Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Chroma Key • Keyframe Animation • Stereo Pipeline

Keyframe Animation

Term from Special Effects industry explained for recruiters

Keyframe Animation is a fundamental technique used in creating animations for movies, TV shows, and video games. It's like drawing the most important moments (key moments) of a movement, similar to how a flipbook works. Instead of drawing every single frame, artists create the main positions, and computer software helps fill in the movement between these positions. This method is used by animators to bring characters and objects to life in both 2D and 3D animation. Think of it as creating the main poses in a dance routine, where the animator defines the starting pose, important poses in the middle, and the ending pose.

Examples in Resumes

Created character movements using Keyframe Animation for an animated short film

Developed smooth transitions between scenes using Keyframe Animation and Key Frame techniques

Led a team of junior animators in implementing Keyframe animations for video game characters

Typical job title: "Animators"

Also try searching for:

Character Animator Motion Designer Animation Artist 3D Animator 2D Animator Visual Effects Artist Animation Specialist

Where to Find Animators

Online Communities

Job Boards

Events & Conferences

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach managing a complex animation project with multiple characters?

Expected Answer: A senior animator should discuss project planning, breaking down sequences, managing team workflows, ensuring consistency in animation style, and problem-solving techniques for challenging animation scenarios.

Q: How do you maintain quality while meeting tight deadlines?

Expected Answer: Should explain prioritization strategies, efficient workflow techniques, quality control processes, and how to balance speed with animation quality. Should mention experience in leading teams and delegating tasks.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you create natural-looking movement in your animations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss understanding of weight, timing, and spacing in animation. Should mention use of reference videos, studying real movement, and applying animation principles.

Q: Describe your process for creating emotional character performances.

Expected Answer: Should explain how they break down acting into key poses, use subtle movements to convey emotion, and demonstrate understanding of character personality and story context.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic principles of animation you use in your work?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain simple concepts like squash and stretch, anticipation, and timing. Should demonstrate basic understanding of how movement works in animation.

Q: How do you plan an animation sequence?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic workflow: thumbnail sketches, roughing out key poses, timing charts, and refining movement. Should show understanding of basic planning process.