Rigging
Rigging is the process of creating a digital skeleton for characters or objects in animation and visual effects. Think of it like creating a puppet system that allows animators to move and pose digital characters easily. Just as a puppet needs joints and controls to move naturally, digital characters need a rig to bend, stretch, and move realistically. This is a crucial step between creating a 3D model and animating it, similar to how a puppeteer needs strings to control a puppet before putting on a show.
Examples in Resumes
Created character Rigging systems for main characters in animated feature film
Developed efficient Rig setups for crowd scenes in major video game project
Optimized Rigging workflows for real-time animation in commercials
Typical job title: "Riggers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Riggers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach rigging a complex character with multiple forms?
Expected Answer: A senior rigger should discuss planning the character's movement needs, creating flexible control systems, and ensuring the rig can handle all required transformations while remaining user-friendly for animators.
Q: How do you manage rigging for a large-scale production with multiple characters?
Expected Answer: Should explain creating standardized systems, maintaining consistent naming conventions, developing reusable components, and coordinating with animation teams to meet production needs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for testing a completed character rig?
Expected Answer: Should describe creating test poses, checking deformations, ensuring controls work as intended, and getting feedback from animators about usability.
Q: How do you handle facial rigging for dialogue animation?
Expected Answer: Should explain creating control systems for mouth shapes, eye movement, and facial expressions that allow for natural-looking speech and emotion.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic components of a character rig?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain joints, controls, and basic hierarchies needed for character movement in simple terms.
Q: How do you ensure smooth skin deformation around joints?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of weight painting and basic skin deformation principles for natural-looking movement.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic character rigging concepts
- Simple joint chains and controls
- Basic skinning and weight painting
- Understanding of animation principles
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex character rigging
- Facial rigging systems
- Custom control creation
- Script modification for rigging
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced automation systems
- Production pipeline development
- Team leadership and training
- Complex mechanical and creature rigging
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic animation principles
- Lack of experience with major 3D software packages
- No knowledge of anatomy or movement mechanics
- Unable to demonstrate previous rigging examples
