Computer animation involves the manipulation of still images to create the illusion of movement. Using computer technology, a sequence of staggered images captured in related positions, are made to appear as if they're really moving. A computer-animated image can be two dimensional or three dimensional. Computer animation is about presenting ideas, images or objects which can't be presented in any other way and making them appear as life-like as possible.

Artistic and Creative

People who have completed some formal training in graphic arts or multimedia are highly sought after. Some employers may also request an artwork portfolio.

A number of institutions offer courses, with computer animation components, that will enable people interested in this occupation to develop the relevant skills. Of those currently employed 35% have Bachelor Degrees, 22% have either an Advanced Diploma or a Diploma, 17% have either a Certificate III or IV and 21% have no post school qualifications.

TAFE SA offers the following courses that may help you enter this occupation: Diploma of Screen and Media (Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects) and Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design). Pathway courses include Certificate III in Screen and Media.

Computer animators may work for a variety of industries, including information technology, media and publishing, web design practices, animation and design studios, educational institutions and advertising agencies. They often work as part of a team, but can work individually or on a freelance basis. With experience and sufficient capital, there are opportunities for self-employment.

Most Computer Animators first consult a storyboard - a series of pictures, usually hand drawn, which shows the flow of animation and maps out the important scenes and characters. My work is usually just a component of the overall ad. If an ad also features 'real talent' (actors), they're filmed separately. That footage and the computer animation is combined to form a composite. The actors have to pretend that the computer animated object is there. I then slot in the object and make it appear to have been there when the original shot was taken, matching the lighting and camera position. A trickier ad can take about six weeks to complete, usually with four people to do the computer animation, one for filming the live talent and about one to combine the whole product.

Using laser equipment, computer animators scan images of real objects onto a computer and convert them to a digital form. Usually the animator has to model the character or object in the computer, drawing curves, constructing surfaces and using primitive objects (such as spheres and cubes) to produce a wireframe model. Controls are then added to the model to allow it to be bent and posed. It becomes more like a digital puppet, moved into the key positions for an action and allowing the computer to work out the in-between positions making for a smooth action. From there, the object can be shaded with computer lights and rendered with a computer camera. Digital Visual Effects Artist, Richard says, ''If you plan to work in computer animation its advantageous to understand photography, lighting and movement. You must be able to visualise how an object will look in three dimensions and have the know-how to make an inanimate object look real".

Excellent drawing skills, an ability to visualise how animated objects should appear and a good understanding of conventional animation, would be high on an employer's list of requirements. Naturally, a reasonable level of computer literacy is necessary in this occupation. More importantly, though, is a high level of confidence and the ability to quickly learn and apply new software programs. You can look forward to reading numerous software manuals to keep abreast of the constant technological changes in this industry.

Of course, before the advent of computer animation, there was and still is conventional animation. The main difference between them, is that the animation in cell animation is hand-drawn including the in-between positions.