Clean Up
Clean Up is an essential step in the animation process where rough sketches are transformed into polished, final drawings. It's like taking a rough draft and making it publication-ready. Clean Up artists take the rough animation sketches (called "rough animation" or "roughs") and create clear, precise lines that will be used for the final animation. This role is crucial because these cleaned-up drawings serve as the foundation for coloring and final production. Think of it as similar to taking a pencil sketch and making it into a clear ink drawing.
Examples in Resumes
Performed Clean Up work on over 20 episodes of an animated series
Led Clean Up team of 5 artists for feature animation project
Specialized in character Clean Up and maintaining model consistency
Typical job title: "Clean Up Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Clean Up Artists
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you maintain consistency across multiple episodes when leading a Clean Up team?
Expected Answer: A senior artist should discuss establishing style guides, regular team reviews, creating reference materials, and quality control processes to ensure all artists maintain consistent character designs and line quality.
Q: How would you handle a project where the rough animations need significant corrections?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for communicating with animation supervisors, organizing revision rounds, and ensuring efficient workflow while maintaining quality standards.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What is your process for maintaining character model consistency?
Expected Answer: Should describe using model sheets, checking proportions, understanding character turnarounds, and maintaining line quality across different poses.
Q: How do you prioritize work when dealing with multiple shots?
Expected Answer: Should explain organizing work based on production schedule, shot complexity, and deadline management while maintaining quality standards.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What tools do you use for Clean Up work?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss basic digital tools (like Toon Boom or TV Paint) or traditional tools, and demonstrate understanding of basic line quality and consistency.
Q: How do you approach cleaning up a rough animation drawing?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic process of following rough lines, maintaining volume and shape, and ensuring smooth, clear lines while preserving the animation's energy.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic line work and cleanup techniques
- Understanding of animation principles
- Basic digital animation software knowledge
- Following model sheets and style guides
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient clean up workflow
- Character consistency maintenance
- Advanced digital tool proficiency
- Quality control awareness
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership and training
- Complex character clean up
- Production pipeline management
- Style guide development
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor line quality control
- Inability to maintain character consistency
- Lack of basic animation principles understanding
- No experience with industry-standard software
- Poor time management skills
Related Terms
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