Animator Resume Sample

Impress recruiters with a resume that not only flaunts your technical achievements, but also perfectly frames your animated phenomena.

By Omar Sommereyns, Monster Contributor

Maybe it started with those delightful Disney classics, which gave you over an hour to slip away from your day-to-day into enchanted realms. Or was it a fascination with Japanese anime, which you devoured like the chocolate-coated Pocky snacks your well-traveled friend would gift you after returning from Tokyo? Or perhaps it was later-generation 3D animation—especially those flawless details, like the complexity of lustrous water movements or of hair flowing in the wind?

It all seemed so miraculous—and you wanted to learn how it worked. And you did, which brings you here, as you ponder your animator resume, wondering how to make it burst with imagery that champions your career.

Well, we can give you these pointers already:

  • Put together a tight-yet-descriptive animator professional summary to showcase below your header. Opt for a job objective instead if you lack experience—to tell recruiters where you want to be.
  • Emphasize all types of animator skills—from technical proficiencies and creative specializations to project-management capabilities.
  • Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. That means anything from rankings to relevant stats. And then, qualify them with any awards too.

Since video games have become so prevalent—and undeniably cinematic—the animator resume template we’re displaying below is focused on that field. But you can adapt your resume accordingly. With all animation, the goal is to construct characters and worlds that captivate the audience. Aim for the same with your resume.

Animator Resume

Alyx Halo, MFA

alyx@email.com | Seattle, WA | 555-555-555 | linkedin.com/alyx.halo | website.com/portfolio

3D ANIMATOR

Award-winning digital animator and video game designer who creates AAA titles that deliver groundbreaking player experiences. Develops visually stunning animations using both hand-key techniques and motion-capture data across a broad range of animation styles. Clear communicator with consistent follow-through—partnering with cross-functional teams to solve challenges and complete projects on time, every time.

KEY SKILLS

Creative | 2D & 3D Animation, Digital Illustration, Digital Sculpting, Texturing & Shading, UV Mapping, and Character Modeling.

Technical | Blender, Maya, Unity, CSS, HTML, and Adobe CC: Photoshop & Illustrator.

Leadership | Creative Team Leadership, Project Management, and Cross-Functional Collaboration.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Video Game Animator | Company One | Seattle, WA | 20XX-20XX

Partnered with animators, designers, artists, writers, and developers to drive projects from concept to completion. Developed storyboards, created and tested prototypes, troubleshot technical and artistic issues, and integrated feedback to create best-in-class FPS (first-person shooter) video games.

  • Contributed to game development for #1 ranked release for [YEAR] in the FPS category—creating gameplay, cinematic vignettes, environmental animations, NPC (non-player character) sequences, and AI animations.
  • Led comprehensive redesign of a legacy game—updating characters, environments, and assets to deliver a fresh player experience, build new relevance, and revitalize sluggish sales.
  • Increased design team’s efficiency by 63% by creating a new digital asset management system to house, categorize, and manage over 2K unique items.

Independent Game Designer | Freelance | Seattle, WA | 20XX-20XX

Recruited and led writer and developer to develop a new RPG (role-playing video game). Drove project success in dual role as creative lead and project manager—managing design, animation, timelines, and deliverables.

  • Earned several accolades, including Best Indie Game from [AWARD ORG] and Game of the Year from [AWARD ORG].
  • Built on success of the initial launch to create a sequel game—earning a top 10 download ranking on Steam within the first week of launch, and securing the #1 spot against releases by leading names in the video game industry.

EDUCATION

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Digital Animation | University One | Seattle, WA

Bachelor of Design (BDes) | College One | Seattle, WA

ACHIEVEMENTS

Game of the Year | The Game Awards

Best Indie Game | Golden Joystick Awards

Outstanding Achievement in Animation | D.I.C.E. Awards (Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences)

Best Character Animation - Video Game | Annie Awards

Innovation Award | Game Developers Choice Awards

Ready to get started? You can download this sample animator resume here.

Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting an auspicious job outlook for animators and special-effects artists, assessing a much-faster-than-average growth rate of 16% over the next decade (about 7,800 openings each year during this period). These days, consumers are spoiled with over-the-top or lifelike graphics—and they want more. Hence, demand is expected to increase for animation and visual effects of all kinds—whether in movies, TV shows, web series, mobile applications, or interactive media like video games. So now’s indeed a prime-time to revamp your animator resume and take your career to the next level or snag your first exciting job in animation.

And since we’re sure you want to know about pay, Monster can give you a preview of what you might be able to earn. The median salary for a multimedia designer/animator is $63,670, and that can vary between $37,799 and $118,966. High-demand locations for animators include:

Discover what you can make in your city by searching through our Salary Tools.

Need more? Then go over all the animator jobs available on Monster.

Set Your Career in Motion With a Monster-Recharged Animator Resume

Your sense for a persistence of vision is uncanny, your design abilities unquestionable, your enthusiasm never-ending. Animation is your vocation. But Monster can revitalize your resume so that you can really get going—whether you’re looking to break into this industry or find a better or higher-paying position. Our sample here doesn’t provide any visual embellishments, but our certified experts can fully redesign your resume to grab the attention of recruiters, in addition to removing unnecessary elements and adding all the right animator keywords to get you past any HR screening software as well.