Character Rigging Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Character rigging is the process of creating an animated person, animal, or other moving object and adding features for movement to make it look more realistic or to match the flow of the storyline. In this role, you develop characters for cartoon shows, animated films, and video games. You create the framework of the character using rigging tools such as Maya or Motionbuilder and manipulate the character to make it jump, run, smile, or do other actions. Once the framework is set, you may add physical features, such as skins and facial shapes, to be used by the animator to develop the movement flow within the show or game.

Obtaining a character rigging job typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer animation, game design, animation, art, or a similar field. Master how to use rigging programs such as Maya or Motionbuilder, and become proficient in scripting languages, including C++, Java, and Perl. Most character riggers are active gamers who are familiar with current gaming technology and animation trends. Develop a substantial portfolio using a variety of industry tools to showcase your rigging skills to potential employers. Other valuable qualifications include an understanding of storyboards, modeling, and texturing, as well as knowledge of anatomy, with an emphasis on precision, form, movement, and dynamics.