Breaking into the animation industry can feel daunting for recent graduates, but there are more ways than ever to make a living in the field—especially here in our UK home market. The UK has a thriving animation industry across TV, film, advertising, and online content. Below are some suggestions to turn your skills into a career.
1. Freelancing & Contract Work
Many animators start their professional life as freelancers, taking on small projects for independent clients. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour can help you land small gigs, while networking on LinkedIn and attending industry events can connect you with bigger opportunities. This blog post explains why Linkedin is so important for animation graduates.
2. Jobs, Internships & Running Opportunities
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| Blue Zoo offer Summer Internships |
Major UK studios like Aardman, Blue Zoo, and Framestore regularly hire junior animators. These entry-level roles are very competitive, but applying for internships, running, or production assistant roles can help you get a foot in the door. Read
this blog post to see how to find your first internship. To see why animators should work as runner, read this blog post. And to find your first job in the industry, read this blog post.
3. YouTube & Online Content
Creating your own animated content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Patreon can be a great way to build an audience and earn through ad revenue, sponsorships, or crowdfunding. Some UK animators have built entire careers this way – Simon’s Cat (for example) was originally launched online at YouTube.
4. Teaching & Workshops
If you have strong animation skills, consider running workshops or offering private tutoring for students. Schools, universities, and local community centres often look for animation instructors. Websites like Skillshare and Udemy also allow you to monetize your knowledge. This is a potentially big area of growth as many parents encourage their children to explore creative media.
5. Corporate & Advertising Work
Many businesses need animation for marketing, explainer videos, and social media campaigns. Learning motion graphics can open up opportunities in the corporate sector.
6. Video Games & Interactive Media
The UK has a strong gaming industry, with studios like Rocksteady and Creative Assembly hiring animators for cutscenes and character animation. If you have 3D animation skills, game studios can be a great career path. An animator’s games reel will likely focus on actions and stunt work.
7. Grants & Funding
The UK offers various funding opportunities for animators looking to create independent films or projects. Organisations like the BFI and ScreenSkills provide grants and training to help animators develop their work. In addition, a number of grant-making trusts provide financial assistance to study animation.