Animation is the art of making images that appear to come to life on screen. It features in all kinds of media, from feature films to commercials, pop videos, computer games and websites. Animators use a range of techniques to make images appear to move, and most specialise in one of the following:

* 2D drawn animation
* 2D computer animation
* stop frame or stop motion animation
* 3D computer generated (CG) animation.

2D drawn animation consists of a series of images which the animator draws on special paper. Each image represents one stage of a movement, for example, of a character walking or smiling. Traditionally the images are traced onto film and coloured. Scenery is then added by layering sheets of film. Increasingly, however, the images are scanned into a computer and coloured using specialist software. When viewed at speed and in sequence the images appear to move.

In 2D computer animation, the animator works with a specialist software package which is used to create and animate characters, and add scenery and a soundtrack.

Stop frame or stop motion animation uses models, puppets or other 3D objects. The model is photographed, then moved a fraction by the animator and photographed again. When the photographs (or frames) are played at normal speed, the images appear to move.

3D CG animation uses specialist software to create animations. This technique is often used in feature films and computer games.

The work can be extremely painstaking and time consuming, but animators are expected to meet deadlines and production schedules.

Although some animators create their own characters and stories, others follow a brief from a director, animation director or key animator. Often they work with established characters and layouts.