Introduction
Are you the one with the creative spark, able to bring characters to life and craft captivating stories? If so, a career in animation can be your dream job.
Animation offers endless opportunities to bring characters and stories to life, whether in films, games, or commercials.
Who is an Animator?
Animators are skilled technicians creating moving images and bringing characters and stories to life. They use different techniques and software to design and animate drawings, 3D models, or stop-motion figures.
Animators work in various fields, like movies, TV shows, video games, and advertisements, using their creativity to make visuals that entertain and engage people.
Types of Animation
There are several types of animation, each with its unique style and technique.
Listed below are the 5 main types of Animation:
- Traditional Animation: Also known as hand-drawn animation, this classic style involves creating individual frames by hand-drawing characters and scenes. Each frame is slightly different. However, when played in sequence, they produce fluid motion. This style was popular before the rise of computer-generated imagery.
- 2D Animation: This type involves creating flat images in a two-dimensional space. In 2D animation, artists use vector images to create moving graphics. Like traditional animation, they can draw frame by frame, but they can also use computer software to create character rigs. This lets them pose and move characters without redrawing them each time. 2D animation is easier for beginners and became more popular as technology improved.
- 3D Animation: In this method, computer-generated images are used to create three-dimensional characters and environments. This allows for more realistic movements and perspectives. 3D Animation is now commonly seen in animated films and video games.
- Stop Motion: Stop motion involves taking still images of models or figures and slightly adjusting them to create movement. The images are captured in sequence to make an animated film. Editors arrange the captured images and add audio to complete the film. The best part is they create the illusion of motion when the images are played in sequence.
- Motion Graphics: This type focuses on animated graphic designs and text. It is often used in videos, commercials, and title sequences. Motion graphics combine design elements with movement to convey information or create visual interest.
Career Scope as an Animator
Animators have a vast scope as the industry is expected to grow at a rate of 5.2% by 2030.
Animation plays a significant role in movies and commercials, with many Animators needed for each project. So, there has been an increasing need of Animators in the entertainment and gaming industries.
Animation graduates have many job opportunities in both government and private sectors. The private sector, in particular, offers a variety of roles with good remuneration and growth opportunities.
Role & Responsibilities of Animator
The primary responsibility of Animators is to create visual content by bringing characters and scenes to life through movement. This involves using animation software, collaborating with other team members, and following scripts or storyboards to effectively convey the desired message or emotion.
The responsibilities may vary depending on the job profile and specialisation acquired.
Common responsibilities include:
- To bring characters and scenes to life using animation software.
- To develop and design characters and environments for projects.
- Work with scripts and storyboards to guide the animation process.
- Team up with writers, directors, and other artists to share ideas and feedback.
- Pay attention to movement and expressions to make animations feel real.
- Develop artistic ideas for video games.
- To create stop-motion videos for advertisements and films.
Employment Scope Career Options for Animators
The employment scope for Animators is expanding rapidly, offering many job opportunities in various fields like entertainment, advertising, marketing, fashion, art studios, production houses, news channels, etc.
Animators can work in film and television, creating animated shows and movies, or in the gaming industry, designing characters and environments for video games.There is also a growing demand for Animators in advertising, where they create eye-catching commercials and promotional content.
Top recruiters for Animators include Accenture, Adobe System Pvt Ltd., Walt Disney, IBM India, Amazon Global Vision, Cognizant, Google Vision, BBC, Aaj Tak, Times Internet, Viga Entertainment, Crazy Animation, etc.
Salary Range
The salary of Animators depends on their experience, skill level, specialisation selected during graduation, company size, the type of animation they do, and the size and budget of their projects.
The starting salaries for Animators are between 3 to 5 lacs per annum. However, as they gain experience, their pay can increase considerably.Also, those who take individual projects from clients can earn additional income over their regular pay.
Skills Required to Become an Animator
Animators need technical and creative skills. Knowledge about animation software is the most essential skill. Animators should have in-depth knowledge of software such as Adobe Animate or Blender, Adobe Illustrator, Flash Animator, Adobe Photoshop, 3D Animation, etc.
Animators should also possess colour theory knowledge to make their work look appealing. Similarly, a good sense of movement and timing will help you make animations that feel realistic and engaging.
Soft skills required are good communication, problem-solving, detail-oriented, organisational skills, teamwork, and time management.
How to Become an Animator?
A career in animation starts with a love for art, especially in multimedia. There are many specialisations available in animation that one can explore.
Steps to Become an Animator:
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree: Most employers prefer candidates with a degree in animation, graphic design, or a related field. You can focus on areas like video gaming, website animation, or visual effects. Your coursework will include subjects like art, drawing, and 2D/3D animation.
- Develop Your Skills: Animation is a tech-driven field, so it’s important to keep learning. After earning your degree, look for ways to improve your skills by taking specialised courses, reading industry publications, and joining professional groups.
- Create a Portfolio: A portfolio is vital to demonstrate your skills and experience. Include projects from college and personal work to demonstrate your animation skills. A variety of styles will make your portfolio more appealing to potential employers.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Experience is the most vital thing in a creative field like animation. You can do internships or work in entry-level positions to gain relevant experience. Practical experience can give you an added advantage while applying for jobs in top companies.
- Apply for Jobs: Once you have experience and a solid portfolio, start job hunting. Create a strong resume that highlights your qualifications.
Courses to Become an Animator
Any individual can become an Animator at any point in his/her career. However, if you are passionate right from your childhood, you can realise your dream right after completing grade 12.
Many institutions in India offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in animation. You can also do a diploma or a certification course in animation.
Degree Courses after 12th
- BDes in Animation
- BSc in Animation
- BVoc in Animation
- BA in Animation and VFX
PG Courses
- MSc Animation
- MDes Animation Film Design
- MDes Programme in Animation
- MDes Game Design
Course Duration
- UG — 3 to 4 years
- PG — 2 years
- Diploma — 1 year
- Certificate Courses — 6 months to 1 year
Top Colleges for Animation Courses
Numerous institutions in India offer animation courses with good placement opportunities.
The top universities for Animation courses are:
- NID
- MIT
- Amity University
- Parul University
- Bangalore University
- Lovely Professional University
- National Institute of Fashion Technology
Fees for Animation Course
The fee for an animation course depends on the institution type, course duration, and location.
Government colleges charge lower as compared to private colleges. Similarly, the fee for a full-time degree course is higher than a diploma or short-term certification course.
Course Type | Fee Range |
Degree Program | 35k to 9 lacs |
PG Program | 50k to 5 lacs |
Diploma Courses | 60k to 3 lacs |
Short-term Certificate Courses | 5k to 2 lacs |
Summary
A career in animation combines creativity with technology, offering a wide range of roles across various industries, from film and television to video games and advertising.
As an Animator, you have the opportunity to influence how stories are told and experienced, making your mark on popular culture. With a growing demand for skilled Animators, now is a great time to pursue this path.