Article by TheEducationIndia
An animator's work is imaginative, requiring the ability to imagine and turn simple images into dramatic motion sequences using computer software for movies, TV cartoons, commercials, computer games, animation of websites and even music videos. With the assistance of special effects, an animator shows several images in a short sequence of two- and three-dimensional and stop frames.
Animation development is a multi-step process that starts with directors and producers collaborating to develop concepts and project planning, followed by a pre-production phase in which storyboard artists translate the script or ideas into a visual format. Next, a shot by shot look of the whole story is created by layout artists. Animators use the storyboard or stop frame animation as their basis during the development process to add movement and personality to the models, while digital painters add colors to them. Finally, to give it a sense of reality, the different layers of animation are joined together, integrating light, texture and soundtrack.
Educational qualifications for an animator
You could choose between a graduate degree and a diploma program in animation, offered by both government-run and private institutions across the nation, to get started in this area. 10+2 or its equivalent is the minimum eligibility criterion for any of these courses.
You may also apply for short-term certificate programs provided by several private institutions (one to six months) to add expertise in specific fields such as specialization in visual effects (VFX), digital composting, video editing or after effects.
At postgraduate level, some institutes explicitly need a graduate degree or diploma in design or arts. The All India Common Entrance Design Examination (CEED) is a qualifying examination conducted in different disciplines by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for admission to master's and doctoral degree programs at IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Skills required
A sincere interest in art and design is the foremost skill required for those seeking animation careers. This will bring out the artistic and creative expression that will allow the creation of visual graphics and gestures in static images. Other strengths of a proficient animator are sound IT skills, high attention to detail and the ability to focus for long periods.
Career prospects
You will work as part of the creative departments of television stations, production houses, digital agencies, advertising agencies, web design and graphic design businesses, mobile application firms and gaming companies as a graduate or postgraduate with a degree/diploma in animation. Many animators often opt for separate projects to work independently and freelance.
Within the animation sector itself, there are diverse specialisations. As a character designer, composer, key frame animator, painting artist, 3-D modeller or layout artist, you might work. As you gain experience, higher positions like those of animation director, creative director and art director will open up.
Employment and salary outlook
Research and Markets' latest study, entitled Animation Industry in India: Strategies, Developments & Opportunities 2013 - English Speakers, Low Costs and Technical Skills, estimates that 80,000 people are currently working in the Indian animation industry. There are currently more than 650 animation studios in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai.
Animation Institutes in India
Arena Multimedia
Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics
ANTS (Animation Training School)
Toonz Academy
Industrial Design Centre (IIT Mumbia)
Birla Institute of Technology, Noida
Where Can you Work
Animation Institutes as a faculty
IT Companies
Media Houses
Freelance
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