Animator CV examples

A successful animation isn’t just about smooth motion – it’s about telling a story that captivates an audience. Your CV should do the same, making it clear why you’re the perfect fit for the role in just a few seconds.

This guide will help you with writing a CV in a way that highlights your technical skills and professional experience. Whether you’re working in gaming, film, advertising, or motion graphics, this guide ensures your CV is engaging and tailored to the industry.

A well-organised and presentable CV ensures recruiters can quickly find your skills, experience, and technical expertise without unnecessary distractions. Clarity and structure matter just as much as creativity – so make sure your CV flows as well as your best animations.

Here’s the layout to follow:

• Name and contact details – Place these personal details at the top so employers can get in touch easily.
• Profile – Kick things off with a concise overview of what makes you the ideal candidate for the job.
• Core skills – Begin with the technical and artistic abilities that set you apart, such as 3D rigging, motion graphics, or character animation.
• Work experience – Start with your most recent role and work backwards, showcasing achievements and responsibilities.
• Education & certifications – Mention your degrees, certifications, and any training that supports your career path.
• Additional info – Include any additional details, like awards, professional memberships, or hobbies that highlight your skills or personality.

Your CV format should be visually clean and easy to navigate. Use bullet points for clarity, divide sections with clear headings, and stick to a professional, easy-to-read font. Keep it no longer than two pages in length – just enough to showcase your talent without losing their attention.

Your CV profile is the introduction to your skills, experience, and animation expertise. It should quickly communicate what makes you an exceptional animator and why you’re the right choice for the role. This is your first chance to hook recruiters and convince them that you’re the right fit for the role, so do it well.

Here’s some tips on what to include:

• Animation specialisation – Whether you focus on character animation, motion graphics, VFX, or 3D modeling, make it clear.
• Software expertise – Highlight your proficiency in key programs like Maya, Blender, After Effects, or Toon Boom.
• Industry experience – Mention whether you’ve worked in games, film, advertising, or corporate media.
• Creative strengths – Showcase your storytelling, timing, and ability to bring concepts to life.
• Portfolio link – Employers will want to see your work, so include a direct link to your best projects.

Recruiters immediately start looking for keywords once they open up any CV: you should be clear about the specific and tangible software, animation techniques, and technical abilities that set you apart. Don’t make the mistake of vague, cliche soft skills.

Tailor your skills to match the job listing – whether it’s 2D or 3D animation, VFX, or motion graphics. If a role prioritises character rigging, for example, make sure that stands out, including both technical and creative skills.

Your work experience section should do more than just list jobs – it should demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality animations, work within production pipelines, and meet deadlines.

List your roles in reverse chronological order, including contract work and freelance projects if relevant. If you’ve worked in different animation fields (e.g., TV, gaming, advertising), tailor your experience to match the job you’re applying for.

If you’re newer to the industry, highlight any internships, independent projects, or coursework that showcase your animation skills.

• Outline – Provide a brief introduction to the studio, company, or project you worked on.
• Responsibilities – Describe key tasks, such as rigging characters, creating animations, or collaborating with art teams. Use action words like “animated,” “designed,” and “rendered.”
• Achievements – Highlight measurable contributions, such as improving animation efficiency, creating award-winning work, or meeting tight deadlines.

Employers in the animation industry certainly value education, but practical experience and an impressive portfolio tends to be more important, so keep this section brief.

Certifications in industry-standard software can also strengthen your application, particularly for roles that require expertise in Maya, Houdini, or Unity.

If you’re self-taught but have a strong portfolio, highlight relevant training courses, workshops, or online certifications that showcase your technical expertise.