Why this resume works
- Quantifies accomplishments: By incorporating specific measurable achievements like a 20% boost in user engagement, the applicant’s impact becomes tangible and compelling.
- Highlights industry-specific skills: The applicant effectively uses skills like 3D animation and character design to showcase their niche expertise in crafting visually engaging and technically advanced animations.
- Uses action-oriented language: Action verbs such as “developed,” “collaborated,” and “streamlined” highlight the applicant’s proactive approach and capacity to drive project success.
More Animator Resume Examples
Take a look at our animator resume examples to learn how to highlight your creative skills, animation techniques, and storytelling abilities. These film resume samples will help you craft a resume that appeals to various animation roles.
Entry-Level Animator
Why this resume works
- Centers on academic background: The applicant’s education section showcases a Master’s degree in animation and digital arts, setting a solid foundation for early-career success.
- Puts skills at the forefront: The skills-based resume format emphasizes key abilities like 3D modeling and character animation, effectively drawing attention to the applicant’s strengths.
- Shows digital literacy: Skill in tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Autodesk Maya highlights computer skills essential for modern workplaces.
Mid-Level Animator
Why this resume works
- Points to measurable outcomes: By showcasing improved animation quality by 20% and reducing production time, the applicant effectively communicates their ability to achieve measurable outcomes in creative projects.
- Displays technical expertise: With certifications like Certified 3D Animator and expertise in software such as Maya, the applicant demonstrates significant technical skill important for advanced digital animation roles.
- Demonstrates language abilities: Proficiency in Spanish, French, and German supports language skills essential for cross-cultural collaboration within diverse animation teams.
Experienced Animator
Why this resume works
- Focuses on work history: Using a chronological resume format, the applicant’s extensive career experience shines through, illustrating growth and achievement across various roles.
- Lists relevant certifications: Certifications like Certified Animator and Advanced 3D Techniques are listed to bolster expertise and dedication to continuous learning.
- Emphasizes leadership skills: Leading teams in complex projects underlines strong leadership abilities, making the applicant adept at managing creative endeavors.
Animator Resume Template (Text Version)
Aya Martinez
Westbrook, ME 04100
(555)555-5555
Aya.Martinez@example.com
Professional Summary
Dynamic animator with 8 years crafting engaging 3D visuals. Proven track record of enhancing project outcomes by 25% through innovative techniques. Expertise in character design, motion graphics, and collaborative storytelling.
Work History
Animator
Creative Motion Studios – Westbrook, ME
January 2023 – July 2025
- Developed 3D animations increasing user engagement by 20%
- Collaborated with team to produce award-winning short film
- Led storyboard design, boosting project efficiency by 25%
3D Artist
VisioVision – Portland, ME
June 2019 – December 2022
- Created assets for virtual reality apps, increasing downloads 15%
- Streamlined render process, reducing completion time by 30%
- Designed character models with high detail for top projects
Junior Animator
Pixel Pioneers – Portland, ME
July 2017 – May 2019
- Assisted in animation projects enhancing client satisfaction
- Developed new animation techniques reducing production costs
- Contributed to promotional videos seen by millions online
Skills
- 3D Animation
- Character Design
- Storyboard Development
- Rendering Techniques
- Motion Graphics
- Visual Creativity
- Team Collaboration
- Project Management
Education
Master of Fine Arts Animation
California Institute of the Arts Valencia, California
June 2017
Bachelor of Fine Arts Visual Arts
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
June 2015
Certifications
- Certified Professional Animator – Animation Guild
- Advanced Maya Techniques – Autodesk
Languages
- Spanish – Beginner (A1)
- French – Intermediate (B1)
- Japanese – Beginner (A1)
Related Resume Guides
Advice for Writing Your Animator Resume
Dive into our handy tips on how to write a resume for an animator position and discover how to highlight your creative flair and animation skills.
Showcase your portfolio or projects
For an animator, having a portfolio is really important because it shows your skills and creativity. It’s hard for others to understand your art just by reading about it, so seeing actual examples helps them see what you can do. A good portfolio lets you share your style, how you solve problems, and the projects you’re most proud of.
To make your portfolio easy for people to find, link it on sites like Behance or Dribbble or have a personal website. You can also add some project details right in your resume. Include things like the project’s name, who you did it for (if there was a client), what the project was about, and what you did that made a difference. These details help show not just what you’ve done but also how you’ve helped others with your work.
Don’t worry if some of your projects were freelance work or school assignments—they’re all good to include! Every project tells a story about your growth as an animator and helps show that you have experience across different types of jobs and challenges. By structuring these details like job entries on your resume, people can quickly see the impact you’ve made in each role.
Example of a projects section
3D Animated Short Film – “The Forgotten Forest“
Independent
March 2022 – September 2022
- Developed storyboards and character designs for a 7-minute animated short film.
- Used Maya and Blender to create detailed animations, improving the visual storytelling experience.
- Collaborated with sound designers to synchronize audio effects with animation sequences.
Animated Commercial for Organic Skincare Brand
GreenGlow Naturals
July 2021 – August 2021
- Produced a 30-second commercial showcasing the brand’s new product line using Toon Boom Harmony.
- Integrated client feedback to refine animation style, resulting in a polished final product.
- Achieved a 20% increase in online engagement post-release through visually appealing content.
Stuck on what to put in your resume? Check out our professional resume examples for ideas and tips to make yours stand out.
Emphasize your most relevant skills
In the animator role, it’s important to balance both technical and soft skills. Technical skills like mastering animation software can bring your creative ideas to life.
At the same time, soft skills such as teamwork and communication help you work well with others on projects. You might be great at creating characters, but sharing and improving those ideas with a team is just as important.
To make your resume stand out, think about adding a skills section that showcases what you can do. Here, list the software you know well and any special artistic talents you have. This helps show at a glance what makes you a good fit for an animator job.
It’s also smart to include these skills in the work experience part of your resume. For example, instead of just saying what you did, mention how your animation software knowledge or problem-solving helped achieve project goals.
By weaving your skills into real examples of past work, you’re showing not just telling employers what you can do. This approach gives them a clearer picture of how you’ll contribute to their team as an animator.
Opt for a resume format that emphasizes your animation skills, software expertise, and creative achievements in a well-organized layout.
Choose a professional resume template
When selecting a resume template for an animator, aim for a mix of creativity and professionalism. Opt for clean and structured designs that highlight your work without being overly ornate. A well-organized layout with clear headings and sections draws attention to your skills and experience effectively. Steer clear of cluttered designs that might distract from your content.
It’s also smart to pick a format that’s optimized for applicant tracking system (ATS) compatibility. Many companies use these systems to sort resumes before they get viewed by people.
Stick to simple fonts like Arial or Calibri, and avoid including images or graphics which may not be processed correctly by the software. This ensures your resume passes the first round of screening successfully while still showcasing your creativity in a professional way.
Create an eye-catching resume quickly with our Resume Builder. It offers easy-to-use templates that highlight your animation skills and projects.
Format your resume properly
Proper resume formatting is key for readability and professionalism. For animators with significant experience, use a chronological resume format to showcase your career growth and past roles.
If you have less experience, consider a functional resume format to highlight your skills and creativity. Choose the format that best presents your talents and fits the requirements of animation roles.
5 resume formatting tips
- Use clear section headings: Label sections like “Work Experience,” “Skills,” and “Portfolio” for easy navigation.
- Choose consistent fonts: Select a readable font like Arial or Calibri in 10-12 pt size for clarity.
- Use bullet points: Present skills and achievements with bullet points to improve readability.
- Limit to one page: Keep your resume to one page unless you have extensive experience.
- Ensure proper spacing and alignment: Maintain even spacing and alignment for a clean, professional appearance.
Make your resume stand out! The ATS Resume Checker quickly reviews your resume and provides tips to help you get noticed by hiring managers.
Salary Insights for Animators
Earnings can change depending on your job field or where you live. Below, view the salary insights organized by state to see how your target job positions itself in your area.
Top 10 highest-paying states for animators
Animators earn varying salaries across the United States, with a national average of $80,883. The table below highlights the states where animators command the highest compensation.
Our salary information comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey. This official government data provides the most comprehensive and reliable salary information for writers across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The figures presented here reflect the May 2025 dataset, which is the most recent available as of this publication.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $128,880 |
| New Jersey | $123,510 |
| Oregon | $113,430 |
| New York | $112,280 |
| Ohio | $102,770 |
| Michigan | $98,430 |
| Nevada | $95,100 |
| Tennessee | $93,120 |
| Texas | $89,530 |
| Massachusetts | $87,970 |
FAQ
Do I need to include a cover letter with my animator resume?
Yes, including a cover letter with your animator resume can give you an edge by showcasing your unique skills and personality.
You can also use the cover letter to briefly explain anything not obvious in your resume, like freelance work or collaborative projects that showcase teamwork and creativity.
For instance, if the company specializes in 3D character design or motion graphics, you can share relevant projects or software skills that show your fit.
The Cover Letter Generator helps you highlight why you’re passionate about animation and how your specific expertise aligns with the studio or project’s vision.
Check out cover letter examples for inspiration.
How long should a animator’s resume be?
For an animator, a one-page resume is generally best to keep the focus on your most impactful work and skills. Highlight your skill with animation software, notable projects, and any relevant experience in animation studios or freelance work.
However, if you have extensive experience or a rich portfolio of significant achievements, a two-page resume can be appropriate. Make sure every detail directly showcases your creativity, technical skills, and contributions to animated productions to maintain interest.
Explore our guide on how long a resume should be for examples and tips on determining the ideal length for various career stages.
How do you write a animator resume with no experience?
If you’re just starting out as an animator, highlight your skills, education, and any projects that show your potential. For guidance on creating a strong resume with no experience, check out these tips to make your application stand out:
- Highlight relevant education: Start with your degree in animation or a related field, including the name of your school and graduation date. Mention any coursework or projects that align closely with animation.
- Showcase personal projects: If you’ve created animations independently or during school, list these as experience. Include details about each project, such as the software used and techniques applied.
- Emphasize technical skills: List software programs you’re proficient in like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender. Highlight other relevant skills like storyboarding or character design.
- Include volunteer work or internships: Any unpaid experiences where you used animation skills can be valuable. Describe what you contributed and learned during these opportunities.
- Focus on soft skills: Mention attributes important for animators such as creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and communication.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She is committed to helping job seekers navigate the job market and succeed in their careers.
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