Animation is a method of manipulating images to produce motion images. Traditional animation involves drawings or paintings made from transparent celluloid and then printed onto films and displayed. Animation is usually created using computer graphics or animation software (cGI). Computer animation is often 3D and 2d. 2D computer animated movies are often used primarily to improve stylistic quality or to provide faster real-time rendering. Another common animation method uses stopmotion techniques to two- or threedimensional objects such as puppeteers and clay figurines.

Animation

Contents

1. Do you have it you?
2. Commitment as a Student & Job Commitment
3. Basic Qualification
4. Attitude Aptitude & Skills
5. Finances
6. Future Prospects
7. Other Professions

Do you have in you?

An animator is an artist who creates multiple images called frames, when rapidly displayed form an illusion of movement called animation. Animators can work in a variety of fields involve creating characters in animated films, television commercials, video games, and the internet by creating animated graphics for web sites. Animation is a swiftly growing field that attracts many creative and skilled people to work in collaboration. Animation means giving life to your imagination, applying your creativity to make a still object walk and talk. So if you are full of imagination and want to give life to your thoughts, then becoming an animator will conjure up a whole new world that has no boundaries.

Commitment as a Student & Job Commitment

While you are in school you should master two-dimensional figures (2D) and three-dimensional figures (3D), as drawing is the base of animation. You should try working on a variety of software and not restrict yourself to one or two as technology keeps changing very fast and you should be able to adapt and master accordingly. You should try and get internship in a company which deals type of animation you’re interested in and want to work in eventually. It can also provide critical on-the-job training to complement your academic work and it’s a great opportunity to build your portfolio. Along with the basics of animation you’ll learn about story telling and developing characters and hone your illustration skills. To develop mastery in computer generated imagery you need to devote a lot to learning computer animation hardware and software. On the job you should be prepared to work for long hours and have the patience to work on one single frame for hours together.

Basic Qualification

More than education you need to have a creative bent of mind, then learning new skills has no age restrictions. You can start right after 10+2 or after graduation by taking up certificate and diploma courses to hone your skills and existing knowledge. As the industry is broadly technology-based, certain aspects of the animation discipline are more technical. Some sub-sectors in animation require knowledge of Mathematics, Physics, Computer operating systems, (notably Linux/Unix as well as Windows and Mac OS), Software-specific computer scripting languages (e.g. MEL scripting for Maya), Digital asset management and many more with ever changing technology. You might even take classes on producing and directing, skills that can be useful for animators overseeing the production of a television commercial, video game, or film. Certificate or Diploma courses are available to master all the basic tools required in the industry. Choose a school that will give you a well-rounded education and guide you in putting together a portfolio of your work, the most valuable asset in finding your first job.

Attitude Aptitude & Skills

Drawing is the number one skill required if you want to do computer animation. Animator needs a solid art foundation with fundamentals of drawing and color principle along with two and three dimensional illustration and technical designing. Animation demands long tedious work so you will need patience and perseverance along with creativity. Sound interpersonal skills are required for preproduction that takes place, requiring you to interface with clients and coworkers in order to determine the structure of the project. Along with intangible attributes like creative flair, a good visual eye and talent, tangible skills like drawing, storytelling, a good sense of timing and composition and an understanding of motion, size, ratios, and perspective are crucial to succeeding as an animator. Combinations of both creative and technical skills are important while working in teams, where creative specialists must know how to communicate with technical specialists and vice versa. Animator are also expected to have skills such as teamwork, an ability to take direction, an ability to work with time frames to meet deadlines while retaining a high standard, Interpersonal communication with clients, Management of self, others, work, time and projects.

Finances

Computer animation is ideally mastered in an academic environment though it’s possible to get the technical training on software packages at home, but that require a lot of time and money and you’ll miss out on opportunity of learning other skills required in the industry. Having the tools is very different to knowing how best to use them, so taking a formal training is a must if you are thinking of entering this field. You can take up short courses while working this can take financial burden off your shoulders. If you are thinking of investing a long duration to pursue graduation then taking up an educational loan is possible.

Future Prospects

For a fresher, getting a job abroad is difficult. Few years in the industry will open multiple doors for you. Many animation companies like Walt Disney, Blue Sky, Dream Works are coming to India. Animation in India is currently riding on two key factors a large base of skilled labour, and low cost of production.

Although some people work on their own, there is a whole network of professionals required. A large team is required in the various stages of production from raising the finance for the original idea, to script development, the creation of animated characters and backgrounds, casting the voices, recording the soundtrack, checking the design, editing and sound mixing and experts are in demand at every stage. The world of animation requires scriptwriters, story boarders, and layout artists along with Producers / Project Managers, Directors, Technical Directors, Storyboard Artists, Cameramen, CG Riggers etc.