How Do I Hire a Professional 3D Animator?

3D animation is a valuable element to add to any video production project, but hiring a 3D animator is something that you may not have ever done before. The role is valuable and equally creative which makes it hard to justify a “right” or “wrong” position. 3D animators should be able to effectively animate objects that are otherwise still and inanimate so as they appear to be living, breathing, and full of life. Much like a puppeteer, a 3D animator can use a wide range of skill sets to manipulate everyday objects in a way that results in them appearing alive and full of entertainment.

3D animators often have an imagination that is significantly more advanced and more powerful than the rest of us, but the true value comes from an animator that can deliver art that brings these imaginations to life in a manner in which the rest of us can connect with. Hiring a 3D animator is an important task for any animated production project, here’s what you need to do.

Seek Animator Strengths

A great 3D animator will possess several strengths that the average professional may not have. For example, you’ll want to make sure that the individual you consider for the position carries the following skills and strengths:

• It can take several tries to get a 3D animation “right.” You’ll want to hire an animator that will keep working at it until the animation is precisely what the Director is looking to achieve.
• Great animators are focused on attention to detail. You want to know you’re hiring someone that is focused on some of the tiniest details that could make or break your project. This includes focusing on things like character gait, individual character expressions, and other lifelike additions that can make an inanimate object appear alive.
• Great 3D animation comes with time and experience, so you’re going to want to hire someone that has hands-on experience and general background in focusing heavily on animations to produce a hands-on, unique experience.

Questions to Ask a 3D Animator Before Hiring

Before you hire a 3D animator you need to prepare a set of questions that will help you to define their individual skills and potential as it applies to your project. Even a great animator may not be the ideal fit for your project if they don’t possess a particular skill or demeanor. Before hiring any 3D animator, be sure to ask the following questions:

• What’s your favorite area of your showreel? Why is this your favorite? You’re looking for the animator to show you a section of their reel that stands out and includes 3D animation that will fit well for your project. You’re also looking for a valuable discussion on the purpose or reason behind their love for that particular section of the reel.
• What made you decide to become a 3D animator? This highly technical position on the film crew generally begins early on for the animator, so you’re looking for an answer that leads back several years.
• Why are you the best 3D animator for this project? You’re looking for proof that they a) have reviewed the project thoroughly and b) that they have confidence in their skill sets. Additionally, this is a good time to learn more about what the animator finds as his or her strengths and weaknesses.
• Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years? Will you still be a 3D animator? This is important because someone who does not see him or herself in this role in the near future may not carry the passion, or particular skills, that you need for professionally produced projects.

Still want to learn more about hiring a professional 3D animator? Give Beverly Boy Productions a call!