Animaattori

Animaattori is a professional who creates animation, the process of giving life to images through movement. The term is used in Finnish to denote someone who produces animated works in 2D or 3D, for film, television, video games, advertising, or online media.

Animation methods include traditional hand-drawn 2D, digital 2D using software, 3D computer graphics, and stop-motion. An animaattori may work on storyboarding, character design, layout, timing and pacing, lip-sync, keyframing, in-betweening, rigging, shading, lighting, and compositing. They collaborate with directors, writers, and editors, and may specialize in character animation, effects, or technical animation.

Education and skills: typically a degree in animation, visual arts, film, or related field, though a strong portfolio can suffice. Proficiency with animation software (for example, Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, TVPaint, Blender, Maya) and a good sense of storytelling and timing are essential. A solid portfolio and internship or experience in teams are common pathways.

Work environment: often employed by animation studios, game developers, or post-production houses, and can also work freelance or as a contractor. The field emphasizes collaboration, deadline management, and continuous learning of software updates and new techniques.

Etymology and usage: the word animaattori derives from animate, with the Finnish agent suffix -ttori. In English, the equivalent term is animator. Related roles include storyboard artist, layout artist, and rigging artist.