How Important Is an Art Background for an Animator Who Is Starting Out?

A great thing about computer animation is that it's given people who didn't think they had the "drawing chops" the opportunity to do what they love. I personally never thought that my drawing skills were good enough to be a 2D animator.

That being said there are so many other aspects of an art background that are intrinsic to being an animator. An understanding of composition, silhouette, positive and negative space...an animator has to have an understanding of these to be able create a believable performance. I would also say that an understanding of music helps an animator as well. Performances and actions feel a lot like music with changes in rhythm and tempo. Most animators I know play at least one musical instrument.

Guest Blogger Matthew Russell