1. Writer

Writers are the backbone of any animated series or film. They are responsible for creating the storyline, dialogue, and narrative structure. In TV animation, there are two main types of shows: script-driven and board-driven. For script-driven shows, writers create full scripts, while in board-driven shows, they provide outlines, and the board artists add their own dialogue and jokes. Writing for animation requires creativity, a deep understanding of character development, and an ability to pitch ideas and collaborate with other team members.

2. Visual Development Artist

Visual Development (Vis Dev) artists are responsible for designing the overall look and feel of an animated project. They work under the guidance of art directors and production designers to establish the style, color palette, and artistic direction of the film or series. This role involves creating character designs, key locations, props, and environments. They also work on color keys, lighting keys, and matte paintings, contributing to the visual aesthetics of the project. The ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual concepts is essential for this role.

3. Storyboard Artist

Storyboard artists, or story artists, are tasked with translating written scripts and story ideas into visual sequences. This role involves drawing scenes, blocking shots, and defining the composition and action. Storyboard artists need to have a solid understanding of composition, perspective, cinematography, and anatomy. They are expected to work quickly and efficiently while maintaining creativity, as they may need to redo sequences multiple times as the story develops. Storyboard artists also pitch their sequences to directors and collaborate with other members of the creative team.

4. Director

Directors are responsible for overseeing the entire creative process of an animated project. They ensure that the story and vision are conveyed through the work of the entire team, including storyboard artists, animators, and designers. Directors guide the creative team, provide feedback on sequences, and make high-level decisions regarding the tone and direction of the project. In larger productions, there may be multiple directors who each focus on specific episodes or sections of the project.

5. Storyboard Revisionist

Storyboard revisionists help storyboard artists and directors by cleaning up storyboards, adjusting character acting, and ensuring continuity across scenes. They work to make sure the storyboards are on model and address additional notes from the director. This role requires attention to detail and a strong understanding of the animation style to ensure consistency throughout the project.

6. Editor

Editors are responsible for assembling the final cut of an animated show or film. They edit the storyboards into an animatic, adding voice dialogue and sound effects. Editors have to make decisions regarding pacing, timing, and scene transitions to ensure the narrative flows seamlessly. Their role is crucial in creating the rhythm and emotional impact of the final product.

7. Character Designer

Character designers are responsible for creating the look of the characters in an animated project. They begin by exploring various designs based on the script or character descriptions. Their designs serve as the foundation for animators, storyboard artists, and other team members. Character designers also work on character turnarounds, mouth charts, and special poses. This role requires creativity, strong drawing skills, and an understanding of anatomy and personality through visual design.

8. Prop Designer

Prop designers create designs for objects that characters interact with in the story. These props can range from simple items like books and furniture to more complex, iconic objects specific to the narrative. Like character designers, prop designers work closely with the storyboard artists to ensure that the props fit seamlessly into the visual language of the show. They must also be proficient in drawing and designing objects from different perspectives.

9. Background Designer

Background designers (or location designers) are responsible for designing the environments in which the action takes place. This role requires a deep understanding of perspective and composition. Background designers must work quickly and efficiently to provide the necessary designs for the story. They may also work with layout designers and art directors to establish the overall visual tone of the environment and how it fits within the animation style.

10. Background Painter

Once background designs are completed, background painters bring those designs to life by adding color and texture. They create the final painted backgrounds used in the animation. Depending on the style of the show, they may work with line art or create lineless backgrounds. This role requires excellent color theory knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

11. Art Director

Art directors oversee the visual aspects of an animated project, guiding the design team and ensuring that all artwork remains consistent with the established style. They create style guides and ensure that the designers and painters adhere to the visual direction of the project. Art directors also work on some designs and paintings themselves, particularly for key scenes or sequences.

12. Production Designer

In feature films, the production designer is responsible for the overall look of the entire film. They oversee the art department and collaborate with the director to establish the visual tone and style of the movie. They are involved in the design of characters, environments, and props, and they ensure that the visual elements align with the director’s vision.

13. 3D Layout Artist

In 3D animation, layout artists work from storyboards to create 3D scenes, blocking out the environment and positioning characters within it. They set up rough 3D models and camera placements to give the team a sense of how the final animation will look. Layout artists are also responsible for determining the initial movement and staging of characters.

14. 3D Modeler

3D modelers create the digital sculptures of characters, props, and environments used in animated films or shows. They take designs from the visual development team and transform them into fully realized 3D assets. Modelers need to understand form, texture, and geometry to create accurate and visually appealing models.

15. Rigger

Riggers are responsible for creating the skeletons or “rigs” that allow 3D characters and objects to move in a natural way. This involves setting up control systems that animators can use to manipulate the models during animation. Riggers need a deep understanding of anatomy, movement, and how to make a model move realistically.

16. 3D Texture Artist

Texture artists create the textures that are applied to 3D models. This includes skin textures, clothing, and environmental details. They work closely with the visual development team to ensure that the textures match the overall look and feel of the project. This role requires knowledge of shading, lighting, and texturing techniques.

17. 3D Character Animator

Character animators in 3D animation bring characters to life by adding movement and emotion. They use their knowledge of anatomy, timing, and weight to create lifelike performances. This role requires a strong understanding of movement and acting, as well as the technical skills to work with animation software like Maya.

18. VFX Artist

VFX artists are responsible for creating special effects like explosions, smoke, water, and other complex simulations in 3D animation. They use software like Houdini to create realistic and fantastical effects that enhance the storytelling.

19. Lighting Artist

Lighting artists are responsible for setting up the lighting in 3D scenes. They ensure that the lighting matches the mood and tone of the film or show and that the characters and environments are lit appropriately. Lighting artists also work closely with compositors to ensure that the final look is consistent throughout the project.

20. Compositor

Compositors combine all the elements of an animated scene, including character animation, effects, and lighting, to create the final image. They work to ensure that all the visual components blend seamlessly together and that the final shot looks polished and cohesive.