Your Ultimate Guide to Frequently Asked Questions in Animation

What is Animation?

Animation is the art of giving life to still images, objects, illustrations, 2D/ 3D generated characters. It is the method of capturing images, drawings, photos of inanimate objects in quick succession to give an illusion of sequential movement. As our eyes can only retain an image for about 1/10th of a second, multiple images moving in fast succession create an illusion of movement.

Traditional animation used pictures drawn on transparent celluloid sheets and then being photographed. Early cartoons largely used this technique. However, today, most animation movies are created with CGI (computer-generated imagery).

Why should you take an Animation course?

Just knowing or reading about animation is not enough. If a student is interested in animation, he/she must take up an animation course in the desired institute or college. An animation course is all about visualizing and creating a world using one’s imagination. Using creative imagination forms a major part of an animation and there are no boundaries regarding what you can imagine and create.

As a student of animation, you’ll need to learn to use a few specific software and the latest techniques such as 2D hand drawing, 2D and 3D computer-generated graphics, stop motion, or model animation to create an animation sequence. So, if you have some creative skills, and wish to use your imagination to create something beautiful and unique, an animation course is the right choice for you.

Types of Animation Courses

Animation courses are traditional drawing as well as computer based courses which are meant to train the students to give life to still or inanimate objects. These courses involve the usage of various tools and software by means of which we can create these animation effects.

Animation Courses do not have any definite prerequisite or eligibility criteria. However, a 10+2 examination from any stream would be preferred. The most important part however is that the student should have creativity and drawing skills.

Animation courses are commonly available as certificate animation courses. However at the graduation level, one can pursue BSc/BVoc/BA course in Animation along with certain specializations such as Graphics, Multimedia, Gaming or VFX. One may also take up a free animation course online.

The animation course fee depends on the animation institute and the type of animation course, the average fee for the course ranges between INR 80,000 -3,00,000. On completion of these animation courses, various animation jobs available are available in the following sectors – Films & Videos, Game Designing, E- Learning, Advertising, Online & Print News Media, Television and OTT platform etc. The average salary of an animation can range from INR 2 lacs – 6 lacs per annum.

Popular Courses in Anmation & their duration & eligibilty

Popular Courses:

• Certificate: Animation & VFX Film Making, Animation VFX Prime, Certificate in 2D Animation using Animate, Certificate in 3D Max, Advanced 3D Animation in Maya
• UG: BSc, BVoc, BDes, BA
• PG: MA, MSc

Duration:

• Certificate: 6 months to 30 months
• UG: 3-4 years
• PG: 2 years

Eligibility:

• Certificate: Passed 10/10+2 from a well-known board
• UG: Passed 10+2 from a recognized board/ Completed diploma in a relevant course.
• PG: Passed graduation course in Animation or a related subject.

Different Animation course Fees

Average Fees:

• Certificate: INR 80000- 3,00,000
• UG: INR 3,00,000- 4,50,000
• PG: INR 2,50,000-3,50,000

Online Courses & its types:

• Coursera, ExX, Lynda, Udemy, etc.(This includes both free and paid courses)

Job Prospects & Salaries in Animation

Top Job Prospects:

2D/3D Animator, Key Frame Animator, Character Animator, 3D Modeler, Designer, Rigging/Texture Artist, Layout/Lighting Artist, Background Artist, Story Board Artist, Clean Up Artist, Game Designer, Art Director, Project Manager, Film and Video Director.

Average Salary:

• Certificate: INR 2,00,000-4,00,000
• UG: INR 3,00,000-5,00,000
• PG: INR 4,00,000-8,00,0000

Skills required for doing an animation course

If you possess the creative skills mentioned above, you can always opt for a suitable animation course.

• Incredible sketching and drawing skills
• Ability to understand and catch the expressions of humans, animals, birds etc.
• Exceptional visualization skills
• Flair for using colors
• Dedication, patience, and diligence are required to succeed.
• Originality and Innovativeness
• Soft skills like teamwork and communication skills

Scope in animation

The animation industry is witnessing an emergence of newer innovations with each passing day. And it is expected to grow at a rapid pace. For a prospective candidate, pursuing one of the most sought-after animation courses in Kolkata can itself be a significant point to start from. A career in this industry can widen doors of opportunities for a creative individual. Besides handsome salaries, career opportunities can showcase a profession’s creativity.

 Career paths for Animators

1. Animator
2. Texture artist
3. Rigging artist
4. 2D/3D animator
5. Image editor
6. Rendering artist
7. Lightning artist
8. Digital Ink and Paint artist
9. Key Frame Animator
10. Character animator
11. Special Effects artist
12. Compositor