Key Frame Artist
げんがか
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession specializing in drawing key frames (keyframes), which are essential for motion in animation production.
Description
Key frame artists create key frames (keyframes) in the animation production process, depicting the main movements and expressions of characters and backgrounds. They collaborate with animation directors and episode directors to solidify compositions and motion paths based on storyboards, and provide precise instructions to inbetweeners and intermediate animators. It involves a mix of long hours of hand-drawing and digital drawing software, requiring quality control, deadline management, and communication skills with other roles.
Future Outlook
With the expansion of anime markets domestically and internationally, demand remains stable, while digitalization and outsourcing overseas are progressing. Acquiring CG and software skills in addition to hand-drawing skills increases market value.
Personality Traits
Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration / Patient / Sharp observation
Work Style
Animation Studio Employment / Freelance Possible / Production Affiliation / Remote
Career Path
Inbetween Animator Apprentice → Key Frame Artist → Senior Key Frame Artist → Animation Director → Character Designer
Required Skills
Drawing / Hand-drawn Illustration / Keyframe Production / Motion Analysis
Recommended Skills
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because the accuracy of lines and minute movements determine quality. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Necessary to create novel movements and expressions. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | To acquire new expression techniques and software. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because there is a lot of long-hour hand-drawing work, requiring endurance. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because mathematical tasks are few. |
Aliases
- Key Animator
- Key Frame Artist
Related Jobs
- Animation Checker
- Animation Director
- Animator
- Background Artist
- CG Animator
- Character Designer