem-solving, the animator forges an emotional bond. This draws in the reader, leaving them invested in the animator’s journey and intrigued to discover more about the person behind the work.
- Presenting content with uncluttered organization – A visually appealing 3D Animator CV uses a harmonious layout, generous spacing, and strategic breaks between sections to guide the reader effortlessly through the document. Consistent formatting, clearly defined headings, and appropriate use of white space ensure each accomplishment stands out, enhancing both readability and professional impact. This mindful structure invites the reader to engage with every detail without feeling overwhelmed.