Commercial and motion design studios A small sample of studios that produce animated commercials, branded content, and motion design. These tend to hire freelancers. (image above: Beatrix Hatcher) UKNexus Studios - LondonPassion Pictures - LondonAni...

This list focuses on software used to make 2D character animation in motion design; there are other software programs like Cavalry that are more focused on procedural animation. Also, a shout out to Adobe Animate / Toon Boom and TV Paint, which I co...

Feature animation studios Studios producing 2D animated features. Cartoon Saloon - Kilkenny, IrelandSun Creature - CopenhagenFolivari - ParisStudio La Cachette - Paris (Primal, Love Death + Robots)Lupus Films - London I've not yet worked in a featur...

UK Animation Studios A starting point for studios doing 2D animation work in the UK and Ireland. Check their sites for current openings or send a polite cold email with your reel. North EnglandSurfing Giant Europe - ManchesterFlix Facilities - Manch...

Where to find animation work Most TV animation jobs will be advertised; however, for freelance work, you'll likely be finding jobs through word of mouth, repeat clients, and direct cold outreach. It's worth checking these job sites regularly while ...

Notes on character animation These are notes I took during a workshop with Florent de La Taille at Gobelins Summer School. They're principles I come back to often when planning a shot, sharing them here in case they're useful to anyone learning. Sta...

Communities and following the industry Getting involved and making friends is the best way to enjoy the industry through ups and downs. Networks and resourcesPanimation - directory of women, trans, and non-binary animatorsWomen in AnimationAccess:VF...

Advice for new 2D animators Billy Mpetha, a 2D animator based in Manchester with over a decade of experience in the industry. He has had a few emails over the years from early-career 2D animators asking where to find work, what software to learn, an...

TVPaint The industry standard for hand-drawn feature animation. Bitmap-based rather than vector, which means working in TVPaint feels closer to drawing on paper than any other digital animation tool, which is why it's the software of choice for...

Toon Boom Harmony An industry standard for 2D TV animation. Used at Brown Bag Films, Blue Zoo, and Disney TV shows. Steep learning curve but if you want to work in TV series, this is a great one to learn and the main software I've used throughout my...

The UK hosts several major annual music video events, ranging from prestigious awards ceremonies celebrating industry professionals to creative festivals and fan-driven recreations. Key Annual Music Video Events UK Music Video Awards (UKMVA): Establ...

Major annual animation events in the UK include the Manchester Animation Festival (Nov), the UK's largest festival, and the 10-day London International Animation Festival (LIAF) (Nov/Dec). Other key events include the Brighton International Animatio...

Festivals and Conferences Festivals are great to keep up with the industry and make friends. The big ones run student and short film competitions, which are worth submitting to if you have a short film. (image above: Annecy Festival) Major festivals...

The following lists from other animators and illustrators are super comprehensive and maintained so worth bookmarking! Billy Mpetha - UK-based animator amazing blog.Useful Links for Artists - assembled by Maddy Haynes (maddyhaynes.com). The deepest ...

If you want to make a short film, develop a TV show pitch, or other personal animation project, there are public funds in the UK and Ireland that can help. These are competitive but well worth applying for. BFI Network — short film funding for UK fi...