Animator

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Education

While certificate programs and associate degree programs in animation are available, most employers require that individuals in this career field have at least a Bachelor's degree, and the same is the most common level of education for professional animators. The Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Visual Effects are two of the best degree choices for prospective animators. Minimal educational qualification for a degree or diploma course in animation is plus two or equivalent. Any graduate, though preferably an arts graduate, can apply for a Post Graduation in animation. However, some institutions such as Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology, and Indian Institute of Design, follow eligibility criteria that allow only graduates of architecture, technology and engineering, and fine arts to apply for this course at their institutions.

Knowledge and Tasks

Creativity is the most wanted quality for this career. The skills of sketching or drawing is another basic ability one must possess. One must have a sound understanding of the anatomy of humans, animals, body movements, and lighting effects. They should possess a good sense of colour, proportions, aesthetics, size, and design, as well as knowledge of computer design software. Knowledge of programming languages provides an added benefit.

Tasks:

- Liaising with clients and developing animation for their concepts
- Drawing in 2D to create sketches, artwork, or illustrations
- Designing models, backgrounds, sets, characters, objects, and the animation environment
- Using technical software packages, such as Flash, Maya, LightWave, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, etc.
- Building up accurate, detailed, frame-by-frame visuals
- Working to production deadlines and meeting client's commercial requirements
- Working as a part of a broader production team

Personality

This career requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals, persistence, and a willingness to take on responsibility. It also requires one to be accepting of criticism, being open to change and to considerable variety in the workplace. An animator should also have an artistic bent of mind with a lot of passion and imaginative skills. Patience, discipline, and dedication to work is a vital ability as this career requires a lot of hard work and long hours of thorough planning. Good communication skills are a must as well, as most of the time one will work in teams.

Salary

With three to five years of experience, one can expect to earn around Rs 3,00,000- 4,50,000 per year. An experienced animator with a strong portfolio can easily expect to earn around 6,00,000 per year.

Pros

There is a great scope for this career in India, as well as abroad.
This profession gives plenty of freedom of personal expression.
It is a uniquely challenging job and pushes one to be more and more creative. Self-employment is also common and provides one with a sense of independence and freedom.
It also saves one money on commuting and provides the ability for one to make adjustments to their work schedule.

Cons

One may also have to work long hours in this profession, especially near deadlines.
Self-employment can also have downsides, such as how the cost of equipment and supplies will have to be taken up by the self-employed animator.

Top Institutes

India

School of Animation and Visual Effects – Kolkata
Birla Institute of Technology – Jaipur/Noida
Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay – Mumbai
Jain University – Bengaluru

Abroad

Sheridan – Canada
California Institute of Arts – California, USA
Gobelins – France
School of Visual Arts – New York, USA

Famous People

Walt Disney

Walt Disney is a prominent figure in the American animation industry, and throughout the world. He is regarded as a cultural icon, known for his influence and contributions to entertainment during the 20th century. He developed the character Mickey mouse in 1928, and also provided the voice for his creation in the early years.

John Lasseter

John Lasseter is one of the original animators behind Pixar's success, he is perhaps the defining force behind classic Pixar films. He was around for the development and creation of Toy Story and shaped the way 3D animation entered pop culture.