Animation is the process of giving life to static images. It creates a sense or an illusion of motion in static images by photographing the subject matters one frame at a time and afterward, it displays the images in quick successions at high frames per second.
The students who are interested in creating animations like generating lighting, backgrounds and creating special characters can opt for animation courses after 12th. There are various 2-years associate and 3/4-years bachelor’s degree courses in animation. Generally, animation courses do not require any prerequisite skills or knowledge but students should have a basic working knowledge of computer and must be capable of utilizing colors, graphics, and sounds. It is one of the creative fields where a learner should possess high imagination qualities and fast improvisation skills. A learner who selects an animation course learns the traditional digital techniques like stop-motion, claymation, 2-D and 3-D animation.
Eligibility – The students who have passed 10+2 (streams – Science, Commerce or Arts) from a recognized board are eligible to pursue the animation course. There are no minimum marks criteria for this course but in some cases, institutes demand 50% marks.
Bachelor’s Degree Courses in Animation
1. B.Sc. in animation and VFX
2. B.Sc. in animation and Gaming
3. B.A. in Digital Filmmaking and Animation
4. B.A. in Animation and Graphic Design
5. B.A. in Animation and Multimedia
6. B.Sc. in Animation and Multimedia
7. Bachelor of Visual Arts (Animation)
8. B.A. in Animation and CG Arts
9. Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation, Graphics, and Web Design
The duration of these courses is 3-years.
Diploma Courses in Animation
1. Diploma in Animation and VFX
2. Diploma in VFX
3. Diploma in Animation, Video Editing, and Post-Production works
4. Diploma in 2D Animation
5. Diploma in 3D Animation
6. Diploma in Digital Animation
7. Diploma in Animation and Film Making
8. Diploma in CG Animation
The duration of courses vary according to the institute curriculum and generally lasts for 1 year.
Certificate Courses in Animation
1. Certificate in CG Arts
2. Certificate in VFX
3. Certificate in Editing, Mixing and Post Production work
4. Certificate in 2D animation
5. Certificate in 3D animation
The certificate courses cover the basics of animation. It is good for the students who are looking to gain knowledge on animation before joining an institute.
Job Prospects, Scope and Salary
A decade back, animation courses were not so much popular among the Indian students. With the growth of Indian animation films and cartoons, the animation courses in India started to gain popularity. The film production units along with the animation companies are investing huge amounts of money to improve the quality of animation in India. They have realized the potential that animation has in the Indian market. So, there is a need for qualified and skillful animators in the industry.
Animation is not just about sketching, drawing and giving life to characters. It is much more than that. A good animator has to go through numerous stages and processes before releasing a good piece of animation. The job profiles of an animator are –
1. Layout Artist
2. Product Designer
3. Digital Painter
4. Editor
5. Illustrator
6. Director
7. Story Board Artist
8. Script Writer
9. Animator
There are freelance work opportunities for animators. They can also start their own venture or work for companies in the domains like Advertising Agencies, Film Production Houses, Computer and Mobile Game Developers, Animation Studios or Media Agencies.
The starting salary of an animator ranges in 10k-15k. With experience, the salary bandwidth increases to 25k-10k. A good animator can also earn a high amount of 50k-60k.
