Scope and Job opportunities in graphics and animation
ANIMATION: AN INTRODUCTION
Animation in simple terms is the process of creating an illusion of motion and change, where a set of static images are displayed swiftly and these images differ from each other minimally. This technique brings characters to life and makes it appear as if they are in motion. In the past, a stop motion technique was used to create sequences in animation. The subject is photographed one frame at a time and then these images are displayed in brisk succession at high frames per second.
An animator uses various techniques to create animation sequences. Some of the techniques like- 2D hand drawing, 2D Computer generated, 3D Computer generated, stop motion or model animation techniques are used. Any technique that is used depends on the specialization that one has. In the present day, computers and various software such as CGI (Computer graphic interface) are used to create works of animation in either 2D or 3D. Today the use of CGI software is seen in movies, cartoons, animated movies, advertisements, TV shows, websites, etc.
To flourish thrive in this field, one must possess the following skills and qualities:
- Good observational skills
- Creativity
- Drawing/sketching skills
- Ability to get into character
- Communication skills
- Eye for detail
- Computer and Software skills
- Teamwork skills
Animation courses in India are available in three formats, they are:
- Bachelor’s Degree courses
- Diploma courses
- Certificate coursess
Let us check out each course format and find important details about them-BACHELOR’S DEGREE COURSES
- BA or B.Sc in Animation & Multimedia
- Bachelor of Visual Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Graphics, and Web Design
- BA in Animation and CG Arts
- BA in Animation and Graphic Design
- BA in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
- Sc. in Animation and VFX
- Sc. in Animation and Gaming
DIPLOMA COURSES
- Diploma in 2D or 3D Animation
- Diploma in Digital Animation
- Diploma in CG Animation
- Diploma in Animation and Filmmaking
- Diploma in VFX
- Diploma in Animation and VFX
- Diploma in Animation, Video Editing and Post Production work
Eligibility: Students with 10+2 (any stream- Science, Commerce or Arts) from a recognized board are qualified to pursue this course. Minimum marks criteria may exist in the case of some institutes (around 50% marks).
Some of the certificate courses are:
- Certificate in VFX
- Certificate in 2D Animation
- Certificate in 3D Animation
- Certificate in Editing, Mixing and Post Production Works
- Certificate in CG Arts
The fact about certificate courses is that they are not as detailed as Bachelors or Diploma courses. Certificate courses are for those who want to just brush up on graphic design and animation and do not like to go into detail.
Duration: The course duration could be anywhere between 3-6 months.
Eligibility: Students who have passed the 10th standard are eligible to pursue certificate courses. Students can also attend animation workshops to understand skills graphics and animation students who want to go in-depth into this course then for them there are advanced animation courses, they are M.Sc or MA in Graphic design and Animation, PG Diploma and PG Certificate courses. PG courses are used to specialize in sub-disciplines of this field. Some of the well-known areas of specialization include-
- Visual Effects
- Modeling
- 3D Animation
- Illustration
- Texturing
- Game Design (Computer and Mobile)
- Graphic Design
- Specific Software
CAREER PROSPECTS AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES – Graphic design and Animation are gradually emerging as a popular career choice among Indian students. The popularity and success of CGI or animation films and cartoons have greatly contributed to the growth of this field in India. Studios, film production houses and animation companies have come forward to invest generously into this field to improve the quality of animation sequences. People in the creativity line have come to believe that animation has got huge market in India.
This has paved the way for the demand for skilled and creative animation professionals. Studios, Film production houses and animation companies are roping in fresh and young minds who are full of ideas and know that they see a future in this field. Youngsters who feel that they are qualified and skilled animators, can bring their work to life and help them earn their share of the profit are the ones who should take up this career. Creating a piece of animation not only involves drawing, sketching and bringing the characters to life using some software but there are various stages and processes involved to make it visually attractive. Film production houses and animation companies are hiring a dedicated staff of animators and graphic designers because they know the importance and demand of this field. One may take on any of the following job profiles based on the stages involved in this process, the profiles include:
- Director
- Production Designer
- Scriptwriter
- Storyboard Artist
- Illustrator
- Layout Artist
- Digital Painter
- Animator
- Modeler
- Compositor
- Editor
There is specialization available in the above-mentioned areas of work. Animators and graphic designers can work under big banners, become an entrepreneur or work as a freelancer. Some of the well-known recruiters include-
- Animation Studios
- Media Agencies
- Film Production Houses
- Post Production Houses
- Advertising Agencies
- Web Entities (E-Commerce sites, E-Magazines, Websites etc)
- Computer and Mobile Game Developers
SALARY
Starting salary depends on a number of different factors. Some of the prominent factors are- brand name, skill-set, aptitude, grades and certification achieved by the job applicant. The general starting salary is around 10-20k Rupees per month. The payscale varies depending upon how high profile animation studios and media houses are.