One of the most important objectives for computer animation is to create a project within budget. Prior to actually starting a project, a budget is given to animators. While this budget may be able to increase slightly, the goal of a computer animator is to give a client the best quality work at the lowest possible price. A main reason a production company, or ordering client, chooses computer animation over hand-drawn animation is to reduce production cost. Commonly, a computer animator is given a daily list of duties that must be accomplished within the specified time line to not exceed the production budget.
The appearance of a character or subject within computer animation must fit with the artistic goals of the art director for the project. Computer animators work in conjunction with creative staff to develop an overall appearance for the project. After attending storyboard meetings, the computer animator is responsible for taking ideas and transforming them into actual images through animation software. The main objective when creating the appearance of characters or images is to meet the expectations of clients established during pre-production meetings.
Every computer animation project is placed on a time line. A time line is used to ensure a project progresses at a profitable rate. A major objective for computer animation is to meet all established deadlines to keep prevent the production from going into overtime and costing the production company or design firm money. Computer animators must be able to execute skills in a timely fashion to adhere to deadlines.